By Phuc-Bao Tran, Candidate for Doctor of Osteopathic
Medicine 2016 and Dr. Courtney Mizuhara-Cheng, D.O., M.S.H.S.
Headache is a common complaint among patients. For many, it can be so severe that the pain results in loss of quality of life and the ability to function properly in daily activities. If you are experiencing a debilitating headache, a health care professional can help to differentiate the cause of this problem and provide the appropriate management for resolution of the pain. Understanding the common presentation of headaches can help guide common causes. By understanding the cause, a holistic approach can be applied that addresses the cause. The treatment options discussed below do not replace the role of a qualified medical professional. Although most headaches are not caused by life-threatening disorders, it is important to seek consultation with a health care professional if your headache worsens despite following recommendations below.
What are the most common causes of headaches?
Despite the common perception that most headaches are migraines, tension headache (a.k.a. primary headache) is the most common type of headache. Below is a table that outlines the characteristics of common headache syndromes.
Type of Headache
|
Migraine
|
Tension
|
Cluster
|
Location
|
~65% one-sided;
~30% all over
|
Both sides of head
|
Always one sided; typically around eye
|
Characteristic
|
Starts gradually & builds in intensity; pulsating
|
Pressure or tightness that comes and goes
|
Sudden, deep, excruciating pain
|
Activity
|
Needs to retreat to quiet, dark room
|
May remain active or need rest
|
Able to remain active despite pain
|
Timing
|
4 hrs to 3 days
|
Varies; typically occurs later in the day
|
30 minutes to 3 hrs
|
Other symptoms
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Nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity (to sound or light), blurred vision; fatigue; dizziness
|
Sleep disturbances, irritability; difficulty concentrating; Chronic fatigue
|
Eye tearing or redness; runny nose or congestion
|
CONNECT WITH YOUR BODY
What causes headaches?
The exact cause of headaches is unclear. However, by eliminating certain known triggers of headaches, one can often reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches. Here is a table that outlines some of the common triggers of the common types of headaches listed above.
Type of Headache
|
Migraine
|
Tension
|
Cluster
|
Drinks
|
Caffeine (excessive consumption or withdrawal)
Alcohol
|
Dehydration
|
Smokers who drink alcohol
|
Nutrition
|
Skipping meals; Mature cheeses, MSG
|
Hunger
|
Not related
|
Lifestyle
|
Emotional stress; Fatigue; Sleep disruption
|
Poor posture; fatigue; Overexertion; Inadequate rest; Stress/anxiety
|
None
|
Environment
|
Weather changes; Bright lights
|
New child; new job; exam preparation
|
Autumn/Spring
|
Physiology
|
Hormonal changes
|
Tight muscles in neck and head
|
Trigeminal Nerve Irritation
|
What are some lifestyle advice for preventing headaches?
Irregardless of the type of headache you might be suffering from, the most important is maintaining proper sleep hygiene resulting in adequate restful sleep. Avoid sleeping with the television or other electronic device on. Maintain healthy coping strategies for handling emotional stress. Maintain proper posture throughout your day whether at home, at work or at play. Remember to listen to your body and avoid overexertion resulting in fatigue.
What are some nutritional advice for preventing headaches?
Minimize consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Make sure to eat three well-balanced meals with appropriate healthy snacks. Avoid skipping meals and getting to a point of hunger.What are some exercise advice for preventing headaches?
Regular aerobic exercise helps provide healthy blood flow to the body and especially the head. It is important to avoid running during the hottest time of the day. If you are prone to headaches, exercising in the morning can be an invigorating way to start the day without overexerting the body. If you are prone to tension headaches, try placing your palm on your forehead, use your neck muscles and press your forehead lightly forward against your palm while keeping your head upright and arm still for resistance. Cold and heat may also relieve pain and muscle tension.INTEGRATE COMPLIMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
What can be expected during an osteopathic manipulative treatment?
During an osteopathic manipulative treatment, your physician will likely use various techniques to release strain patterns in the whole body. Trials have shown that a combination of manual
therapy such as OMT along with an exercise program led to long-term control of
tension-type headaches. In 2004,
Bronfort showed that manual manipulation treatment was as effective, short term
for chronic headaches, as prescribed drugs like Amitriptyline, but with fewer
adverse effects.
Other homeopathic medicines include:
What homeopathic options are available for headaches?
Homeopathic medicines can be used at home for mild to moderate headaches. Since there are many different homeopathic medicines, it is difficult to choose the right one for a headache. Many headaches are made better or worse by the same factors, and many homeopathic medicines cover these common modalities. Often, the general symptoms will help guide in choosing the right medicine. If there’s trouble picking the right medicine, it is recommended to use one of the following: Belladonna, Nux, and Bryonia. One of those three will help most people who suffer from acute headaches with few specific symptoms.Other homeopathic medicines include:
Gelsemium:
Headache associated with blurred vision, tight band around skull.
Arnica: Headache from head trauma.
Arnica: Headache from head trauma.
Nux vomica: Irritable people with headaches.
Symptoms of headaches brought on by overeating, alcohol/coffee use, staying up
late and missing sleep. Hangovers and
tension headaches.
Belladonna:
right-sided headaches and migraine.
Bryonia:
Headaches aggravated by motion.
Pulsating throbbing centralized near or into left eye.
China: Headaches from dehydration, weakness, or anemia
Cocculus indicus: Headaches from worrisome behavior/insomnia.
Natrium muriaticum: Pounding head pain, anxiety.
Lachesis:
left sided migraine
Ignatia amera:
stress headaches.