WHAT IS A HEADACHE?
A headache is defined as a pain or discomfort in the head or face. All headaches are not the same and vary greatly in terms of the location, intensity and cause. In this article, we will review the most common types of headaches and their symptoms.
Cervicogenic headaches are defined as headaches that occur when pain is referred from a specific source in the neck or head region. It will usually begin as an intermittent pain but may progress to a continuous pain. Cervicogenic headaches may be triggered by abnormal movements, poor posture or sudden movements from coughing, sneezing or whiplash.
Some common symptoms include:
- Pain is isolated to one side of the head, neck or face
- Reduced cervical range of motion
- Pain originating in the neck that radiates to the forehead, around the eye, temple or ear.
- Pain along the shoulder and arm
- Eye swelling or blurred vision
TENSION HEADACHES
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are sometimes referred to as chronic daily headaches. Tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions and cause mild to moderate pain. Tension headaches come and go and can be linked to stress and tight muscles. Common symptoms of a tension headache include:
Slow onset
Pain usually occurs on both sides
Pain is dull or feels like a band around the head
Pain is mild to moderate, but not severe
Typically, do not cause nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light
Migraines are a type of headache that can cause severe throbbing or pulsing pain, which usually occur on one side of the head. Migraines are headaches that are accompanied with symptoms other than pain. Such symptoms include nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness and visual symptoms. Migraines also occur with distinct phases. Not all people experience every phase, but the migraine phases may include:
Prodromal phase- A noticeable chance in mood or behavior may occur hours or days before the migraine.
Aura phase- Categorized as a group of visual, sensory or motor symptoms that may proceed the migraine. Symptoms include vision changes, hallucinations, numbness, slurred speech and muscle weakness.
Headache phase- throbbing or pulsing headache occurring on one or both sides of the head accompanied by sensitivity to light and motion, depression, fatigue and anxiety.
Resolution phase- the pain begins to decrease during this phase but might be replaced with fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
Cluster headaches may occur one to three times per day during a period, which may last weeks or months. Cluster headaches may go into remission for months or years and recur later down the line. Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain on one side of the head, usually behind one eye
- The affected eye might be red, watery, droopy or have a small pupil
- Swelling of the eye lid • Congestion or runny nose
- Swelling of the forehead
FINAL THOUGHTS
Proper diagnosis and treatment requires a comprehensive exam and associated neurologic testing. Effective headache management depends on the type of headache but may include:
- Avoiding triggers like certain foods and drinks, lack of sleep and fasting
- Changing poor eating habits • Exercise
- Resting in a quiet dark environment
- Stress management
- Proper hydration
When headache triggers are known, avoiding the trigger may prevent a headache. Reducing stress can minimize or prevent headaches. In some cases, daily preventative medicine may be utilized. If you have been suffering from chronic headaches create a headache diary consisting of:
- Day and time of the headache
- Headache location
- What the headache feels like
- What you were doing when the headache began
- How long the headache lasts
- What makes it feel better or worse
A thorough headache diary will help with the proper diagnosis and treatment of your condition.
If you experience these often-debilitating headaches, then please reach out to our office by emailing [email protected] or call us.
2428 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 305, Santa Monica, CA 90404
www.spinalstenosisanddisc.com– p 310-451-5851 – f 310-458-0051