Everyone knows what it's like to get a headache. Often striking when we're feeling stressed, tired, or emotionally upset, the all-too-familiar throbbing pain and nagging pressure feel like they'll never go away. But there are ways to prevent and relieve headaches. Read on to get the "heads up" on head pain. And while you're at it, look for our tip on "spring cleaning" - you probably need to get this off your chest!
More than one "flavour"
Headaches are not all the same. There are numerous types, each with its own signs and symptoms.
Headaches come in many different varieties. There's the all-time classic tension headache (think vanilla), so common that just about anyone who's got a head has experienced one. Eyestrain, fatigue, and stress (mental or emotional) are all key ingredients in this flavour.
Next on the list is the sinus headache. It often comes on during or after nasal congestion or a runny nose. Pain is usually felt at the front of the head. It is commonly worse in cold, damp weather and in mornings; it lessens in afternoons.
Then there's the cluster headache, which, just as the name implies, typically occurs in "clusters" ranging from two attacks a week to several a day. Episodes usually last for six to eight weeks or sometimes longer. Unlike with tension headaches, stress isn't a triggering factor. For some unknown reason, they affect more men than women.
Ice-pick headaches are fairly rare - but when they strike, watch out! Severe pain is localized to one small spot and comes without warning, like you've just been hit over the head with an ice pick. The medical name for ice-pick headache is chronic paroxysmal hemicrania. Attacks usually last less than an hour - generally 10 to 15 minutes.
Finally, we have the migraine - no ordinary headache. Pain ranges from mild to severe and isn't necessarily the only symptom. Migraines can also trigger nausea and vomiting. In some people with migraines, visual disturbances called "auras" (like seeing zigzag flashes and shimmering lights) may show up for about 10 to 30 minutes right before the migraine starts. A migraine "attack" can last from two to 72 hours. The agony usually stops people in their tracks. It disrupts work and play activities, and many sufferers need to retreat and rest until the migraine is over.
Rarely, certain headaches can be a sign of a serious problem. For example, headaches that appear out of the blue with fever and a stiff neck could point to a brain infection called meningitis. Headaches plus signs of imbalance and double vision can be a warning of a stroke.
The take-home message: Headaches are a pain, but they usually disappear on their own. But if your headaches are severe and long-lasting, see your doctor immediately - so you can put your mind at rest.
Make it stop!
When a headache strikes, it can feel like an eternity before it disappears. Don't stress out - if it's a tension headache, you'll just make it worse. Try these methods instead for quick relief:
- Take a warm shower (steam relieves sinus pain).
- Apply an ice pack for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time.
- Massage temples with your fingertips (better yet, get someone else to do it!).
- Place a cold, moist towel over your forehead while lying down.
- Take a walk (fresh air helps).
- Rest and take a nap.
Preventing headaches is better than treating them. We're often too quick to grab that bottle of painkillers. Here are some non-drug ways to avoid tension headaches:
- Avoid or eliminate the stressful situation.
- Get regular exercise.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep.
- Eat regular meals - skipping meals can cause headaches.
- Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol.
- Prevent eyestrain - don't work for long periods at the computer.
- Wear sunglasses - avoid squinting in the sun.
No matter what, if headaches get worse or become more frequent, see your doctor.
Kids get them too
Yes, children can get headaches - some well before the age of 10. Before puberty (when hormones haven't yet kicked in), headaches are far more common in boys than girls. Never ignore a child who comes to you complaining, "my head hurts." Pain can be triggered by certain factors such as food. If your child is prone to migraines or chronic headaches, here's a list of things you shouldn't buy at the grocery store:
- processed meats: hot dogs, sausages, and lunch meats (bologna, salami)
- caffeine products: cola drinks, caffeinated sodas, and coffee
- products that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate): frozen foods, canned meat, prepared sauces, bouillion, certain Chinese foods
- old or aged cheeses
- chocolate
- nuts
- figs
- sauerkraut
- aspartame
It may help to keep a "headache diary" with your child to record events surrounding the headaches. This way, you can figure out the root cause of the problem and take action to prevent future head pain. See a doctor if your child's headaches worsen or become more frequent.
Clear your chest
There's one place we often overlook during spring cleaning: the medicine chest. Do you have pill bottles in there so old that you can't read the labels? We have tips on how to handle a clean-up.
Clear your chest. Your medicine chest or cabinet, that is. When was the last time you cleaned it out?
If you're a regular headache sufferer or live with someone who is, then your cabinet is probably full of pain-killing pills like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
You should make it a habit to check expiry dates and chuck out all expired medications or those that show signs of breaking down. Just like food, drugs do spoil over time. Ready-to-be-thrown-out aspirin and acetaminophen tablets may smell of vinegar. Liquid medicines may become discoloured.
But don't throw medications in the garbage! Instead, take them to your local pharmacy for disposal. Many pharmacies have programs where they accept old medications and pay for special waste disposal companies to destroy them safely. Alternatively, check out local community newspapers advertising hazardous waste disposal days organized by your community. You can usually get rid of outdated medications at these events along with unwanted household chemicals like leftover paint and paint thinners.
© MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use: The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources
Conditions database - Headaches
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Conditions database - Migraine
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Article - What May Be Causing Your Child's Headaches
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Article - Temperature change associated with severe headaches, Boston study finds
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