ALL WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEADACHES.

HEADACHES

Headaches are one of the most common ailments that attack human beings everyday. Headaches can be defined as pain originating from the head or neck. The brain has no pain fibers so it is parts that surround the brain that give rise to headaches. Headaches can be classified into different categories.

In 2005, a classification for headaches listed three major categories of headaches. We have primary and secondary headaches. We also have facial pain and other headaches. It is important to note that headaches are classified according to the source of pain.

Primary headaches normally do not come as a result of any underlying medical problem. There are a number of factors associated with primary headaches. Such factors include alcohol, lack of enough sleep, stress, poor posture among others. Bearing in mind that primary headaches are not associated with underlying health problems; it means that they can be easily taken care of especially if one is able to determine the cause. Over the counter drugs are also commonly used by individuals experiencing these headaches.

We have several forms of primary headaches. First we have tension headaches that are among the most common types f headaches. Sometimes they are referred to as daily chronic headaches. They are especially very common in adolescents and adults.

Under primary headaches we also have migraines. These come second in the list of most common primary headaches.

The third form of primary headaches that is not as common as tension headaches and migraines is cluster headaches.

Secondary headaches unlike primary headaches are normally linked with underlying health problems. In simple terms they are mostly symptoms of another health problem ailing the body. There are quite a number of sources of secondary headaches.

Common causes of secondary headaches include concussion, dehydration, hang overs among others. The list is quite long so it is important that one visits a doctor so that the specific cause of the headache is established and appropriate medication prescribed.

There are several types of secondary headaches. One form of secondary headaches is external compression. These are headaches that come as a result of pressure on the head for example exerted by head gear.

Another common type of secondary headaches is rebound headaches. These headaches are normally caused by continued overuse of painkillers.

We also have sinus headaches that normally come as a result of inflammation of sinus cavities. Other examples of secondary headaches include spinal headaches and thunderclap headaches among others. It is very important that professional medical help is sought so that the correct cause is established.

As much as some headaches are very easy to treat, others might be symptoms of really serious conditions. It is therefore advisable to seek medical attention for example in cases of extreme headache pain or when the headache is accompanied by other symptoms such as vision problems. One may take it lightly whereas in fact it is a sign of serious medical problems.