Headaches: A Comprehensive Report

Almost everyone can relate to the discomfort or pain that is caused by headaches. It is one of the most common health complaints known.

While common it is also complex for researchers who are endeavoring to find new and effective ways to helping sufferers to cope and find relief for their pain. And while not all headaches can be explained or easily treated, some accepted natural causes can include: tension, stress, constipation, sinus issues, eyestrain, low blood sugar, dehydration and anxiety.

We can add to this list some further reasons that are a bit more exotic such as: head trauma, hormonal imbalances, allergic reaction to perfumes or toxins in the air, deficiencies that are nutritional, drugs, smoke (tobacco and otherwise) and alcohol.

A little more unusual are headaches that result from serious medical conditions such as: encephalitis, meningitis, brain aneurysms and brain tumors.

It is considered a reasonable estimate that ninety percent of all headaches are a result of tension. These headaches, as the name indicates, are a result of muscular tension quite often originating, but not limited to, the neck, face and shoulder area. Other types of headaches include the more severe such as migraines and cluster headaches. Some studies have indicated that migraines make up to 6 percent of all headaches. Migraine headaches are vascular in nature and indicate a disturbance in the circulation of the blood to the brain.

Headaches symptoms can vary from individual to individual. Some people may rarely experience one and then, only mildly, while others may suffer from them on a regular basis. The amount of pain suffered and endured is a highly personal matter. For sufferers of headaches that are regular in occurrence and/or particularly painful, it is usually a sign that there may be an underlying health issue.

The treatments that exist and that are recommended for headaches run the gamut from very traditional remedies such as aspirin, which is referred to medically as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or analgesic or pain relief drugs such as acetaminophen to much stronger prescription drugs and various alternative treatments.

Dealing with bad headaches can be one of the most difficult pains to endure. It can make functioning in a normal routine challenging to say the least. While it is intensely gratifying to get some relief from medication, an individual who suffers from headaches regularly is going to want to make the effort to understand the cause of their headaches. This may not be easy to do. While some research will enlighten them about how their body works and how others have been affected - no two people are the same.

This will mean that in trying to discover the underlying problem each person may find it necessary to analyze their circumstances and monitor their environment for a period of time. In the case of severe headaches, working with a health care professional is advised.

Ultimately, being able to find the cause may enable them to eventually head off some of their headaches and thus limit the amount of medication needed which is recommended over relying upon them after the fact.

Migraines: Who Suffers From Them, and What Are the Symptoms?

Migraines are throbbing headaches that are vascular in nature. This means that they involve the brain's blood vessels. These vessels may dilate or contract in an excessive manner. And this causes pain. A body chemical called serotonin may play a role in this as one of its aspects is that when levels of it are high our blood vessels shrink and when the levels are low our blood vessels dilate.

When an individual describes his or her headaches as a migraine it is possible that the symptoms may differ from someone else's. To better understand why this may be so, it is important to know that there are different classifications of migraines. There are however, two most usual types.

First, there is the 'common migraine'. This is a throbbing headaches that may start slowly and can last anywhere from two to seventy-two hours. The pain can manifest itself by beginning at the back of the head and spreading over one side of the head. But it can also occur in the center of the temple or behind an ear.

Since the word 'migraine' is derived from the Greek work hemikrania - which means half a skull - it aptly describes a typical aspect of this headaches in that it is usually localized on one side. As well, common migraines can include blurry vision, nausea and perhaps vomiting, and sometimes a tingling or even numb feeling in the limbs. There is also an increased sensitivity to lights and sounds.

Secondly, there is the classic migraine. This follows the same pattern as a common migraine; however, it begins to manifest itself by a collection of symptoms that are called an aura. This aura, as described by many sufferers, can include an appearance of flashes, spark-like lights, or bright stars. Vision typically becomes unclear.

