Archive for the ‘posture’ Category

Headache

Monday, April 21st, 2008

Definition

A headache involves pain in the head which can arise from many disorders or may be a disorder in and of itself.

Description

There are three types of primary headaches: tensiontype (muscular contraction headache), migraine (vascular headaches), and cluster. Virtually everyone experiences a tension-type headache at some point. An estimated 18% of American women suffer migraines, compared to 6% of men. Cluster headaches affect fewer than 0.5% of the population, and men account for approximately 80% of all cases. Headaches caused by illness are secondary headaches and are not included in these numbers.

Approximately 40–45 million people in the United States suffer chronic headaches. Headaches have an enormous impact on society due to missed workdays and productivity losses.

Causes and symptoms

Traditional theories about headaches link tensiontype headaches to muscle contraction, and migraine and cluster headaches to blood vessel dilation (swelling). Pain-sensitive structures in the head include blood vessel walls, membranous coverings of the brain, and scalp and neck muscles. Brain tissue itself has no sensitivity to pain. Therefore, headaches may result from contraction of the muscles of the scalp, face or neck; dilation of the blood vessels in the head; or brain swelling that stretches the brain’s coverings. Involvement of specific nerves of the face and head may also cause characteristic headaches. Sinus inflammation is a common cause of headache. Keeping a headache diary may help link headaches to stressful occurrences, menstrual phases, food triggers, or medication.

Tension-type headaches are often brought on by stress, overexertion, loud noise, and other external factors. The typical tension-type headache is described as a tightening around the head and neck, and an accompanying dull ache.

Migraines are intense throbbing headaches occurring on one or both sides of the head. The pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and aversion to light, sound, and movement. Migraines are often triggered by food items, such as red wine, chocolate, and aged cheeses. For women, a hormonal connection is likely, since headaches occur at specific points in the menstrual cycle, with use of oral contraceptives, or the use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause.

Cluster headaches cause excruciating pain. The severe, stabbing pain centers around one eye, and eye tearing and nasal congestion occur on the same side. The headache lasts from 15 minutes to four hours and may recur several times in a day. Heavy smokers are more likely to suffer cluster headaches, which are also associated with alcohol consumption.

Diagnosis

Since headaches arise from many causes, a physical exam assesses general health and a neurologic exam evaluates the possibility of neurologic disease that is causing the headache. If the headache is the primary illness, a doctor elicits a thorough history of the headache. Questions revolve around its frequency and duration, when it occurs, pain intensity and location, possible triggers, and any prior symptoms. This information aids in classifying the headache.

Warning signs that should point out the need for prompt medical intervention include:
• ”Worst headache of my life.” This may indicate subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm (swollen blood vessel) in the head or other neurological emergency.
• Headache accompanied by one-sided weakness, numbness, visual loss, speech difficulty, or other signs. This may indicate a stroke. Migraines may include neurological symptoms.
• Headache that becomes worse over a period of 6 months, especially if most prominent in the morning or if accompanied by neurological symptoms. This may indicate a brain tumor.
• Sudden onset of headache. If accompanied by fever and stiff neck, this can indicate meningitis.

Headache diagnosis may include neurological imaging tests such as computed tomography scan (CT scan)
or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment

Headache treatment is divided into two forms: abortive and prophylactic. Abortive treatment addresses a headache in progress, and prophylactic treatment prevents headache occurrence.

Tension headaches and migraine headaches can be treated with aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. In early 1998, the FDA approved extra-strength Excedrin, which includes caffeine, for mild to moderate migraines.

Prescription medications such as antidepressants and muscle relaxants can address tension-type headaches, and ergotamine tartrate or sumatriptan can relieve or prevent migraines. Cluster headaches may also be treated with ergotamine and sumatriptan, as well as by inhaling pure oxygen. Prophylactic treatments include prednisone, calcium channel blockers, and methysergide.

Alternative treatment

Alternative headache treatments include:
• acupuncture or acupressure
• biofeedback
• chiropractic
• herbal remedies using feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), white willow (Salix alba), or skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), among others
• homeopathic remedies chosen specifically for the individual and his/her type of headache
• hydrotherapy
• massage
• magnesium supplements
• regular physical exercise
• relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga
• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
(A test that electrically stimulates nerves and blocks the signals of pain transmission)

Prognosis

Headaches are typically resolved through the use of analgesics and other treatments.

