Headache Pain
Headache Pain
Most of us have suffered from headache pain at one time or another. It can occur as pain in scalp, head or neck and most of the time it isn’t caused by anything serious. Most of the time we can combat headaches with over the counter medications, relaxation and lifestyle changes, although in the case of migraines prescription medication may be needed.
Most headaches are caused by tension. The muscles in your neck, jaw, scalp, and shoulders may be tight and produce this kind of headache pain. This type of headache is often related to stress, anxiety, or depression. We are all so busy these days, that poor sleep, overwork, poor dietary habits, drugs, and alcohol may trigger these. Cheese, chocolate, and MSG can also trigger a headache. People who consume a large amount of caffeine may get headaches when they don’t get their usual daily amount. I can vouch for this first hand. I am in the process of breaking my addiction to Tab and the first week was horrid. I not only had a headache; my husband proclaimed that I was really cranky. Tension headaches tend to be on both sides of the head with pain radiating from the back of your head. The pain can be dull or squeezing and your neck, jaw, or shoulders may feel tight and sore. Try aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for the pain. Resting with a warm compress on the back of the neck may also help.
Sinus headaches often cause pain in the front of your head and face due to inflammation of the sinuses. Postnasal drip, sore throat, and nasal discharge usually accompany this type of headache and they tend to be more painful when you lean forward and when waking up in the morning. Cluster headaches are sharp and very painful. They tend to occur several times a day for a few months and then disappear for a while. These are much less common than tension headaches. Headaches can also accompany a cold, flu, fever, or PMS.
Migraine headaches are more severe and usually occur with other symptoms like vision disturbances or nausea. You may have an aura before this type of headache begins. The pain is described as pounding, pulsating, or throbbing and is often on one side of the head. The pain usually worsens when you move around and bright light may also make it worse. My aunt suffered with migraines several times a month. She called them “sick” headaches and usually took to her bed until they went away. Migraines may respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or migraine medications that contain a combination of drugs. Prescription medication may be needed for frequent or persistent migraines.
Most of the time headache pain is nothing to worry about. If you have a sudden, extremely painful headache, or one that gets worse over a 24 hour period, or occurs with a head injury; seek medical care immediately. If a headache interferes with your normal activity or causes vision problems and slurred speech; go to the emergency room.