This can be accompanied by the individual having difficulty in speaking, detecting strange smells and experiencing weakness. These auras can last between 15 to 30 minutes before the headaches starts. Sometimes they can overlap and at times the aura may occur but a headache doesn't. Keep in mind that any migraine will be as unique as the person suffering from it and that these symptoms will vary from one individual to the next.

Migraines can affect anyone but studies indicate that approximately three times as many women will get them as men. They're often found to run in families and the pattern of how often they may occur is as varied as there are people. Whereas someone may only experience it once or twice a year - others are facing it on a weekly basis. The reasoning behind the fact that more women seem to be affected is that some are caused by hormonal fluctuations. As many women can attest to - their monthly period usually heralds the start of one of these headaches. Doctors feel that this is due to the low estrogen levels at this time.

Children can get migraines too but the pain may manifest itself in conjunction with a pain that is diffused more than localized. And it can be accompanied by vomiting and dizziness. Migraines do seem to occur mostly between the ages of twenty to thirty-five and seem to diminish with age.

In recent years the incidence of migraines has increased dramatically, across the board, in all groups.

Causes and Trigger Points of Migraine Headaches

The discussion of the cause and treatment of migraines is not a simple matter. Although it is generally understood that the excessive dilation or the excessive contracting of blood vessels can result in a migraine - the reason this occurs is not clearly known.

One area that scientific research has focused on is the trigeminal nerve system. This is a sensory nerve that has three major branches that controls sensory input from the face and has some control over certain motor functions such as chewing and swallowing. Sometimes the body can experience a chemical imbalance. One of these chemicals - serotonin - acts as a regulator for pain input that travels through these nerve pathways.

Research indicates that when someone is experiencing headaches, the serotonin levels will drop. In response the body releases neuropeptides. These cause blood vessels in the meninges - which refer to the brain's outer covering - to become inflamed and dilated. This results in further headaches pain.

Though this helps to explain a possible scenario it may not always be the definitive answer as to what may be causing an individual's migraine. What seems to be a little more clearer is that there is a number of known 'triggers' that can set off a sequence of events that can lead to a migraine.

One important area in that regard is certain food sensitivities or allergies. Someone suffering from frequent headaches may be reacting to such foods as chocolate, wheat, MSG, sulfites used as preservatives, nuts, dairy foods, alcohol or specifically red wine. Add to this fermented or pickled food, and aged food such as certain cheeses. Keep in mind that even the absence of food can trigger a headaches brought on by a low sugar imbalance. And though it is not a 'food' per se it is good to monitor anything that you may take in - such as medications - as some could have the particular side effect of giving you a headache.

Another factor is hormonal imbalances. Women often experience bad headaches around the time of their periods which doctors feel corresponds to a drop in estrogen. Headaches have also been connected to hormone replacement therapy, the taking of contraceptives and the menopausal phase which are all manifest changes in a body's hormonal balance.

Stress can be one of the aspects that although we may connect to tension headaches, may also be a trigger for a migraine in some individuals. And people who are perhaps more susceptible to bad headaches may find that strong smells, light that is too bright or sounds that jar can influence a reaction.

Physical activity that can elevate the blood pressure could play a role. As well, outside changes in altitude or barometric pressure that comes from weather and seasonal aspects could contribute.

There is no doubt that there are any numbers of triggers that may exist and that these will undoubtedly be different for each person. If you're searching for the answer on your own or with the care of a professional there will be a wide range of factors to look at. It will be vital to pay attention to even the smallest detail as your daily routine and your environment may hold the key to finding relief.

Different Types of Headaches and Their Symptoms

There is a variety of types when it comes to headaches. Although some may be very similar in nature and certainly the pain can seem to be the equal of any, there are differences. Detecting these differences may enable us to find the specific relief we need whether it means making changes for avoiding them in the future or by selecting the type of medication we need to get more immediate relief.

For example: the tension headaches is the most common of headaches experienced and is usually evidenced by a constant pain on both sides of the head. It can carry with it a feeling of the head being squeezed or in a vice. There can be a feeling of being light headed or dizzy. There are areas of tightened, sore muscles in the neck and shoulders and jaw. The pain may be persistent but does not usually get worse with activity.

