Most of us would usually take aspirin to relieve headache but contrary to a popular belief, aspirin doesn't cure all headaches. There are even possibilities that aspirin can masks symptoms that are otherwise important in diagnosing an underlying illness. Aspirin can also cause untoward side effects when there used over an extended period of time. Luckily, most headaches without other accompanying symptoms respond well to self-care.
It is estimated that almost 90 percent of all headaches are caused by stress or tension, factors that can be controlled. If you experience very bad or unusual headaches, you should consult your doctor. A very painful or unusual headache can be a symptom of a serious medical illness that requires proper medical management and care.
There are three general categories of headache and these are tension, cluster and migraine headaches.
1. Tension headache, also referred to as muscle contraction headache, is caused by muscle tightening at the back and shoulders. This is usually due to physical and emotional stress. The pain is usually described as a feeling of pressure, a band around the head or pain all over the head. Believed to be the most common cause of head pain, tension headache may be caused by working in awkward conditions and poor posture. Stress, anxiety and depression usually trigger tension headache. Tension headache is considered chronic when this occurs two or more times weekly for several months or longer. A visit to your doctor is advised.
The following are symptoms of tension headache.
a. A non-pulsing steady pain.
b. There is a feeling of pressure, tightness and fullness over the top of the head or back of the neck.
c. Occasional nausea or vomiting may be experienced.
Tension headache can usually be remedied by home treatment. Although aspirin or acetaminophen can relieve the pain, prolonged use is discouraged because of the reported accompanying adverse side effects. Home care treatment is a better pain management alternative than pain relievers. This can be done by taking a hot or cold shower and massaging the neck muscles. Lying in a dark room may also provide relief. Pain can also be relieved if you learn how to relax using meditation, biofeedback, visualization, music and hypnosis.
2. Cluster Headache is a very painful type of headache that mainly affects middle-aged men. A cluster headache doesn't usually present a sign before it begins or when it's going to end. This usually lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours before recurring. The pain usually worsens when a person lies down during an attack. Over the counter pain relievers do not prove helpful in relieving this type of headache. Inhaling 100 percent oxygen often brings relief.
Cluster headache exhibits these symptoms: A steady pain around one eye that usually occurs at the same time each day or evening. There is nasal congestion at one side of the face accompanied by watering and redness of one eye alongside the nasal congestion.
3. Migraine headache is caused by the widening of the blood vessels in the head. The person may experience nausea hence migraine headache is sometimes referred to as sick headache. Those who experience migraine may see bright spots or flashes of lights just before the headache strikes. There is over sensitivity to light. That's why a person suffering from a migraine headache wants to stay in a dark area. If you experience migraine headache, try to stay in a dark place and lie down placing a cool damp cloth on your forehead. The symptoms of migraine headaches include pulsating pain, pain that occurs mostly on one side of the head and an experience of a pre-headache phase that commonly includes distorted vision, abdominal pain and nausea.
Migraine headache is commonly triggered by stress, excitement, caffeine, bright light, hunger, fatigue and certain foods.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Headaches [http://headache-guides.com/]