Prevention

Some headaches may be prevented by avoiding triggering substances and situations, or by employing alternative therapies, such as yoga and regular exercise. Since food allergies are often linked with headaches, especially cluster headaches and migraines, identification and elimination of the allergy-causing food(s) from the diet can be an important preventive measure.

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Headache Issues

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

You’ve probably had your share of headaches. Some may have been worse than others and some may have scared you half to death because you saw lights and then threw up. Different kinds of headaches have unique symptoms.

Tension headaches usually affect both sides of your head, not just one spot. The pain and tension will begin at the back of your head and spreads forward. The pain may feel dull or a squeezing feeing like a rubber band has been placed over your head. The muscle tension often begins in your shoulders, neck, or jaw before spreading to your head. Your neck, jaw, shoulders and head will all feel tight and uncomfortable. The pain is normally dull and achy, not sharp. Tension headaches are often the result of stress, fatigue, issues of holding your head in one position too long or sleeping in an abnormal position.

Cluster headaches are a rare kind of headache where the pain is sharp and extremely painful. They tend to occur several times a day for months (hence the name ‘cluster’) and then go away for about the same amount of time they were there. You can expect cluster headaches to visit you again.

Sinus headaches cause pain and tenderness in the front of your head and face. This is because inflammation in the sinus passages that lie behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes causes you pain. The pain will be worse when you bend forward and first thing in the morning when you get up. Postnasal drip, sore throat, and a runny nose will accompany these headaches.

Migraine headaches are ones that are extremely painful and interfere with your daily activities. They are usually accompanied by other symptoms like visual disturbances or nausea. They tend to begin on one side of your head, although the pain may spread to both sides. Before the painful throbbing headache begins, you may have an aura. An aura is a visual disturbance which can include blurry vision, flashing lights, zig zaggy lights, or perceiving that chunks of your vision are missing. Migraines can make you photosensitive, sensitive to movement and sick to your stomach.

Anyone over the age of 50 who is having headaches for the first time should be aware of a condition called temporal arteritis. In this condition your vision becomes impaired and you have pain when chewing. This can lead to blindness so you should seek medical attention immediately.

Other more rare causes of headaches include brain aneurysm, stroke, brain infections or TIA’s.

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Tension Headache

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

Overview of tension headache is the result of head and neck muscle sustained contraction, which leads to the contraction of this for three reasons :

1. As anxiety or depression accompanied by the nervous.
2. As other reasons why the headache or pain in other parts of the body as a secondary symptom.
3. As the head, neck, shoulder girdle caused by bad posture.

Clinically the disease is extremely common in women, more than 30 years after onset, psychological treatment can often received good results.

A clinical performance:

1. More headaches at two places and pillow, neck, and was persistent pain that patients often v. head stun flu and heavy pressure flu, not associated with nausea and vomiting;
2. Headache can wake up in the morning or get up there soon after, or a full day, gradually increasing unchanged patients often claimed not to ease headaches over the years.
3. Some migraine patients and coexist.
4. Some patients have “air pillows” levy.

A diagnosis:

1. Headache after more than 30 years, located in two places and pillow, neck, and was persistent pain. and the continuing headache for the main character.
2. Some migraine patients and coexist.
3. Some patients have “air pillows” sign.
4. remove brain tumors, hypertension, such as epilepsy and glaucoma caused by the headache.

Treatment

1. Stage : control headache.
2. Remission : preventive attack.

Treatment of the disease is the key to preventing attacks, psychological examination and psychological treatment is extremely important, in psychological treatment, supplemented by frame on the basis of the limited drug treatment. An auxiliary inspection. For newly diagnosed patients with a headache check box should be selected subject to “A”, Some patients may choose to limit check box “B” of one or two. 2. For insubstantial or can not be ruled out intracranial vascular malformation and headache epilepsy patients should use restrictions check box “C” of 1 or 2.

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How The Right Work Chair Can Prevent Chronic Tension Headaches

Friday, April 4th, 2008

If you suffer from chronic tension headaches, back pain or neck pain, you’re probably aware that poor posture was at least partly responsible. However, did you know the way you sit may have had more to do with your pain than the way you stand? If you’re like most Americans, you spend much of your day seated. That’s because your work station is probably at a computer terminal, assembly line, or desk. Consider, too, that much of your time at home is also spent sitting - either watching T.V., surfing the Internet or reading. As a result, of the 16 hours or so you’re awake, you may well spend 12 or more of them sitting down. Doesn’t it make sense then, that you should concentrate as much on your sitting posture as you do your standing posture? And while standing properly - shoulders rolled back, head up, chest out - is important, the benefits of a good standing posture will be minimal if you slouch all day at your desk. You may be one of many unfortunate workers who are forced to slouch because your work chair won’t adjust to accommodate your body, or because you don’t have your chair adjusted properly.

