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.