Headaches!!

You’ve been up since 7 a.m., the dogs won’t stop barking and you spilled coffee on your way to work. As you are finishing up the afternoon rush after filing, making phone calls and getting bombarded with assignments due by 3 p.m., you can feel the headache starting to form. What a day.

When it comes to headaches, there are so many different kinds which can sprout out of nowhere and can range from several levels of pain. Doctors have identified about 20 different headaches which can range from little pain and discomfort in the back of the head after a long day to extreme migraines to warnings of life-threatening illnesses.

When you are battling the annoyance of headache pain, it is important to know what kind you have. The most common type of headaches are called tension headaches which account for about 90 percent of headaches. These are caused by whatever stress-fueling things we may go through during the day. The pain that is caused by this type of headache will affect your upper neck and back of the head. Although these are not an alarming type of headache, they can lead to severeness.

So how can we lessen and maybe even get rid of these tension headaches? Start out by finding a peaceful, quiet place to relax and ease your thoughts. Over-the-counter aspirins can help every once in a while, as well. If you are receiving these headaches, everyday, on a daily basis, then relaxation therapy or psychotherapy may be a helpful option. Exercise and stretching can also relieve tension because you are relaxing tight muscles and working toward eliminating the source of pain.

The more severe type of headache is known as a migraine. Each year about 16-18 million American are affected by migraines. They are extreme pains in your head that cause throbbing and tension. These can be caused by sensitivity of some foods like wine or chocolate, weather changes, altitude changes, oversleeping, skipping meals or seeing bright, flashing lights. Unfortunately, migraines may also run in the family and be passed down with no certain cause of pain.

Migraines can also be treated by a change of lifestyle. Eating, sleeping and exercising properly will all decrease your chance of receiving a migraine. If these actions are not enough, stronger-dose medicine may be required.

Some other types of headaches may cause daily pain even after changing your lifestyle and taking medicine. This is when you should consult a doctor. You may show signs of allergy attacks, arthritis, sinus infections, fevers, or even more serious illnesses. Don’t ignore your pain. Take care of it so you can get back to being yourself again.