Headache - How to Deal with It

Headache is the most common discomfort in the head or skull that we all suffer. It happens to each and every individual due to some or the other reason. Headache occurs Sometimes due to fatigue, sometimes due to atmosphere and also because of tiredness. Headache is a pain or discomfort caused in the head, scalp or neck. It is usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas.

Headache can also be a reason for other complications in that region.

Headache can be a tension headache as well as migraine headache.

Causes of headache:

While tension headaches are the most frequently occurring type of headache, their cause is not known. The most likely cause is muscle contraction that covers the skull. When the muscles covering the skull are stressed, they cause pain. There is little research to confirm the exact cause of tension headaches. Tension headaches occur because of physical or emotional stress placed on the body. These stressors can cause the muscles to contract and pain.

• Alcohol usage

• Caffeine (too much or withdrawal)

• Cold or flu

• Dental problems such as jaw clenching or teeth grinding

• Eye strain

• Excessive smoking

• Overexertion

Tension headaches can also occur when you have a migraine.

Symptoms:

The headache pain may be described as:

• Dull and pressure like.

• A tight band on head

• All over the head and not on one point

• Worse in the scalp, temples, or back of the neck, and possibly may reach the shoulders

The pain may occur as an isolated event, constantly, or even daily. Headache may last for 30 minutes to 7 days. It may be triggered by or get worse with stress, fatigue, noise, or light.

There may be difficulty in sleeping. Tension headaches usually do not cause vomiting.

People with tension headaches try to relieve their pain by massaging their scalp, temples, or the bottom of the neck.

Treatment of headache:

The goal is to treat your headache symptoms right away, and to prevent headaches. A key step in doing this involves learning to manage your tension headaches at home by:

• Keeping a headache diary to help you identify your headache triggers.

• Learning how to get relieved of headache.

• Learning how to take your headache medicines in the correct manner.

• Pain medications only relieve headache symptoms for a short period of time. After a while, they do not work as well or they do not relieve headaches. Overuse of pain medications during most weeks can lead to rebound headaches - headaches that keep coming back.

• You may take some medicines daily to help prevent or decrease the number of headaches. These medicines are normally used to treat depression, but they can also help prevent tension headaches.

Tips for prevention of tension headaches:

• Keep yourself warm if the headache is associated with cold.

• Use a different pillow or change your sleeping positions. This will relieve you.

• Practice good posture when reading, working, or doing other activities.

• Exercise the neck and shoulders frequently when typing, working on computers, or doing other close work will help you out.

• Get plenty of sleep and rest.

Massaging your head and sore muscles may also help you get rid of headache.