As a headache sufferer for many years I can definitely empathise with the 47% of the population who also suffer from some form of headache disorder. Many headache sufferers go undiagnosed and untreated, relying purely on over the counter medication to keep the symptoms at bay.
While there are many different types of headaches those that most commonly occur tend to be one of the following:
Tension Headache: This is the most common form of headache suffered by adolescents and young adults. Symptoms can include pain affecting both sides of the head, neck tension and pain behind the eyes. The pain can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few days. Triggers for a tension headache can include stress, anxiety, dehydration and tiredness.
Migraine: Although the exact cause of a migraine is unknown a popular theory involves abnormal brain activity causing changes to the blood vessels in the head. This may account for the throbbing pain that most migraine sufferers describe. Migraine pain is usually quite severe; other symptoms may include vomiting, sensitivity to light and visual disturbances.
Cervicogenic Headache: This headache occurs when pain is referred to the head from either the bony structures or soft tissue in the neck. These headaches tend to present with pain on one side of the head and are aggravated by movement of the neck. Dizziness, nausea and visual disturbances may also be present.
As a headache sufferer I was among the many who just managed my pain as best I could without really thinking about what was causing it and what treatment options were out there. Now as an Osteopath I have taken a special interest in the treatment and prevention of headaches. If you are a headache sufferer please feel free to drop in to Richmond Osteopaths, we are able to provide hands on treatment and useful tips to help manage your headaches!
By: Karlee Simper