A sinus headache is a nagging pain over the nasal area. This usually will increase in severity as the day progresses. It may be accompanied by discolored mucus and a fever. And it will feel worse if you bend forward. Sufferers may also experience some post nasal drip and a sore throat.

A temporal headache evinces a drilling pain that can be described as burning or jabbing in nature. The pain will be located in the temple area or around the ear while one is chewing. This can be accompanied by weight loss and problems with eyesight. It is a headache that is more common with people over fifty-five years of age.

Menstrual headaches will be migraine like in nature. A woman will notice it either a bit before or during her period, or when she is ovulating. And unfortunately for some women it directly follows the end of the menstruation.

Cluster headaches are manifested by severe, throbbing pain that will be on one side of the head, will come with a flushing in the face area, nasal congestion and possible tearing of the eyes. They can occur one to three times during a day and keep up over a space of weeks or even months. They can vary from a few minutes to several hours at a time.

A bilious headache is a result of overeating and indigestion. It is a dull pain in the forehead area and the temples will be throbbing.

An arthritic headache will have pain at the back of the head or neck that will feel that it is becoming worse when one moves it. There will also be an inflammation of the neck and shoulder area as well as other joints.

Caffeine headaches are definitely a type for our times. We can ingest so much in a day from either coffee or certain cola drinks. This will be more of a throbbing pain and can usually be relieved by having a small amount of caffeine. To avoid these headaches it will mean slowly tapering off the amount one takes in over time.

An exertion headache can be an obvious one if a generalized type of headaches occurs during or after some type of extra physical exertion. It can be connected to the migraine or cluster type of headaches.

And never underestimate a hunger headache. It can come around the time your body is expecting to eat and your blood sugar is low. At least we know the cure for that one.

How to Find a Solution for a Nasty Headaches

A lot of time, money and research have gone into finding the cause of headaches and how to treat them effectively. We're all quite acquainted with the number of pain relief commercials that promise fast and efficient results. And if we go to the drugstore we are faced with a variety of possible solutions. Over time and trial we may find something that helps us for most occasions, especially when it comes to certain types of headaches that are a little more easy to diagnose such as those caused by tension.

But for chronic sufferers of severe headaches that is migraine or cluster-like in nature there is a deep need to look beyond the typical pattern of trying to offset the pain once it has begun. In other words, it is very important to seek and try to treat the cause of any headaches rather than just the symptom.

It has been noted that the brain and the body starts out with a natural ability to heal it and to fight the pain of a headaches. The long term use of even very basic medications like aspirin or acetaminophen can begin to interfere with this natural ability. And this is not to mention more serious medication that can carry with them some negative side affects. Thinking in terms of always striving toward optimum health in our lives, we may want to investigate other methods of coping with the pain.

However, as anyone who has experienced bad headaches can attest to - this is easier said than done.

It is recommended that one way to narrow done the cause of our headaches is to begin to make notes. Or keep a diary that documents the time, place and circumstances surrounding when a headaches begins, its severity and its duration. In doing so, it may become obvious that certain foods are definite triggers. It’s funny how often these very same foods are ones that we may crave. It may come down to some real determination to avoid these treats. Or a pattern may reveal that your body becomes very dehydrated at certain times of the day. Even during cool seasons we can lose a lot of moisture through perspiration but may not notice it like we would in summer. This is the cause of a lot of headaches as many people find drinking enough water difficult.

Another problem that may go unnoticed but is a contributor to bad headaches is constipation. Keeping track of how regular you are might help track a headache. Or perhaps you have missed sleep for a few days due to a change in schedule or an extra work load. You may find that a headache coincides with this event.

The issue of stress can work into a tenacious type of persistent headache. It may mean talking with someone who is in a position to objectively take in your situation to point you in the right direction.

These are just a few suggestions that help to point out that there are any numbers of possible causes with regard to a headache and we may need to invest a little time and effort in narrowing down where we may be in particular vulnerable. But there is no doubt that for chronic sufferers any relief is worth the effort.

