Headaches
Headaches are a well-known ailment that nearly everyone has experienced at some time. In fact, the most frequently reported type of pain is headache. As familiar as headaches are, there is no one-size-fits-all definition. More than 100 types of headaches can afflict people, and they all vary in frequency, duration, characteristics and severity. The different variations of headaches can also have similar symptoms. There are two basic headache categories: primary and secondary. Secondary headaches are a symptom of an underlying health problem, whereas primary headaches are not a symptom of a medical problem.
Examples of primary headaches include tension-type ones and migraines. Tension headaches are the most commonly experienced. As the name implies, tension headaches are the result of tension in the body. This tension can be the result of physical or emotional stress. Physical stress may be from poor posture, especially the forward head position that comes with technology use, or clenching the muscles of the jaw, neck or face for long periods of time. Emotional stress includes depression, anxiety or inadequate sleep. These headaches are typically described as mild to moderate and affecting both sides of the head. The characteristics are dull, non-throbbing and feeling like a tight band around the head—but without nausea or aura. Tension-type headaches last from 30 minutes to seven days.
Migraine headaches are considered a neurologic condition. They last four hours to multiple days and frequently recur. The pain of a migraine is considered moderate to severe and may affect one or both sides of the head. The description is throbbing or pulsing and usually associated with nausea, vomiting and light or sound sensitivity. Some will experience an aura prior to symptom start.
One effective preventive measure for primary headache is identifying triggers. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, cheeses, environmental allergens, secondhand smoke and chemical smells. Keeping a headache log to track activities, food, stress, sleep and phase of menstrual cycle when headaches occur can aid in identifying triggers. While recognizing and avoiding triggers is beneficial, headaches cannot always be prevented.
Sufferers have numerous treatment options for primary headaches. What is most effective will be unique to each person. Natural options may include heat or cold applied to the head, stretching the neck and shoulders, massage, sleep, physical therapy or light exercise. There are several over-the-counter medications available for headache as well. If these interventions are not effective and the headaches are frequent and severe, a medical provider may recommend a prescription medication. Triptans are the classic prescription headache drug, but there are other types that have shown to provide relief for certain types of headaches. These include medications for blood pressure, seizure and depression. If your health care provider is not successful in alleviating headache symptoms, they may refer to a neurologist or headache specialist.
Secondary headaches are of varying risk. Minor causes may include dehydration, allergies, medication overuse or just the common cold. More serious conditions include head injury, stroke, brain tumor or meningitis. If you are seriously concerned about your headache, seek emergency treatment. The only cure for secondary headache is addressing the medical problem that has led to the pain.
Being aware of headache symptoms and triggers as well as communicating that information to your health care provider are the best ways to get the personalized help you may need. Check with your medical provider before starting any new over-the-counter medications to ensure they are safe for you.
Hailey Saunders, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner and Kansas City native who is passionate about evidence-based health education.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
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