Friday, 19 July 2013 09:32

Heads Up to Headache Sufferers

By Dr. Matt Smith | Families Today

Headaches are more common in adults, although they can develop at any time in life. Approximately four out of five children have headaches at some point, but most are benign and self-resolving. In fact, many adults who suffer from headaches report having the first headache in childhood. 

Headache symptoms usually begin gradually. The sudden onset of severe headache may signify a serious problem and requires immediate medical attention. 

Common headache is often described as achy, dull or throbbing pain. It typically begins at the base of the skull/upper part of the neck and may radiate into the eye(s), the temple or other locations. Headaches may be felt on one or both sides of the head. Often loud noises or bright lights may make them worse. Some patients may become nauseated or experience odd smells, sounds or sights before and during the headache attack. 

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches can be primary and secondary. Primary headaches do not result from some other health condition. The most common type of primary headache is caused by problems with the neck muscles. Changes in the blood vessels inside the skull usually cause migraines. Other common types of headache include “cluster” headaches—headaches grouped together over weeks at a time; sinus headaches, associated with allergies and/or sinus infection; and headaches from poor vision. 

Secondary headache results from some other cause or condition—head injury, concussion, blood vessel problems, or high blood pressure—or from side effects of some medications, infections in the head or sinuses or elsewhere in the body. 

Rare headache causes include tumors, aneurysms and other abnormal growths inside the skull, and toxic substances in the blood. Certain foods, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food flavor enhancer, may cause headaches as well. 

What are the signs of a serious headache? You should call your doctor and/or seek emergency care if:

  • You have a stiff neck and a fever along with your headache
  • It is painful to bend your head to your chest
  • Your speech is slurred
  • You have vision changes
  • You feel numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
  • Your headache lasts longer than three days
  • You recently injured your head and your headache will not go away
  • You often get headaches in the morning
  • You have a sudden headache although you normally don’t have them

 

Treatment for Headache

Headache treatment is cause-related. Doctors of chiropractic often treat patients with tension-type headaches and headaches caused by problems with the joints and muscles in the neck, as well. 

Joint manipulation and mobilization of the neck, along with stretching and strengthening exercises, have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of this type of headache. 

Massage and other forms of soft-tissue treatment can sometimes be helpful. 

Scientists are also investigating other therapies, such as acupuncture, to prevent and treat this disorder. 

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can be used for an occasional headache, but not for long-term headache management. 

More serious causes of headache require aggressive treatment, and your doctor of chiropractic can assist you in finding a medical headache specialist. 

The majority of patients with headache recover completely after treatment. Unfortunately, the recurrence rate is relatively high, particularly with a 10-session type headache. If you have any questions or concerns about headache, feel free to discuss them with your doctor or chiropractor. 

 

Prevention 

Muscle-tension headaches can often be avoided by maintaining proper posture and neck movements while performing your normal activities. 

You should:

  • Avoid slouching
  • Avoid reading with your neck bent forward for prolonged periods of time
  • Keep your computer monitor at eye level
  • Take frequent breaks from reading and working on the computer
  • Avoid the foods that cause your headache
  • Try a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet. A recent study demonstrated that such a diet can dramatically lower the frequency, intensity and duration of migraine headaches. 

Dr. Matt Smith is a member of the American Chiropractic Association. 

Read 3546 times

Blotter

  • New York State Police The New York State Police announced that it issued 5,576 tickets during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement initiative. The campaign began on Friday, March 15, and continued until Sunday, March 17. During the campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, State Police utilized sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and underage drinking and sales to minors detail. State Police also ticketed distracted drivers who use handheld electronic devices. State Troopers arrested 132 people for DWI and investigated 199 crashes, which resulted in 25 people being injured and no fatalities. As part of the enforcement, Troopers also…

Property Transactions

  • BALLSTON Heather DiCaprio sold property at 473 Garrett Rd to Justine Levine for $288,000 Sharon Willman sold property at 99 Jenkins Rd to Charles Lemley for $165,000 CORINTH George Montena sold property at 422 Oak St to Stephen James for $142,250 Mark Makler sold property at 313 Oak St to Sabrina Sinagra for $195,000 GREENFIELD Landlord Services of Upstate New York sold property at 1935 NYS Rt 9N to Cochise Properties LLC for $210,000 MALTA  Linda LaBarge sold property at 35 Snowberry Rd to Qu Haozheng for $270,000 Dennis Mitchell sold property at 60 Village Circle North to BGRS Relocation…
  • NYPA
  • Saratoga County Chamber
  • BBB Accredited Business
  • Discover Saratoga
  • Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association