THE DANGERS OF IMPROPER SITTING

Three things can happen when you habitually slouch for long periods every day. They’re all bad:

* stiffness and pain in your muscles, connective tissue and joints

* restricted breathing

* postural deformities

STIFFNESS AND PAIN

Problems related to inappropriate seating are cumulative. The first noticeable symptom is usually stiffness and pain in your low back, upper back or neck. These can lead to chronic tension headaches, back aches, and muscle spasms or a restriction of circulation in your legs. As a result of sitting slouched over all the time, other body segments begin to break down because when one part of the body is out of alignment, it’ll have an effect on the structures above and below it. For example, if you habitually sit slumped over you’re not only at risk for back and neck pain, but also for repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.

RESTRICTED BREATHING

When you’re sitting upright, you should have good tone in your lower abdominal muscles so your diaphragm is in its proper, raised position. This is important for optimal breathing. But when you slump in your seat, your lower abdominal muscles relax and your diaphragm lowers. This forces you to breath from the upper chest instead of from the diaphragm. As a result of decreased support from a relaxed lower abdominal wall, together with a lowering of your diaphragm, your abdominal organs are forced downward, which restricts your breathing.

POSTURAL DEFORMITIES

If you’re a woman, the resulting pressure in your pelvis from slouching all day for prolonged periods of time can be an overlooked cause of back, pelvic and menstrual pain. And - particularly if you’re a woman - you risk skeletal deformities if your poor seating posture is not corrected. Often, when people think of a “round-back” posture, they usually associate it with a post-menapausal woman who’s already had osteoporosis. However, many pre-menopausal women have rounded backs that are caused by the way they sit all day.

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU’RE SEATED PROPERLY

Here’s a checklist you can use that will help you determine if you’re sitting properly:

* your feet are firmly on the floor, or on a foot rest, slightly in front of you

* your seat is adjusted so that your thighs are parallel to the floor, with your knees at about 90 degrees and slightly lower than your hips

* your seat allows your weight to be borne primarily on the upper half of your thighs

* your knees are shoulder width apart or closer

* your chair seat isn’t too deep (you shouldn’t be sinking in your chair)

* you’re able to sit upright, maintaining the natural curves of your back

* your back is adequately supported

* your pelvis is neutral

* your rib cage is elevated

* you can draw a straight line down through your ear, shoulder, rib cage and pelvis (check this by sitting in front of a full-length mirror, or have a co-worker analyze your sitting posture)

ERGONOMIC TIPS FOR COMPUTER USERS

If you sit at a computer terminal all day, there are other factors you need to consider:

* you should be sitting directly in front of your keyboard and computer screen

* your monitor should be between 18 - 24 inches from your eyes, and you should have to look slightly down to see it

* you should use a work surface that allows your elbows to maintain about a 90 degree angle

* you should keep your shoulders relaxed; don’t slump forward

* you should relax your wrists and keep them in a neutral position; don’t flex them up or down

* while typing, keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows loose at your side

* take breaks

When doing extensive computer work, it’s important to take brief breaks to stretch and walk around every 30 minutes or so. Alternate between work activities that utilize different muscle groups. Make sure to give your eyes a periodic break, too. For example, blink frequently, close them momentarily and gaze at different objects.

THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHAIRS CASTER WHEELS

In most work environments, and in nearly all offices, chairs are mounted on caster wheels to allow you to move from task to task easily. These wheels are usually mounted on a five-point base.

STATIONARY BASE

In some industrial settings, a chair with a stationary base is more common because of safety issues. Such chairs are often found in laboratories because the floors tend to be hard and smooth, making caster wheel chairs risky. Stationary chairs are the norm in assembly lines because they’re more stable.

BENCH CHAIR

Bench chairs are often used in small parts assembly areas in manufacturing, as well as for other jobs that require manual dexterity. Bench chairs are higher than typical office chairs and usually offer footrests for stability and comfort.

SIT-TO-STAND CHAIRS

Sit-to-stand chairs are best if you move from a seated to a standing position often during your shift (if you work as a receptionist or assembly line worker, a sit-to-stand chair would be a good choice). These chairs usually don’t have a backrest. the seat is angled downward, allowing you to lean comfortably in a half-standing position.

