Wrapping your mind around headache pain

A headache is common and, for a lucky few, many people never experience any discomfort at all. A headache, according to Webster’s dictionary is “a pain in the head.”

Pain can have varying degrees of intensity and can affect individuals differently. There are numerous categories, including primary headaches, including migraines, tension and cluster headaches; secondary headaches, including those that are related to a structural problem in the head or neck regions – such as bleeding, tumor or infections such as meningitis /encephalitis, as well as strokes, caffeine withdrawal and discontinuation of a pain medication.

So we know that headache means pain, but there are different types that should be noted. A headache can mean pain above the eyes and ears, at the back of the head, and the upper back of the neck. Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches. The cause is unknown, however it is thought to be due to contraction or spasm of the skull muscles, causing pain.

Stress, emotion, tension, and manual labor can stimulate tension headaches. This pain includes a band-like pressure, starting at the back of the neck radiating around the head, with an intense pain over the eyes. The pain is typically not debilitating.

Migraines are the second most common type of primary headache, affecting more than 12 per cent of the population.

Migraines affect both adults and children. Prior to puberty, migraines affect boys and girls much the same. After puberty, it is estimated up to six per cent of males and 18 per cent of females are affected. Migraines are caused by the dilation of the temporal artery (artery in the temple area) and a release of a chemical causing pain and inflammation.

Migraines are the cause of missed work and decreased productivity. Unfortunately migraines are often undertreated. Migraines are described as “throbbing, pounding,” usually on one side but occasionally on both sides. Migraines are worsened by activities and often sufferers are adversely affected by light and noise.

Research suggests that up to 60 per cent of migraines are preceded by fatigue, irritability, depression, sugar or salt craving, and hormonal cycles. Some migraine suffers experience an aura (a visual warning) before the onset. Triggers include stress, sleep disturbance, fasting, hormonal fluctuations, lights, odours, caffeine, chocolate, cigarette smoke, MSG, nitrates, aspartame, and menstruation.

Migraines are the second most common type of primary headache, affecting more than 12 per cent of the population.

It is not uncommon for migraine sufferers to experience post migraine tiredness, loss of energy, low grade headache, along with sensitivity to light and noise.

Tension and migraine headaches can be decreased by improving one’s life style. Decreasing or eliminating stress in your life is helpful. For migraine sufferers, determining triggers can assist in decreasing episodes. Trial and error in determining causes may take some time. For those who suffer headaches, try eliminating caffeine, chocolate, MSG, nitrates, cigarette smoke, and aspartame. Keep consistent sleep habits, exercise regularly, do not skip meals, limit stress, limit caffeine, and avoid foods that trigger migraines.

For any ongoing and frequent headaches, an assessment by a physician is important, to determine the cause and any treatment that may be required. Lifestyle health management is so important to assist in maintaining a pain-free life.

Adopting a healthy eating plan, maintaining physical fitness and maintaining a low-stress lifestyle, may reduce headache pain. Headaches related to hormonal imbalance or structural problems require assessment by a medical practitioner and treatment may be required.

Karen Hourtovenko, RN(EC), is a health and wellness consultant from Sudbury who writes columns about healthy living for Northern Life.