Posts Tagged ‘Headache’
Nearly all people at some point in their life experience a headache. A headache can range from just a slight dull ache, to a pounding, sinus crushing, temple popping period of intense pain. Fortunately, there are a variety of herbal and natural headach remedies that have demonstrated headache treatment success in clinical testing.
The first thing to do before treating a headache is to determine what headache type you have.
There are two general types of headaches: Primary and Secondary.
A primary headache is the most common. These are when the main condition is the headache and related head pain. Primary headaches include migraines, tension headaches, dehydration headaches, cluster headaches, etc. Usually, a primary headache is not dangerous, but it can be very painful, and make life nearly unbearable. But, what makes it primary is the focus of the condition is the headache itself, not some other condition. So, treating the headache will treat the problem, so to speak.
Then we have our secondary headaches. These are more dangerous because they are a symptom of a (usually) major health problem. They can pose an immediate threat, and cannot be treated with herbal or general OTC medications. For example, a tumor in the skull or brain can create cranial pressure that is very painful. Another source of a secondary headache is a brain hemmorage. A severe hit to the head can cause head trauma, such as water on the brain, or other inflammation that will cause a severe headache. All of these are very serious, and a little aspirin or a little lavender won’t do anything to solve these problems. It is necessary to seek immediate professional medical treatment for the underlying cause. Only this will stop a secondary headache.
So, assuming you have a primary headache, here are several natural headache remedies that are used to treat them:
Feverfew – This is probably one of the best herbs for eliminating migraines. Feverfew reduces the frequency of migraines, the time they last, and the amount of pain the cause. It is most effective if it is taken every day. This is because feverfew works as a preventative step… it won’t treat a migraine once it is throbbing.
Peppermint oil – Rubbing a 10% peppermint oil solution gently on the forehead can relieve the pain and intensity of a regular dehydration or tension headache.
Tiger Balm – This is a combination of several essential oils, and it has a similar application and effect as peppermint oil. It is often sold O.T.C. in pharmacies and health food stores, or you can buy it on the internet. It has also proven effective to relieve headache pain.
Melatonin – It turns out this supplement has some studies that demonstrate it will decrease the amount of monthly migraines a person will have. It needs to be taken every day, but it can be an effective natural migraine remedy.
There are several other effective herbal headache remedies, but these are some of the most effective for stopping migraines and tension headaches.
For more tips about sinus headache pain and an updated version of sinus headache symptoms go to relieve headache pain.
Sinus headache can be a potentially serious issue that sufferers experience almost yearly. The change in seasons, often times from warm to cold, can trigger a sinus headache. Sinus headache usually occurs as the sinus cavity fills with too much mucus. This can present as a sensation of builtup pressure just above the eyes and behind the nose. This pressure can become quite uncomfortable and even painful over time. The prelude to a sinus headache is sometimes a stuffed up nose or severe congestion. If a cold or congestion lasts for a long period of time, it can very easily develop a sinus headache.
Prompt treatment of congestion and colds is the best way to prevent the occurence of a sinus headache. Whenever a cold or congestion initially strikes, be sure to treat those symptoms with decongestants. Overly dry air can quickly lead to a sinus headache as well, so a humidifier can be a good solution as well. Sinus headaches normally develop as a result of pressure building up behind the nasal cavity that is not promptly released.
The problem can become painful if the mucus in the nasal cavity becomes infected by bacteria or a virus. Prolonged colds and congestion can easily lead to an infection. When bacteria infects the nasal cavity, it can prompt increased swelling. Significant pain when sneezing or blowing, in addition to a fever, are definite signs that an infection has taken hold. Sinus headache can reach painful proportions if left untreated for a significant period of time. See a doctor promptly, and they will typically prescribe both antibiotics and decongestants to treat the issue.
It is vital that infections be promptly dealt with. If left alone, sinus headache can actually become life threatening when the infection spreads out of control. Sinus headache can be brought under control with the use of medication. The earlier the problem is caught, the more effective the treatment can be. Ignored sinus headache can develop into serious infections that threaten permanent damage to the sinus cavity. In severe cases, blocking off the sinus cavity completely may be necessary.
Introduction
Our pillow, bed, or sleep position is not always the reason for our stiff and painful neck when we wake up in the morning. We also attempt to figure out what is occurring when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” It is important to understand that most neck problems are seldom caused by a single incident, but usually by the cumulative effects of unsuitable sitting posture, poor work and living habits, lack of proper exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Of course, some neck problems are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.
