Headaches
Headaches are one of the most prevalent afflictions. Most
headaches do not require medical treatment since they last only a short
time or may require just an over the counter pain reliever such as an
aspirin or ibuprofen. Headaches are usually classified as tension
headaches, migraines or just “head pain” but seldom are the most
serious of medical problems.
Prolonged work at a desk or computer or almost any work that is
repetitious will cause tension in the arms, neck and shoulders and
create a tension headache. Tension headaches can often be avoided by
eliminating uncomfortable positions or by changing the work
procedure. A massage of the muscles in the neck, shoulders and
forehead also provides relief.
Migraine headaches are extremely painful. Migraines are more common
with younger patients and they sometimes disappear after age
fifty. A migraine can begin suddenly or gradually and is usually
only on one side of the face, but can be on both sides. The migraine
can cause continuous, sharp pain and should be under a doctor’s care
for diagnosis to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
The doctor must check for an underlying disease that may be a serious
medical problem.
Cluster headaches are a rare type of migraines, but are severely
painful. Sometimes the cause is too much intake of alcohol,
particularly in high altitudes. The attacks begin suddenly with a
discharge from one of the nostrils which causes extreme pain that may
only last a short time. The attacks will continue several times a day
but they usually stop after a few weeks then recur several months or
years later. Appropriate drug treatment may stop the attack but does
not prevent attacks from recurring.
To prevent serious medical problems, a patient should closely monitor
the headache – noting if one continues for a long period of time, or
suddenly changes from light to severe pain. These should be diagnosed
by a doctor for the underlying cause. Regardless of the treatment
prescribed for the patient, a healthy lifestyle of exercise and healthy
nutrition will always be helpful in prevention and cures for headaches.