Practical and Natural Treatments for Treating Headaches

The art of treating your headaches with natural measures as opposed to relying upon prescription medication may not be an easy adjustment to make. The pain of a bad headache is no joke. Even the threat of one beginning can send many rushing for the right drug to head it off. And it's no wonder. A severe headache can really impair one's function. Often there is no way of struggling on despite the pain. So how can one go from relying on pain relievers to trusting the body to handle it alone?

It is not something that happens overnight. And it may not happen at all. But instinctively we understand that limiting the amount of medication we use is a good long term health perspective. So it begins by documenting any noticeable circumstances in our lives and environment that may be contributing to our headaches and then changing them. It may mean avoiding certain trigger foods. This may help to cut down on some types of headaches.

Another help is to keep regular. Constipation can allow toxins into the bloodstream and create a reactionary headache. It is recommended that we eat well balanced meals with sufficient fiber. It is also important to drink enough water to move the fiber properly through our system. In line with this it is a good idea to limit our salt intake as well. In difficult cases some sufferers have found that a cleansing enema is wonderful for relieving stress on the body from a build up of toxins.

With regard to diet it has been suggested that eating smaller meals can work to stabilize any large swings in blood sugar levels that can lead into migraines. And that it is vital not to miss regular meals.

Using cold compresses at the spot where the pain is emanating from can relieve dilated blood vessels and help ease some pain. There are cold packs that can stay in the freezer for such emergencies or you can put a damp cloth in there for ten minutes.

In contrast, some people find a lot of relief from a heating pad or hot water bottle placed on tight and tense muscles. As well, a warm, soft falling shower can also relieve tight contractions and help clear sinuses. If some lingering perfume or smell is aggravating the senses a shower may be the answer there too.

It is suggested that charcoal tablets taken before and after eating what may be trigger foods can help mitigate the effects. But charcoal tablets should not be overused as they absorb good nutrients as well.

For some tension headaches moderate exercise can help and some sufferers of migraines and cluster headaches have said it has helped. But medical references state that headaches that have organic causes can be made worse. If in doubt, this is a good question to run by a health care professional.

And typically, many have found it necessary to have absolute quiet and to lie down in a darkened room. And finding personal avenues that are relaxing antidotes such as this can be crucial to even heading off a headaches and not just enduring it.

Obviously the variety of options highlights that what might work for some will not be the answer for someone else. It will require all your powers of observation to come to understand what is affecting your body and what can serve to help it. Ultimately it is encouraged that chronic sufferers should seek out professional help. In some rarer cases the evidence of severe headaches can be an indication of a serious underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

Working With Your Doctor to Treat Your Headaches

Often the people who suffer from headaches have done so for a good length of time. Perhaps they have learned to manage their pain and continue to function reasonably well in their daily routine. But there may come a time when they seek help from a Medical professional.

Others may find themselves suddenly bombarded with unexplainable headaches and do not hesitate to ask for a doctor's help.

In either case, it is wise to prepare well for the visit with your doctor. This is in order to optimize the time you are permitted to have in helping the doctor pinpoint or a least narrow down what may be causing your headaches and get you on the road to treatment. Since we have learned that there can be any number of unique triggers or causes it will be important to give him or her as much precise detail as possible.

At the start the doctor or health care provider will be interested in your medical history. This will show if you have any specific health issues that may be contributing to your headaches. As a medical history often includes questions about other immediate members of your family it is good if you check ahead of time if others have ever experienced similar headaches issues.

The doctor will then want to get an idea of when and how your headaches are affecting you. This is when keeping a record or diary of your headaches over time will come in handy. Some of the issues that will be addressed are: Where does the headache seem located? Does it seem to be all over the head or mainly on one side?

