How to get over headaches?
This blog post will provide you information on the following topics:
The different types of headaches.
Some of the symptoms of these types of headaches.
Some of the causes of these types of headaches.
Let’s begin…
Headaches are extremely common. Roughly 18% (of the UK) suffer with them regularly. This makes them one of the most common conditions to suffer with.
Is there only one type of headache?
No! There are many types of headaches. The common ones are; tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, headaches from medications, and hormone headaches.
Tension headaches.
The headache that everyone knows and hates! These are the most common types of headache out there. Common symptoms of these include:
A dull and aching head.
A feeling of ‘tightness’ usually spanning from the forehead to the back of the head, as if a tight band is wrapped around the top of your head.
Tenderness/tension in the scalp, neck or shoulder muscles.
These usually are not severe enough to stop you doing daily activities. They usually last from 30 minutes to a few days.
Although hard to pin point the exact cause of tension headaches, associated factors include:
Posture
Stress
Dehydration
Skipping meals
Cervicogenic headaches.
Although these can mimic migraines, the cause is rooted in the neck. They are caused by issues in the nerves, bones and musculature of the neck. Common symptoms include:
Pain on one side the head/face.
A stiff neck.
Pain around the eyes.
Pain whilst coughing/sneezing.
A headache with certain postures/movements.
Complications within the neck can cause this type of headache. These include:
Sports injuries.
Neck osteoarthritis.
Prolapsed discs in the neck.
Whiplash injuries.
Poor posture.
Sleeping in awkward positions.
Migraines.
These are less common than tension headaches although they tend to be more debilitating. Usual symptoms of these include:
An intense pain on one side of the head.
A throbbing pain that is worse with movement.
An inability to carry out normal daily tasks due to the sensation.
Nausea/vomiting.
Increased sensitivity to light.
Sweating.
Poor concentration.
A migraine usually lasts from a few hours to a few days. However the tiredness associated with a migraine can last for up to a week afterwards.
Aura
Roughly one third of those with a migraine suffer with an ‘aura’ just prior to it. Some of the symptoms of an aura include:
Visual problems – blind spots, zig-zag patterns, flashing lights.
Numbness or tingling.
Dizziness.
Typical aura symptoms usually develop in five minutes, and can last for up to an hour. Many migraine sufferers then develop a headache. Some however, may not.
Cluster Headaches
These are a more rare type of headache. They usually occur in ‘clusters’ for a few months at a time.
The pain associated with these is excruciating. Some of the symptoms include:
Extreme pain around one of the eyes.
Watering of one of the eyes.
A runny nose.
Medication headaches:
Many medications may cause headaches as a side effect. Even frequently used painkillers can cause headaches. These types of headaches often get better once one stops taking the culprit medication.
Hormone headaches:
This type of headache tends to be linked to hormones. Hence why many women notice this type of headache correspond to their menstrual cycle. Further triggers may include the combined contraceptive pill, or pregnancy.
Reducing stress, sleeping regularly and not skipping meals may reduce this type of headache.
A thank you note…
Finally, Pinnacle Posture thanks you for reading this blog post. We hoped you enjoyed it. Importantly, please share it via social media and direct it to those that it may help. After all, a reduction in pain, a chance to continue in a sport or even an eased concern can change someone’s world.