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Neck Spasm Headache - a form of tension headache

June 13th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

The most common type of headache is a tension headache, also known as a muscle contraction headache.  These types of headaches are caused by spasms and tensions of muscles in the neck and shoulders, making “neck spasm headache” an accurate description of a tension headache. 

While tension headaches are extremely common (sixty percent of people in a study claimed to experience one or more tension headaches in a week), they are difficult to diagnose and treat.  It is important to understand the various ways that a neck spasm headache can be treated so that, if you suffer from these painful headaches, you can decide on the method of treatment that best fits your individual lifestyle and condition.

A neck spasm headache or tension headache is caused by muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders that irritate nerves in the head.  The irritated nerves generally produce pain at the scalp and base of the skull.  You might be wondering what causes muscle spasms.  Well, there is a wide range of causes for muscle spasms and they vary greatly in severity.  One cause of muscle spasms leading to a neck spasm headache is a rear end motor vehicle accident. 

This is one of the more serious causes of a muscle spasm.  Such an accident places a large amount of force on the neck, and the muscles located in the neck tighten in response to the pressure.  The neck muscles can remain in spasm long after other injuries have healed, and this is why a neck spasm headache resulting from a car accident many become chronic.  Less serious causes of the muscle spasms in the neck that could lead to a neck spasm headache include situations where the neck or spine may be held in one position for too long, such as when you sleep in a chair, work at a computer, or drive for a long period of time.

Treatment

There are several different methods used to treat a neck spasm headache.  One of the more common ways is manipulative therapy, which usually reduces the muscle spasms and will return normal motion to the spine.  Manipulative therapy is often performed by quickly stretching the muscles.  However, other methods of manipulative therapy, such as “counter-strain” also exist.  Manipulative therapy is a great treatment option for those patients who do not want to take medication. 

When you have a Chronic Headache

June 9th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Do you suffer from a chronic headache?

Chronic means that the headaches occur on a regular basis over a long term.  If a person has had a headache for which lasts for several months with only intermittent relief they can probably assume they are suffering from a chronic headache. 

The good news about chronic headaches is that they are seldom caused by a serious illness.  People with chronic headaches often worry that they have a brain tumor or some other dreaded disease but these diseases more often have other symptoms before headaches occur and the headaches associated with such disease will usually come on suddenly and severely.

Chronic headaches usually indicate a less severe condition although a painful condition.

Chronic Headaches Due to Migraines

Many chronic headaches are considered migraine headaches.  Migraines are probably the least understood of all headaches but recent advances in medicine have made treatment of migraines much more successful.  People who suffer with migraines complain of sudden, severe throbbing pain usually on one side of the head.  The people often become very light and noise sensitive. 

People with migraines have often found that the only cure is resting in a quiet dark room for an extended length of time.  No one truly knows what sets off a migraine headache.  It may be anything from flashing lights to some type of chemical reaction in the body.  A physician can prescribe medication for the migraines and many of the recently discovered medications work well.

Other Causes of Chronic Headaches

There are other causes of chronic headaches some which have not even been discovered. 
Sinus headaches and tension headaches which are left untreated can easily become chronic headaches.  Certain types of allergies may cause headaches until they are diagnosed and treated.  There is speculation by some individuals that certain sweeteners and preservatives may cause chronic headaches. 

These claims have not been scientifically proven but many people relate their headaches to such chemicals.  The best thing that a person who finds they are suffering from chronic headaches to do is to consult their doctor.  A doctor can determine what the cause of the headache is and the best treatments available.  Treatment may be as simple as dietary or environmental changes or may include daily medications.  Whatever the course of treatment prescribed by the physician, the relief from the headache will be well worth it.

Common Headache Types - what type do you get?

May 19th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

When you only have headaches occasionally, you take some medication and forget it, but if headaches recur, it’s worthwhile finding out about common headache types. This means that you can tell your medical person exactly what kind you get, and you’ll get the right medication.

There are many different types of headache, including tension headaches, migraine headaches as well as cluster headaches and organic headaches. Another headache type is rebound headaches and headaches in general will trouble young children including babies and can be severe enough to immobilize the sufferer.

Nevertheless, the medical fraternity has not spared any effort in coming up with methods and cures to relieve headaches whatever is their type. The latest medications that are used in conjunction with therapies that do not require taking drugs can help to prevent, stop or even manage headaches ranging from the mild to the toughest types.

Perhaps the most common headache type that everyone has suffered is the tension headache for which over-the-counter medications are used to treat such a condition. No doubt this is a very common headache type, but it can be severe enough to debilitate a person and it may be either episodic, or chronic.

Another severe instance of a headache type is the migraine headache that can cause a person to go into a state where they are unable to continue with their daily routines for a few hours, or even for a few days. Migraine headaches are a leading cause why people absent themselves from work and cause disruptions in family life. It is believed that almost thirty million Americans have suffered from migraines and almost four fifths have had a history of migraine headaches in their families, though it is yet to determine whether genes actually play any role in such a headache type.

The third headache type we know is the cluster headache that affects a person in groups of attacks often without a warning, and this is the severest as well as most intense of all headache types. Cluster headaches can last for a half hour to forty-five minutes, though some may last for many hours before finally disappearing only to return later on, and it is quite normal for a person to get up to four such headaches in a day which most often appear in the mornings, or come late in the nighttime and lasts weeks or even months

A headache type that affects only women is known as the hormone headache. Also, when you make use of medications for more than the recommended time and exceed instructions on the labels, or the advice of your physician you may be at risk of a rebound headache which is more likely to happen if the medications used contain caffeine that is normally found in many drugs. You may also be affected by sinus headache, or organic headaches. These are the common headache types that most persons will be affected by during their lifetime.

When next you get a headache, write down the date and the time, and the type of headache it was. This kind of information is vital when you see your doctor, so that you can get permanent pain relief.

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