Does it seem to throb? Or does it feel as though something hot is jabbing? Perhaps it is like a tightening vise? How often do they occur and how long do they normally last? Are they better or worse during the day? Do they seem to worsen if you stand up or lie down? Do they seem to follow the eating of certain foods? And how long would you say that you have suffered from headaches?

In addition to these symptoms a health care professional will need to know what you normally do to treat your pain. Here, as well, it is vitally important to be open and honest about any medications you may be taking. Even if you feel that some of the treatments are of a 'natural' source. The reason for this is that, often seemingly innocuous items do not interact well with mainstream medicine. At times it may be simply a matter of reducing the effectiveness of a type of treatment but nonetheless this is vital information to arriving at the best results possible overall.

The course of your treatment may require a great deal of patience. Doctors will try to diagnose your headaches by matching your symptoms to other known patterns. But it may be that your headache is not typical in pattern. You may have to go through a number of tests and other professionals may need to be consulted.

What is vital to success is an open and honest communication on both sides. As a patient you need to be as clear and accurate in your statements as possible but you need to feel, as well, that you can ask any questions you may have that are related to your treatment and diagnosis that will help you make informed decisions. Be patient and listen carefully and do not be afraid to repeat back what you feel you've understood. You'll be working to build good communication.

Alternative and Natural Treatments for Your Headaches

Chronic sufferers of headaches pain can attest to the ongoing search for relief. It can go in many directions with standard medicine and therapies to alternative options and herbal sources. It is really a personal issue in that; every individual's circumstances and makeup are different.

No one treatment or cure can be recommended as the right solution for each and every case. And even if something works well in one case it may not be at all suitable for someone else. Ultimately, it will be up to each individual to do the necessary research and make up their own mind based on results. And undoubtedly, it is vitally important to check with professional medical personnel before embarking on any unusual form of treatment. That being said, there are different ideas that have been offered as options. Some of these are:

Acupuncture, which seems to work to diminish pain, travels along the neural pathways. Or massage therapy that seems to be terrific for relieving the stress in muscles that can lead to tension headaches.

Biofeedback that can sometimes help teaches sufferers to monitor and control their body's responses to tension and pain and work to minimize tensing reactions.

Chiropractic manipulationmay alleviate any headaches that might have as their source the misalignment of vertebrae.

Some herbs that may help alleviate pain from headaches include: burdock root, feverfew, mint, lavender, marshmallow, rosemary, thyme and skullcap. (A cautionary note - that feverfew should NOT be used by pregnant women) To optimize the use of any herbal remedy, it is strongly suggested to see a qualified naturopath who can coordinate a holistic treatment with any other approaches you may be trying.

It is thought that certain headaches may be helped by using ginkgo biloba extract which is used to improve circulation to the brain.

Salves made from peppermint oil, ginger and wintergreen oil seems to give some sufferers relief when it is rubbed on the temples or the nape of the neck - which is good for tension headaches. And this can be of help for sinus headaches if it is used on the sinus area.

A simple but definitely worthwhile suggestion is to try practicing deep breathing exercises. We are often thought of as a society of shallow breathers and a lack of oxygen can lead to getting headaches as well.

Colon cleansing has been recommended for cases where it is thought that a build up of toxins from improper digestion and elimination has resulted in bilious headaches. This cleansing can be done through proper fasting and/or enemas. Since these types of treatments can have dramatic effects on the body, they are best done with the supervision of a qualified health care professional.

For women who may be suffering from bad headaches due to a hormonal imbalance some have found there is benefit from using a natural progesterone cream.

And though opinions differ there has been some research done that indicates that Coenzyme Q-10 and Vitamin B2 work to correct imbalances that contribute to headaches.

Common Drugs Used In Treating Headaches

For those who suffer from chronic headaches it may be a long road in trying to find what may be the cause. Even coming to understand what triggers may be involved may take a great deal of time and effort. Though every effort may be made to head off a headache naturally, it still may not be enough. So the relief that can come from prescription medication is often welcomed.

For tension and stress head pain over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen have proven helpful. These may help with sinus headaches as well, if and when treatment for any sinus infection is underway but the pain has not immediately subsided.