OTHER FACTORS THAT AFFECT ERGONOMICS BACKRESTS

The backrest of your chair should stabilize your pelvis and elevate your rib cage by supporting your lower back. If it doesn’t support your lower back properly, then it will sink into the backrest. A backrest that’s too soft, inclined, and/or concave causes this to happen. These faults result in a backrest that supports the wrong areas, which reinforces slumping.

FOOTRESTS

If your work surface is too high to allow you to place your feet on the floor, then you need a footrest. The footrest should be large enough to allow you some movement during the day. It should also be adjustable to accommodate your height and leg length.

FIVE-POINT BASE

A five-point base offers you maximum stability and can usually be found with any type of chair.

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT WORK CHAIR FOR YOUR BODY TYPE

When shopping for a work chair, you must realize that one size doesn’t fit everyone. You must consider what you do at your chair all day, as well as take into account your physical size. Generally speaking, you want a chair that provides appropriate support to your back, legs, buttocks and arms. Here are the various components of a work chair and what to look for in them:

THE BASE You want a chair that has a five-pedistal (point) base, regardless of whether you need casters (wheels). If you choose a chair with less than five pedestals, you’re sacrificing stability and safety (chairs with four casters can tip over more easily). Make sure the base allows the chair to swivel easily.

ARMRESTS Keep in mind that armrests should only be used while reading or resting between typing sessions, NOT while actually typing or using your mouse. Depending on how you spend your time in the chair, you might not even need armrests. If you do get a chair with armrests, make sure they’re adjustable, broad, cushioned and comfortable. While seated, you should be able to independently adjust the height of the armrests and move them closer together or further apart.

THE SEAT PAN The part of the chair that you sit in (the seat pan) should allow even weight distribution and comfortable support. Pay attention to the width and depth of the seat pan - it should be wide enough to give you at least one inch of unused space on both sides of your thighs and hips. It should also be deep enough to support your thighs comfortably and not put pressure behind your knees (that’s bad for circulation). The seat pan should feel comfortable even after sitting for an hour or more. Insufficient cushioning and poor contouring can cause hip and back fatigue, so ensure that the padding is of high enough quality to resist becoming permanently deformed.

CHAIR HEIGHT You should buy a chair that allows you to adjust its height easily. The best chairs have a device that permits you to adjust the height of the seat pan while you’re seated (a chair with a spinning mechanical height adjustment mechanism is okay, too). Either way, make sure the adjusters are within easy reach while you’re seated - you shouldn’t have to get up to change the height of your chair. If more than one person will be using the chair, make sure the range of heights will accommodate all users. You should be able to adjust the height of the seat pan so that the fronts of your knees are level, or slightly below level, with your feet firmly on the ground or on a footrest.

LUMBAR SUPPORT A good lumbar support (the part of the chair that supports your lower back) is essential. Many chairs have cushioned lumbar supports that can be adjusted up and down and forward or backward. That’s what you want, as these supports will better fit your shape. The ability to adjust your chair is especially important if more than one person will use the chair. A fixed-height lumbar support might be okay if you’re the only user of the chair and it feels comfortable when you sit back against it. When sitting against the lumbar support, make sure there’s sufficient room for your hips and that you aren’t being forced so far forward in the chair that you lose thigh support.

BACK SUPPORT The back support should recline to allow you to sit back at more than 90 degrees. The best chairs allow your back to move and also track your back as you move back and forth. Try to avoid locking a back support in one position. Look for a support that’s sufficiently broad and doesn’t put pressure on the side of your back. The support should also be tall enough to provide good support to the middle of your back - at least up to your shoulder blades.

HEADREST
If you like to recline in your chair to read, talk on the phone or relax, look for a chair with a high back and good neck and head rest. PRICE Good chairs are coming down in price, but they can still be costly. You can get a good chair for between $300 and $500. (Remember this - you get what you pay for) While $300 to $500 (or more) may seem like a lot of money for a chair, if you’re among the millions of people who spend most of their workdays sitting, a high-quality, comfortable chair is a wise investment.

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Got a Headache? Know the Causes Behind

Thursday, April 3rd, 2008

Headaches can encompass many things because there are different kinds of headaches. For instance, you can have tension/stress related headaches, migraine, cluster and rebound headaches. However, not too many people are aware of this compartmentalization; hence remedies are not as effective.

