HEADACHES
A headache is a pain that is felt in the regions above the neck, primarily the head. They can be described as pressure, aching, and throbbing sensations. They can take place due to a food sensitivity, dehydration and/or even from spinal misalignments.
As explained in the reports of the World Health Organization (WHO), headaches are one of the most common medical conditions that people complain about. Approximately half of all people worldwide will experience a headache in their life in any given year. Headaches can affect anyone, regardless of gender, or, race.
TYPES OF HEADACHES
There are over a hundred different types of headaches. However, most are harmless and can simply pass within minutes, whereas others can be very life threatening. Headaches are broadly grouped into two categories – primary and secondary headaches.
PRIMARY HEADACHES are headaches directly related to the head. These are not associated with any sickness, but are caused directly by activities or problems that are located in the head. In other words, they happen from being sensitive to pain of some sort. Some types of primary headaches are cluster headaches, migraines, and tension headaches.
SECONDARY HEADACHES, on the other hand, are headaches caused by conditions that affect a person in the head or neck region, such as a sickness. In other words, they are caused by conditions that arouse some pain-sensitive nerves in or around the neck or head region. They are seen in the following:
- Brain Tumors
- Alcohol-induced hangover
- Bleeding that is caused by a brain concussion
- Dehydration
- Brain Freeze (ingesting a frozen ice cream too quickly)
TREATMENTS OF HEADACHES
Treatment of headaches is dependent on the symptoms perceived and the type of headache. There is however several types of treatment that can be used such as:
- The application of a pack or ice to the temple of your head (with a towel) on your head or on the neck. While this will help to alleviate the pain, you must try as much as possible to avoid extreme temperatures.
- You should try as much as possible to avoid stressful activities such as exercising without hydrating, or reading a book in poor lighting.
- You must try to always have regular meals to maintain the sugar level in your blood.
- A hot shower can help, although in rare situations, hot water exposure can trigger a headache.
- Try to exercise regularly and get enough rest. This will reduce the stress level and improve health level.
- Chiropractic adjustments can help reset overactive musculature and reduce joint restrictions that may be causing the headaches.
Getting the right treatment begins with a thorough consultation and evaluation of your symptoms from your doctor of chiropractic to determine the cause of your headaches.