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.