Migraines are severe headaches that usually require extra strength help. Some milder migraines may respond to acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or acetylsalicylic acid. But more often than not the addition of codeine or meperidine is included. Some drugs use a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine. And if these do not do the trick a doctor may prescribe a stronger version of a similar combination. However there can be serious side effects if these are taken over a long period of time with the appearance of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Often there is the problem of rebound headaches that are a result of taking too much of the prescribed medicine. Sometimes this is in anticipation of a headaches rather than actually experiencing the pain. The body gets used to the dosage and then responds by producing an even worse headache. After this, the only way to get past it is to stop taking the medication or at least reduce it. Understandably, this is not easy to do but a doctor may be able to guide you safely through it.

One of the premiere types of drugs used in treating migraines are called Triptans. They have proven effective in reducing the collective of symptoms of migraines such as the nausea or sensitivity to light in addition to the pain. One of the more commonly known is the drug Imitrex. With strong medication come strong side effects and it is a wise course to discuss all this with your doctor to understand the pros and cons of considering this treatment.

Ergots are a type of drug that has a long history in the fight against migraines and while proven helpful they do not appear to be as effective as the Triptan group. And because there are some individuals that are unable to tolerate either of these - doctors will sometimes prescribe something from the group of opiates - such as codeine as an alternative option.

Another approach to dealing with severe headaches such as migraines is the use of preventative medication that may not eliminate them but do a great deal in reducing the frequency and duration of the headaches. Because many of these types of drugs are used in treating other serious ailments and are quite strong, they can carry with them harmful side effects. So a thoughtful consideration of all your best options is needed. As well, it is vital to follow all proper procedures as recommended by your health care provider.

Unusual Headaches: What They Can Mean

The majority of headaches are the result of very common issues. However, from time to time there is the possibility that a headache is symptomatic of something far more serious.

Some examples of health concerns include seriously high blood pressure, brain tumors, subdural hematomas, meningitis, or strokes.

Some indications that should signal the need to seek prompt medical attention are: abrupt, jarring head pain, (some describe this as a 'thunderclap' in the brain) a headaches that appears or worsens after a head injury, or a headaches that seems to worsen if you happen to move or exert yourself suddenly. Even if you are used to bad headaches - if one seems unusual - something you've never experienced before - then it is a good idea to investigate further help. This is especially true if it continues to worsen over a twenty-four hour period.

If a headaches comes with symptoms such as fever, seizures, stiff neck, double vision, weakness, loss of balance, confusion, or difficulty speaking this is may be indicative of serious illness. There should be no hesitation about seeking out professional help.

If a headache is so bad that it wakes you up from sleep this is another indicator of something beyond the usual type of head pain.

It will happen that if a doctor suspects that there is a serious underlying problem he may order an MRI which uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to make a detailed cross sectional view of the brain. This can help reveal tumors, incidences of strokes, aneurysms, or other abnormalities and allow a doctor to act quickly to provide the needed treatment.

Another instrument that is often used is computerized tomography. This uses computer controlled x-rays to provide a cross sectional look of the brain that will help spot infections or tumors as well. An electroencephalogram (EEG) that measures brain wave activity may be used to help determine that there is an interfering problem but it is not used to confirm the exact cause of a headache.

Blood tests may be given in order to determine if the headaches stem from a possible thyroid condition or if the person is anemic. Both of which can result in the symptom of bad headaches. Eye exams can help determine if there is an issue if the muscles are weakened or if the pupil size does not match. And a spinal tap may be recommended if your doctor suspects meningitis.

Though the specter of these conditions may certainly cause concern it is good to remember that the vast majority of headaches stem from far less severe reasons. Given that we work and live in an environment that seems to be getting more polluted and stressful with time it is likely that the incidences of headaches will continue to rise as they have greatly over recent years.

We can be confident however, that researchers continue to devote much time and effort to achieve a better understanding of this health issue and finding successful ways of treating it.

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