Anatomy
In order to understand neck pain, it is necessary to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The movement of the spine is directed by neck vertebrae that are composed of posterior joints, called facets, that connect vertebrae to one another. The inter-vertebral discs link the bodies of the vertebrae and are made of a form of tough cartilage that encases a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The primary function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. In a canal found between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and provide the energy to make the muscles and other organs of the body function. They also carry impulses from the body to the brain regarding pain, touch, position, temperature, as well as other senses. The nerves that go out from the neck are assigned to the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and decreases stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.
Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use
Computer use has risen dramatically over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users assume), puts tremendous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed producing more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the primary causes of spinal nerve irritation. Besides general pain, spinal nerve irritation in the neck can generate symptoms such as headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.
Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Headaches or migraines are frequently associated with misalignments of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are produced when the cervical vertebrae lose their normal position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, associated with structures in the head are stretched or agitated. Trigger points, the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, can also refer pain to the head. Many other factors are connected with headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Still, the alignment of the neck and the agitation of surrounding tissues should be a primary consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic treatment and management have proved to be very effective in the treatment of headaches. Ask your Colorado Springs Chiropractor about the benefits of Chiropractic care.
Whiplash and Chiropractic Care
Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Beyond question the most common auto accident is when one car collides into the rear-end of another car. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front vehicle is forcibly wrenched back, and then forward, causing harm to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. Such a strong force can cause damage to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. It is vital to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. Usually in most cases, the injuries are mainly to the soft tissues and joints. Proper treatment is vital in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is educated to understand whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from injury to recovery.
For more information about headache types and an updated version of ways to treat headaches check out cluster headaches treatment.
Headaches have occured to the vast majority of people at one point or another in their lives. These headaches are known to range widely in their pain. Headaches are researched across the medical community, but causes remain a mystery. The medical community has broken headaches into a few easily classified categories. Primary headaches are what the majority of people experience, while cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far rarer basis. Most headaches have no life threatening significance, although secondary headaches can signal another problem at work in the brain.
Most headaches are classified as primary headaches, and are typically treatable with simple over the counter medications. Ibuprofen and Aleve can do wonders to alleviate problems associated with primary headaches. More serious headaches, such as those seen in clusters, may require prescription pain killers in order to prevent serious daily impairment. Other effective treatments for headaches include lifestyle alterations as well as therapeutic options. These are good ways to prevent headaches before they even have a chance to begin. The majority of headaches begin with stress related causes, such as emotional or physical strains.
Several hours of physical exertion can easily bring on a stress related headache. The muscles in the skull tend to contract, causing added stress that results in pain. Treatment is fairly simple, but prevention is a more effective means of reducing headache pain. Preventing headache pain usually means examining the situations that tend to exacerbate the problem. If emotionally stressful situations are bringing on the pain, some sort of stress management should be undertaken. Hours of physical labor should be punctuated with breaks to prevent the outbreak of stress related headaches.
Frequent headaches that last for weeks or months may be a sign of a more serious condition. Headache treatment under these circumstances may revolve around diagnosing a more serious issue. Headaches that occur constantly and at random may signal a more serious issue at work. This kind of headache, known as a secondary headache, can signify a variety of possible neurological issues. It is important to see a specialist whenever problems of this kind present in the patient. Prompt care can prevent the root cause of secondary headaches from becoming more serious.
For an updated version of chronic headache treatment and more advice about headache types check out relieve headache.
Chronic headache is a real problem for millions of sufferers. Don’t let chronic headache take away from the daily enjoyment of activities. Although medical science has not found the exact causes of chronic headache, it is widely known that a set of circumstances can definitely lead to chronic headache. Chronic headache can be a lifelong issue that acts as an obstacle to daily activities. The medical community typically organizes the realm of headaches into three easily diagnosed categories. Primary headaches are how the majority of headaches can be categorized, with cluster and secondary headaches making up a far smaller segment of that number.
Primary headaches, although frequent and nonfatal, can range from mildly irritating to nearly debilitating on a pain scale. For this reason, patients suffering primary headaches should seek treatment for this problem like they would any other serious medical issue. The causes of primary headaches remain a mystery, but the medical community does understand some of the triggrs that can prompt symptoms. It is widely believed that many primary headaches result from a contraction of the cranial muscles, introducing an increased level pressure. This contraction is believed to be tied to emotional and physical stress.
Chronic headache may be related to ongoing emotional and physical stress. If chronic headache seems to occur almost on a schedule, it may be a good idea to examine what coincides with these events. Circumstances that bring about a great deal of emotional and physical stress may be at the root of chronic headache. Stress management can be an effective solution to chronic headache. If physical stress is believed to be involved, more frequent breaks must be taken to avoid triggering the condition.
