Treatment of Headache. Most headaches are tension headaches, caused by a muscle spasm in the back of the head and neck. The spasm can be sparked by ...

Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain can be a major cause of Headaches. When joints and muscles of the neck are injured due to whiplash or other injuries, the outcome can be chronic headaches. The neck area is comprised of many nerves that can stimulate nerves within the head to bring on headache symptoms. Arthritic joints of the neck including facet joints and disc joints are frequent causes of neck pain.

Muscle Spasm

Spasms of neck muscles can cause trigger points or ‘knots’ in our muscles. These are also known as myofascial trigger points. Myofascial pain of the neck and even scalp muscles is a common cause of headaches. These are often called ‘Muscle Tension Headaches’ and according to many sources within the Literature, are the most common cause of Headaches. Migraine headaches can also be generated from a muscle tension headache. Most muscle tension headaches begin in the neck and areas just below the skull at the top of the neck, otherwise known as Occipital Headaches.

Eye Strain

Eye strain due to improper eye focus or chronic eye or visual fatigue is a common cause for Headaches. This can be diagnosed by first recognizing that you strain your eyes in dim light or even in broad daylight. Frequent computer use contributes greatly to eye strain as does other types of work that require intense eye focus. Proper and regular eye examinations and checking of eye wear prescriptions is recommended for individuals with frequent headaches.

Improper Posture

When we do not hold our head over our shoulders in a level and centered position, it is common to experience headaches that are at least in part due to muscle tension. Our posture should reflect a well balanced body. If we teeter the head out in front of the center of gravity of the body, muscles work too hard and eventually fatigue. Muscle fatigue causes Trigger point, commonly known as knots. Trigger points are hot zones for the spreading of muscle spasm and often cause muscle tension headaches.

Anxiety.

When you're extremely upset or anxious, you're more likely to develop a headache or worsen one you already have.

Glare.

Take it easy on your eyes. Intense, bright light in your home or workplace, and sun glare in the car or outdoors, cause tension in your eye muscles, leading to a headache.

Noise.

High levels of noise and ongoing noisy conditions at work or at home can cause a headache.

Eating & Sleeping Patterns.

Pay attention to when and how you eat and sleep. Skipping meals or fasting is a major cause of headaches—especially if you go without food for 5 waking hours, or 13 nighttime hours. Your sleep patterns—including naps during the day—are also important. Getting too much sleep or too little sleep can trigger a headache.

Medications.

Some prescription medications you take may have the potential to trigger a headache. If you notice a pattern of headaches related to when you take your medicine, talk to your doctor about switching medicines.

Physical Activity.

Watch how much you push yourself. When you exercise or do hard physical labor, the muscles in your head, neck, and scalp need more blood to circulate. This swells your blood vessels, which can lead to what's called an "exertional headache."

Hormones.

For menstruating women, headaches and migraines are closely tied to the levels of the female hormone estrogen in the body. As your estrogen level fluctuates,(especially just before menstruation when it's at its lowest), headaches are more likely to occur.

Food Sensitivities.

Watch what you eat and drink. When you eat certain foods, your brain releases neurotransmitters, which can cause headaches in some people. Common headache-trigger foods are different for everybody, but they may include: aspartame, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, cultured dairy products, dried fruits, cheese, smoked or dried fish, canned soups, MSG (a food additive), and aged, canned, cured, or processed meats.

High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure can often lead to headaches. We must have our Blood pressure checked regularly and make sure that hypertension does not go unchecked. If Blood pressure is high and we have throbbing headaches, many times these are caused by High Blood Pressure. Medication for Blood Pressure may be a short or long term solution to both the Blood Pressure and the Headaches. Lifestyle modifications including reducing body weight improved body conditioning , may be a long term solution if Blood Pressure can be controlled or affected by these modifications.

Sinus Pressure

Sinus Pressure can affect headaches. They can also cause headaches as well. Sinus pressure can be due to infections of the sinus cavities that are located within the facial bones. If these are inflamed and or clogged with mucous, this can cause frequent or constant headaches. Growths of polyps within the sinus and or nasal cavity can also be a cause of sinus abnormalities. A proper examination and possible X-ray or other imaging method may be necessary to diagnose sinus abnormality.