Generally, headache is not dangerous and can be managed with pain medication and health-improving lifestyle changes, such as more rest, breaking bad habits, drinking enough water.
However, it is recommended that you see your family doctor if your headaches persist despite taking painkillers, or are so severe and frequent that they interfere with your normal daily activities or going to work.
- What types of headaches are most common
- What are the most common causes of headaches and how to solve them
- When to Seek Medical Care for Headache
What types of headaches are most common
There are over 150 types of headache, the most common of which are the following three types:
Tension headache
This is the most common form of headache, usually defined as "normal" headache. headache. The symptom is manifested by persistent pain on both sides of the head, as if it were compressed in a very narrow band. The pain is mild to moderate, particularly tolerable and does not interfere with daily activities. It usually lasts from 30 minutes to several hours, but sometimes it can last several days.
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The causes of tension headache are still unclear, but in most cases, the manifestations of an attack are associated with stress, poor posture, starvation and dehydration.
Usually, such a headache can be relieved by conventional painkillers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen). A valuable help for the body is a healthy lifestyle based on adequate sleep, reduction of stressors and good hydration of the body.
Migraine
Unlike tension headache, migraine is less common. It is characterized by moderate to severe throbbing pain that usually affects only one side or front of the head. Symptoms may be supplemented by nausea, vomiting, and excessive sensitivity to noise and light.
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Migraines are more overwhelming and may interfere with daily tasks. It usually lasts a few hours, but it can even keep you in bed for days.
Migraines are successfully treated with conventional medications, but the most severe forms may require medications that require a prescription or prophylactic treatment to reduce the intensity and frequency of headache attacks.
Cluster headache
This type is less common and is manifested by unbearable, excruciating pain, localized in the area around the eye on one side of the head. Often this is associated with symptoms: tearing, redness of the eyes, mucous discharge from the nose or nasal congestion.
Crises tend to occur regularly, grouped into "clusters", hence the name, at certain times of the year. Crises can last from one to two months.
This type of headache does not respond to over-the-counter medications, but your healthcare provider may prescribe specific medications that may relieve the pain or help prevent further attacks.
What are the most common causes of headaches and how to solve them
The daily routine presents us with many challenges that can contribute to the occurrence of body responses, for example, the occurrence of headache. There are 10 most common causes of headache:
1. Sensitivity to food and drink
Food and drink release neurotransmitters that can cause headaches in some people. Aspartame, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, cheese, and more can cause symptoms. To minimize the occurrence of symptoms, you need to eat less (eliminate) these foods. Also, insufficient hydration can lead to the development of a headache, drink enough water 2-2.5 liters per day.
2. Hormones
In women, headaches are often due to hormonal changes associated with menstruation. Other recognized triggers are birth control pills, menopause, and pregnancy. To reduce headaches caused by menstruation, just keep your stress under control, maintain a sleep schedule, make sure you never skip meals.
3. Posture
Your mom was right! Sit upright so that nothing obstructs the blood supply. If you spend a long time at the table - move when you can (turning left-right, turning your head, squeezing and relaxing your back muscles, working out the areas of the shoulder blades).
4. Too much/lack of exercise
Don't overdo it in the gym. Too much stress and tension can lead to severe headache due to swelling of blood vessels in the head, scalp and neck.
While overexertion can increase the risk of headaches, a sedentary lifestyle also does not help. As with most circumstances in life, moderation is key. Talk to your doctor before starting or revisiting any exercise regimen.
5. Medications
Some medications can cause headaches. If you notice the manifestation of this symptom after taking the medicine – be sure to contact your doctor.
6. Sleep positions
Sleep enough, 7-8 hours a night. Do not sleep in strange, uncomfortable positions and in a cold room - this can cause muscle spasms.
7. Noise
It's not just about loud, repetitive sounds. Even lower levels of continuous noise can cause headaches. Try to hide in as quiet a place as possible, and if this is not possible, then music and headphones can help.
8. Bright light
Computer screen brightness, sunlight, or streetlights can make the situation painful. Turn off extra lights, try adding a table lamp, wear safety glasses.
9. Stress
Anxiety and stress can take a toll on you, during times of stress your blood pressure rises, which can cause headaches. Breathe, relax and take a walk.
10. Weather conditions
The human body is influenced by external climatic factors. Changes in atmospheric pressure, rainy and windy weather can cause a headache. If the weather conditions are bad for your well-being – take with you the necessary medicines for headaches, normalization of well-being, but it is best to consult a doctor.
Other causes of headache
The most common causes of headaches include:
- head injury;
- temporomandibular joint disorders, affecting the muscles of mastication;
- carbon monoxide poisoning;
- cold or flu;
- apnea (a disorder that causes interruption of breathing during sleep).
When to Seek Medical Care for a Headache
In most cases, episodic headaches resolve within 48 hours. If you have a headache, the pain lasts more than two days, or gets worse, you should seek medical attention.
A headache should not be underestimated if:
- it presents with sudden and severe pain, much more intense than any other pain previously experienced;
- pain does not go away, rather it gets worse over time despite taking painkillers;
- Arose after a head injury;
- accompanied by symptoms that suggest brain damage or problems with the functional nervous system, such as weakness, speech difficulties, drowsiness, confusion, memory loss;
- associated with fever, neck stiffness, rash, difficulty chewing, vision problems, scalp tenderness, or redness of one eye accompanied by severe pain.
In these cases, you should immediately contact your doctor or the nearest emergency room for a proper diagnosis of your condition.
If you have a headache that lasts more than 15 days every month for three months, you may have a chronic headache. You should see a doctor to find out what's wrong, even if you can manage the pain with aspirin or ibuprofen.
Headache can be a symptom of serious disorders and illnesses, where some will require special treatment other than medications and self-medicated home remedies. You should not ignore this problem and solve it with the next intake of pain pills, as the consequences can be very serious. Listen and feel your body to ensure a full life.