Ibuprofen and Aleve are also effective treatments for chronic headache. It should be noted, however, that if chronic headache persists despite stress management and over the counter treatment, a doctor should be seen promptly. Persistent headaches that seem to occur without provocation can actually be secondary headaches. A secondary headache occurs as a result of a problem in the brain. Internal bleeding, tumors, and chemical imbalances can cause secondary headaches. Consult a doctor promptly if chronic headache persists for a long period of time.
Go to relieve headache for more tips about headache types and an updated version about frequent headaches causes.
Frequent headaches can be a debilitating problem, detracting significantly from quality of life. The medical community breaks headaches into a system of categories, with primary headaches accounting for the vast majority of headaches. Cluster and secondary headaches are far rarer, but can present the patient with severe pain and more serious neurological issues. Although never life threatening, primary headaches can still cause a serious level of discomfort, infringing on quality of life in many cases. Frequent headaches, even milder primary headaches, can have a serious effect on enjoyment of daily life.
How can frequent headaches be prevented? That depends on the root cause at play. Primary headaches are sometimes a result of physical or emotional stress in the patient, and can become frequent if the cirumstances responsible are a regular part of life. Tension headaches are brought about when the patient undergoes significant emotional or physical stress. This kind of stress causes contraction in the muscles of the cranial area, resulting in pain from the pressure. This can be hard to treat at times. Over the counter medications typically do a good job in treating this kind of primary headache when it occurs.
Prevention is more about circumventing the kind of situations that prompt serious physical and emotional stress. This kind of stress results directly in the contraction that is known to cause headache, subsequently causing sometimes serious headaches. Frequent headaches can be a sign that life adjustments need to be made. If emotional stress plays a role in stress for the patient, consider visiting a doctor about this stress, or making lifestyle alterations that reduce the stress.
Frequent headaches that occur seemingly at random can be a sign of a more serious secondary problem. In these situations, a deeper neurological issue might be at play. This can signify a serious issue, such as a tumor growing in the brain. Although this is rarely the cause, frequent headaches should be cause for a visit with the doctor.
Over the counter medications usually do a great deal to relieve a primary headache. Aleve and ibuprofen work equally well to treat primary headaches. In more serious cases, some therapy may be needed to overcome the pain associated with frequent headaches. If none of these measures are effective, a specialist should be consulted.
A tension headache can occur in anyone, and happens often to many people, and is almost always a non-life threatening situation. Even so, these tension headaches are sometimes exceedingly painful. A tension headache is classified as a “primary” headache in the medical community, making it by far the most common kind of headache. Tension headache symptoms include a sensation of tightness about the temples. This feeling is typically explained as a band-like pressure. This feeling of tightness typically forms gradually as a painful sensation over the span of a few hours.
This pain can vary in intensity, although it is usually described as fairly mild. Tension headache symptoms can be triggered by any number of situations, and the exact causes are still a matter of some scientific uncertainty. It is widely held that physical and emotional stress play a role in tension headache. Tension headache symptoms emerge frequently when the patient is faced with trying situations, and can develop quickly. The headache usually begins as a tight sensation, developing into pain.
Treatment for tension headache symptoms is fairly simple, and can normally be accomplished with affordable over the counter medications. Any number of pain relievers typically work well enough to relieve tension headache symptoms. Pain relievers such as Aleve and Ibuprofin are well suited to overcoming tension headache symptoms. Primary headaches usually happen on a random basis. Regular headaches are sometimes a sign of a more serious condition, and should be checked out with a doctor. Tension headache symptoms should occur as a result of physical or emotional stress. Headaches that begin more randomly, and seemingly without any provocation, may be cause for concern. This is especially true if the symptoms are chronic, or present with additional symptoms, such as sensory issues.
More serious tension headache symptoms may present with severe pain. If the pain involved is intolerable or presents with a runny nose/eyes, this may be a sign of a cluster headache. Cluster headaches present as an extremely painful sensation behind the eye. This sensation is sometimes powerful enough to trigger an emotional crisis. Immediate medical care should be sought in these situations, as the pain can become excruciating.
There are several types of headaches, and the medical community has established a definite set of categories for each. The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary category. Primary headaches afflict millions every day, and are not a serious or life threatening issue. That said, primary headaches can be quite painful on some occasions, or can become a chronic problem. Although this isn’t life threatening, it can be a serious impediment to quality of life. Fixing these kinds of primary headaches can be crucial to restoring enjoyment of daily life activities. Correcting issues regarding primary headaches can usually be done with the use of over the counter medications.