While medics say that a headache which happens once in a blue moon does not warrant a visit to the doctor, but if they get more frequent, it becomes imperative. Sometimes it can signify some deep underlying disease so a routine check up is necessary if you keep getting headaches.

But you don’t have to go for an MRI or CT scan the minute you have headache. Do it only when specified by your doctor. To identify the kind of headache you have, you have to first understand in which area of the head the ache occurs, what is the frequency and what are the pre and post symptoms?

Tension - Stress headaches

High pressure lifestyles with demanding jobs and the desire to achieve all in a short while are the biggest culprits. While most young people who are balancing the demands of career and home have the largest frequency of tension headaches, these days even school students suffer from them prior to their exams.

It’s also called Muscular contraction headache where because you are tense and stressed out, your eye and neck muscles are taut and stretched out, causing you pain in the process.

Certain other factors can also precipitate such headaches, such as infrequent sleep pattern and erratic eating habits, coupled with emotional and physical stress. Usually, this happens mostly at the beginning of the day or at the end when muscles go into spasms after over use.

Migraine

What was thought to be once a specialized condition, is today affecting every one in ten individuals. Migraine is also by and large precipitated by stress.

Though not everyone may have acute migraine, some may have to suffer much more. It’s important to know whether you’re actually suffering from migraine. Any headache that is accompanied by nausea is not migraine.

Mostly it is an ache on one side of the head. Sometimes it may change sides and there are times when it’s accompanied by flashes of light. Also you have vomiting and nausea. There’s also throbbing in the skull and the temples. And when it interferes with your day to day affairs, it requires investigation and medication.

Cluster and Rebound

Also called the Histamine headache, cluster headache is accompanied by one attack after another and can last several days, weeks or months and then disappear completely for some time. Though it’s not very common and the causes are yet unknown, it occurs more in men than women. There’s pain in the eye, redness and laceration in this kind of headache. And while you may think that popping a painkiller is all there is to any headache you may get, that’s not always the case.

There’s also something called the Rebound Headache which is accelerated by taking painkillers. Don’t pop an aspirin, say experts.

Food induced

Sometimes you may get headache for some other reason than the types mentioned. It could be something as simple as going on a drinking binge the nigh before, or eating chocolates or cheese, banana, ice cream or even chewing tobacco and drinking coffee. That’s because some foods, like these contain serotonin which triggers headaches.

And if you’re susceptible to headaches, avoid these foods. Also if you have high blood pressure, it can cause a throbbing pain in the head sometimes.

And the three things that you must remember when that pain strikes you are: take a safe painkiller, take a break from your work and do some yoga and meditation when you get the chance. It helps.

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Tame Tension Headaches

Thursday, April 3rd, 2008

Tension headaches are often triggered by stress or anxiety, causing pain and muscle tension in the head and neck.

Here are suggestions to help keep tension headaches at bay, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Help control stress and anxiety with exercise, meditation, yoga or other stress-relieving methods.
* Get plenty of sleep each night.
* If you have muscle soreness in the upper back, neck or head, gently massage the muscles in these areas.
* Know what causes headaches for you, and try to prevent the condition. For example, if cold temperatures tend to cause your headaches, try to keep warm.
* Try sleeping with a different pillow, or sleeping in a different position.
* Maintain good posture. Exercise the neck and shoulders often, especially when typing, reading or working at a computer.

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Headaches

Friday, March 7th, 2008

Tips To Help Relieve The Pain

Tension Headaches.

About 90% of all headaches are classified as muscle contraction, more commonly known as tension headaches . These are the headaches most of us blame on work, bills and arguments.

The pain is typically all over the head. You may feel a dull ache or sense of tightness, and it mostly feels like a tight steel band is wrapped around your head. Not everyone under stress gets headaches, but millions of people get them time and time again. For them headaches are a cronic problem.

Migraines.

Migraines have an even uglier reputation than tension headaches. Migraines are part of the vascular headache family and most often strike women. About 70% of migraine sufferes are female.Migraines can be crippling, so much so that migraine sufferers lose millions of workdays each year.

Usually migraines bring severe, throbbing pain to either one side, or both sides of the head. This is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and dizziness. It can even cause blurred vision, and numbness in the limbs.

Trying To Prevent Them.

I myself have suffered for years with tension headaches, so now I try to head them off before they start. Here s a few tips :-

Medication - Take It Now.

