If you're a headache sufferer then you know all too well the "pain in the neck" caused by your condition. But are you certain you know what's at the root of your problem? A headache can be many things caused by one of two things; constriction or expansion of arteries. What you do to relieve these two evils will make all the difference in your ability to seek relief. But before you reach for the medicine cabinet, first identify the type of headache you're suffering from and the best course of action for treatment.
Muscular constriction is commonly attributed to various physical conditionals (i.e. spinal misalignment, poor blood flow and lymph circulation, digestive problems). Stress, poor diet and exercise build up excessive metabolic wastes in our system which in turn decreases natural blood flow and circulation. Detoxifying our body through a healthy balanced process will not only keep our "headaches" at bay but will also allow us to experience less symptomatic stress related conditions such as headaches.
Vascular irregularities are the culprit behind most migraines, caffeine related withdrawals, and cluster headaches. While representing only a small percentage of most headache (usually, less than 10%) they are some of the most severe headaches experienced. When the arteries alternate between constriction and expansion the outcome presents extreme pressure on the arterial nerves resulting in excessive sharp pain.
Treatment
In most cases, any over the counter medication (OTC) containing an anti-inflammatory will relieve a headache (i.e. Aleve). If your symptoms are more towards the vascular side, then a headache medication containing caffeine may also give you some immediate results. HOWEVER…….never self diagnose your condition. If you have a headache with any of the following conditions see a doctor immediately for treatment. Also visit http://www.coedu.usf.edu/zalaquett/help_screens/headaches.htm to learn more about the cause and effect of headaches. Below, is a list of some of the red flag warning signs we should watch for if we experience a headache. Knowing the difference between a casual headache and a life threatening one can make all the difference in the world:
- Headaches that progressively worsen over days or weeks
- Headaches that start suddenly (especially important if you've never had them before and you're over 50 years of age)
- Headaches that come on suddenly after coughing, straining, or exertion
- Changes in vision (or other senses), double vision, increased weakness, or loss of sensation
- Confusion or changes in memory, personality, or behavior
- General weakness or numbness or slurred speech
- A stiff neck with a fever or a rash, or a seizure
- An unexplained fever or breathing problems (i.e. shortness of breath), which accompany the headache
- A sudden or dramatic change in the severity of your headaches
- Headache after a head injury or accident, or after a sore throat or respiratory infection
- A constant headache with no relief
- Persistent or severe vomiting
- Experiencing three or more headaches a week
- Use of a pain reliever every day or almost daily to relieve your headache symptoms
- If you get a very sudden and excruciating headache unlike any you've ever had, consult a doctor immediately
Quick tip for wellness: If a headache comes on severely, suddenly and persistently, that's a red flag! See a doctor immediately.