Cluster headaches are a far more serious kind of headache that can seriously debilitate a patient if not treated. Although not life threatening in itself, the associated is very serious and often debilitating. Cluster headaches are so called because they occur in chronological groupings, and can be very hard to predict. This means that treatment over the course of a lifetime is difficult, resulting in attacks that usually cannot be avoided. A cluster headache usually prevents any daily function. Pain typically focuses behind one or both eyes. Patients can become overwhelmed with the pain associated with cluster headaches. Treatment of this pain should be the immediate and overriding concern. Over the counter medications may do little to help under these circumstances.
Secondary headaches are far rarer, and signify an underlying issue. As the name implies, a secondary headache is actually a symptom of another problem. Secondary headaches result from a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening. In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumor. Poor blood flow and internal bleeding can also trigger secondary headaches. Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.
The vast majority of headaches suffered fit into the primary headache category. What are the causes of headaches? As many as 90% of primary headaches are caused by so called “tension” headaches. A tension headache occurs when the muscles over the skull contract tightly, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head. The pain usually centers around the temples. Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.
Check out relieve headache to read an updated version about causes of headaches and more information about headache types.
Although medical science has not yet found the exact cause of headaches, some of the most common causes are related to everyday stress. Headaches are broken down in the medical community into a few categories that assist in diagnosis. A primary headache is something almost all people are familiar with. Primary headaches are what the majority of headaches can be diagnosed as, and are almost never life threatening. Despite this frequency of occurence and a lack of life threatening danger, a primary headache can be very painful. Cluster headaches are a far more serious form of headache, that although not life threatening, can cause debilitating pain. Secondary headaches are caused by a structural or chemical problem in the brain.
Most primary headaches are related to tension. The muscles that surround the skull are triggered to contract, causing a painful amount of cranial pressure. This can be a significant source of pain. Although the reasons for skull muscle contraction are difficult to ascertain, it is commonly seen as a result of emotional or physical stress. Significant emotional stress usually leads to cranial pressure, and therefore a tension related headache. Prolonged physical stress, such as extended manual labor, is also known to cause tension headaches.
Cluster headaches are a far rare occurence, and usually only afflict a tiny segment of the population. Patients typically see cluster headaches only in small time frames, thus the name “cluster” headache. This grouping pattern makes treatment difficult. When a cluster headache occurs, it can be accompanied by severe pain that focuses behind the eyes. Water running from the eyes and nose are common with cluster headaches. Treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible to bring the pain under control.
Secondary headaches occur as a symptom of a more serious problem. This is much rarer than primary headaches. A secondary headache can be indicative of internal bleeding in the brain, a tumor, or a malfunction of the brain. Headaches that occur frequently or on a regular basis should be cause for a check with the doctor. Secondary headaches sometimes present with severe pain and sensory issues.
Go to relieve headache for an updated version about chronic tension headaches and more advice about headache types.
Chronic tension headaches are a serious ailment that can detract from enjoyment of daily life. Daily activities can be painfully interrupted by the sudden occurence of a tension headache. Chronic tension headaches are known to cause depression in some. It is important that chronic tension headaches receive prompt attention and medical care. Fortunately, the medical community has a great deal of experience with the phenomenon of headache, and has several avenues of treatment available for sufferers. In fact, the medical community has researched headache thoroughly, and has divided the phenomenon into three distinct categories.
The majority of headaches suffered are put into what is known as the primary category. A primary headache is frequently brought on by emotional or physical stress, and has the most frequent rate of occurence by far. Primary headaches are almost never life threatening, but they can bring serious pain with them. This pain can hamper everyday enjoyment of life, making even basic functioning difficult. Although the exact causes remain something of a mystery, it is widely held that the symptoms are brought on by a tightening of the muscles that surround the base of the skull. This tightening can be initially identified as a band like feeling just above the eyes that gradually grows into a painful sensation.
Cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far less frequent basis, but are much more serious. To treat this kind of headache, the attention of a specialist is most likely required. Cluster headaches are easily identifiable by the amount of pain they cause. Patients frequently describe cluster headaches as an icepick sensation behind one or both eyes. Treatment includes powerful sedatives and pain medications. Secondary headaches can be a sign of deeper neurological issues.
Chronic tension headaches should be approached from a stress management point of view. Physical and emotional stress are both known to trigger chronic tension headache. Circumstances that trigger significant emotional stress can easily lead to chronic tension headaches. Prolonged physical stress can also be tied directly to chronic tension headaches. Steps to manage both kinds of stress should be undertaken in order to reduce the occurence of chronic tension headaches. If these steps do not succeed, then further treatment with more powerful pain medications may be necessary. Chronic tension headaches that occur on a regular basis should be a signal to see a doctor.