How often do you get headaches? Do you know what causes a sudden headache? Maybe you think stress or allergies are the main cause? Do you know how you can stop this pain?
Studies show that 15% people in the world suffer from headaches every day. Since we all have had to deal with this problem at some point, it is important to know how you can stop this pain.
Headache - what is it?
Headache - Pain that is often described as throbbing, constant, sharp, stinging or throbbing, constant pressure in the head.
Headaches can vary greatly in pain type, severity, location, and frequency. Headache is a common condition that most people experience many times in their lifetime.
Many of us are familiar with a certain kind of sudden, throbbing, unpleasant, and simply distracting headache. There are different types of headaches.
Primary headaches
Primary headache is often experienced(why) headache condition. This headache is not caused by other medical conditions. Such headaches can be episodic or chronic.
If it is a short-term pain, it can last from half an hour to several hours. Chronic headaches occur constantly, the pain can even last for several days.
Tension headache
This headache manifests itself as a severe stinging, pressing pain. This pain is not throbbing. You may also experience tenderness in the neck, forehead, scalp or shoulder muscles.
A tension headache can happen to anyone, as the main cause of this pain is stress. This headache can become chronic.
Effects of stress on our body can be very strong. Because of it, we can not only have a headache, it can appear insomnia, stress can affect our weight and have other effects on our body.
Cluster headache
A cluster headache is characterized by severe burning and stabbing pain. The pain is usually concentrated on one side of the face. The side of your face that hurts may be swollen or red. Nasal congestion and watery eyes on the side of your face where you have a headache are also common
These headaches occur in sequence. Each individual headache can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. During a cluster, most people experience between one and four headaches per day, usually around the same time each day. After one headache, another one soon begins.
Most often, this headache occurs in men. The cause of this pain is unknown.
Secondary headaches
A secondary headache is a pain that is a symptom of other disorders in the body. This pain can become chronic if the cause of the pain is not removed.
Hormones headache caused
Women often experience headaches that are influenced by hormones. Menstruation, hormonal contraception, pregnancy all affect estrogen levels and can cause headaches.
Headache caused by sinusitis or allergic rhinitis
Headaches can sometimes be a symptom of an allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. In such cases, the pain is usually felt in the sinus area and forehead.
Caffeine-induced headache
Caffeine affects cerebral blood flow. Headaches can be caused by too much caffeine, as well as by lack of caffeine. When we consume a certain amount of the stimulant caffeine on a daily basis, without a dose of caffeine, we can start to get a headache. Such pain can be avoided if you consume caffeinated beverages in moderation or avoid them altogether.
Hypertensive headache
A headache occurs when blood pressure becomes dangerously high. Headaches caused by hypertension usually occur on both sides of the head and intensify with any activity, and are often throbbing in nature.
Visual disturbances, numbness or tingling, nosebleeds, chest pain, shortness of breath may also occur.
People who are being treated for high blood pressure are at greater risk of experiencing these headaches. These headaches usually go away when the blood pressure is better regulated.
Exercise-induced headache
An exercise-induced headache occurs shortly after intense physical activity. It can be provoked by lifting weights, running, sex. Physical activity activates the blood supply to the brain, which causes throbbing pain on both sides of the head.
This type of pain should not last long – it usually goes away after a few minutes or a few hours. If physical exertion causes a headache, it is better to see a doctor. In some cases, such headaches can be a sign of a serious illness.
Medication-induced headache
A medication-induced headache presents as a sharp, tension-type headache or may be more intense than a migraine. You have a higher risk of this type of headache if you frequently take over-the-counter pain relievers.
These headaches are more common if you take medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen for more than 15 days a month. Such headaches are also more common when taking medications that contain caffeine.
Post-traumatic headache
Post-traumatic headache can occur after any head injury. Such headaches can be of a migraine or tension headache type and usually last up to 6-12 months after the injury. This headache can also become chronic.
Dehydration and lack of food
You may also have a headache because you drank too little water or missed lunch. Try to drink 8 glasses of water a day and eat regularly to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Eat enough fruits and vegetables that are rich in water and the essential vitamins and fiber your body needs to not only keep you healthy, but also prevent headaches.
Migraine
Migraine is a condition that can manifest as a severe, throbbing headache or a throbbing sensation, often on one side of the head. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, especially high sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraine attacks can last from a few hours to days, and the pain they cause can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities. This headache is classified as primary.
Migraine risk is related to heredity or nervous system conditions. Migraines are three times more common in women than in men. People with post-traumatic stress syndrome are at increased risk of migraines.
Other factors - lack of sleep, dehydration, missed meals, certain foods, hormonal fluctuations, chemicals - can trigger migraines.
10-12% people suffer from migraine in Lithuania.
Headache is a symptom of other diseases
A headache can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. If you experience other symptoms along with the headache, you should consult a doctor.
Symptoms:
- Rash;
- Vomiting;
- Neck muscle tension;
- Delusion;
- Unclear pronunciation;
- Increased body temperature;
What can you do to stop a headache?
There are several ways you can stop headaches faster.
Try a cold/warm compress
If you have a migraine, put a cold compress on your forehead. Ice cubes wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen vegetables, or even a cold shower can help ease the pain.
If you experience a tension headache, apply a heating compress to the back of your neck or back of your head. If you have a sinus headache, place a warm cloth over the painful area. A warm shower can also help.
Keep the compress on the head for 15 minutes, and then take a 15-minute break.
Dim the light
Bright or flickering light, even on a computer screen, can trigger migraine headaches. If you have a tendency to them, cover the windows with curtains during the day. Wear sunglasses outside.
You can also add anti-glare screens to your computer and use daylight spectrum fluorescent bulbs in your light fixtures.
Relaxation practice
Whether it's stretching, yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, learning to relax when you have a headache can help ease the pain. If you experience muscle spasms in your neck, you may want to talk to your doctor about physical therapy.
The most important thing is to help yourself!!
Headaches are often a symptom or result of other diseases, so there is no specific solution to this problem. Even the drugs that are often offered to us as a solution to this problem can also be the cause.
When you know the reasons why you have a headache, avoid the factors that can cause or increase the pain. Although headaches are a common problem, the best thing we can do is to avoid what is causing us this pain.
