Headache/Tension Headaches
Headache
A headache, or cephalalgia, refers to any pain in the head and upper part of the neck. Because headaches are nonspecific symptoms, they can be brought on by a number of underlying causes. Some of the most frequent causes of head pain include dental problems, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, sinus inflammation from illness or allergies, and eye strain. Many patients also experience migraine headaches, and headaches can be caused by more serious conditions such as brain tumors.
When headaches are persistent or very painful, however, it becomes necessary to seek medical attention. There may be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed, or you may need the help of stronger medication to resolve your symptoms permanently.
In general, there are four primary types of headaches:
1) Vascular headaches, which are caused by the swelling of blood vessels around the brain. This is the primary cause of migraines and cluster headaches. Along with severe pain, these headaches are often accompanied by light sensitivity and nausea.
2) Tension headaches, or myogenic headaches, make up 90% of all headaches encountered by patients on a regular basis. These are caused by muscle tension in the face and neck, and they can be exacerbated by a high-stress lifestyle and poor posture.
3) Traction headaches occur when pain-sensitive structures in the head are stretched or pulled. The most common traction headaches are those caused by eye strain, but traction headaches also encompass tumors and brain diseases.
4) Inflammatory headaches occur when inflammation from a nearby infection causes pain and swelling in the head. The most common inflammatory headaches are caused by sinus infections and broken or infected teeth.
Most minor headaches can be effectively treated with analgesics. NSAIDs can help reduce swelling and resolve many headache symptoms. Some headache-specific analgesics also use small doses of caffeine as an effective headache remedy. Resting in a quiet, dark room can also help reduce the severity of symptoms and may be enough to treat many minor headaches.