As soon as I feel a tension headache coming on, I take a small dose of medication. It s no use using just a pain killer, you need something that will relax your muscles as well. After all, it s the tight muscles which are causing the pain in the first place, so it makes sense to relax them. If you know what kind of headache you have, your local pharmacy will be able to advise you on the right medication.

Exercise.

Exercise and has helped me a great deal. Exercise helps you to release stress, so regular exercise and stretching will be real of real benefit. If however you ve got a severe headache, don t exercise, relaxation is what you need.

Sleep.

Many people sleep a headache off, but too much sleep can actually cause a headache, so don t overdo it. I little nap should be all you need to get rid of a headache.

Peace And Quiet.

Excessive noise is a common trigger for tension headaches, so try to find a quiet place where you can sit and relax. Practice some deep breathing exercises at least three or four times a day, you ll feel better for it.

Protect Your Eyes.

Bright light can cause a headache. Whether it s from the sun, television, or a computer screen, it lead to eye-strain which can then lead to a headache. So protect your eyes whenever possible, and cut down on screen watching if you can.

Watch Your Caffeine Intake.

If you re a heavy coffee or tea drinker, then try to cut down, the general opinion is that caffeine can be a cause of headaches with certain people.

Don t Chew Gum.

The repetitive chewing motion can tighten muscles in the head especially around the jaw and bring on a tension headache.

Cut Down The Salt

A high intake of salt can trigger migraines in some people.

Foods To Avoid.

Food effects everyone differently. Here s some foods that can cause headaches for some :-
Hot dog & mustard - Contains nitrates which dilates blood vessels, this can lead to head pain.
Chocolate - Contains tyramine, a chief suspect in causing headaches.
Nuts & Cheese - These also contain tyramine.

Drinking & Smoking.

We all know the problems we get with these two, don t we ? If you can t stop either, then cut down. Not only will your health improve, you ll save a lot of lovely cash as well.

Have A Sense Of Humour.

We all take life too seriously, and we put ourselves under a lot of unecessary pressure. The stresses of modern life will take it s toll eventually, so lighten up and have some fun before you finish up a wreck !

As a cronic headache sufferer myself, I ve finally been able to change my life style and keep my headaches under control. Believe me, I ve had my fair share of problems.

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Headache Types

Thursday, March 6th, 2008

Knowing that you need to better realize this topic I recommend that you take Five minutes to read what we have to say. There are a number of usually known headache types. These include migraine headaches, tension headaches, chronic daily headaches, cluster headaches, ice pick headaches and sinister headaches. A migraine headache is a severe headache. This headache has been found to have a profound impact on the every day lives of the sufferers. The pain can be a pulsating sense or sometimes a throb head pain. This throbbing pain can be moderate to severe. The symptoms of migraine headaches include nausea, extreme sensitivity to light and sound. With migraine headache types there is an early warning sense called an aura.This aura can be vision changes, you may see bright flashes, zigzags and sometimes you may even lose part of your vision. You may even experience numbness or tingling in your arms. These warning symptoms will fade a few days before the migraine attacks begin. A migraine headache can last for about Three days without any medicine before it subsides.Tension headache types cause a dull and constant hurting around the forehead region, the sides or back of the head. Some people liken a tension headache to a tight band or so the head. This is considered to be one of the most common types of headache. In a stress trouble you will not find symptoms like light sensitivity, Nausea or even vomiting.Stress headaches can occur as occasional or chronic. More often than not most sufferers of tension headache types experience chronic headaches most of the time. It is estimated that about 40% of people endure from tension headaches. Habitual every day headaches are so far another of the headache types.Most of the time chronic day-to-day headaches are tautness headaches or headaches that are caused by too much pain medication. In this headache type the hurt is a constant, dim pain. There is also a feeling or tightness like a rubber band around the head. A chronic day-to-day worry can be diagnosed by its outstrip of time. That is the hurting must last for 15 continuous days per month during a Three month time period.Another of the headache types is that of Cluster headaches. This is a uncommon but very painful type of headache. The name of the headache occurs from the fact that the headache pain happens in clusters. Frequent periods of Cluster headaches may last weeks or months. This time period is followed by long periods headache-free time.Cluster headaches are found on one side of the head. Ordinarily the sharp, sharp pain begins behind an eye. Cluster headache types cause red, teary eyes, a stuffy nose. Sometimes symptoms like sickness and sensitiveness to light may occur.These are just a few of the many headaches that can be experienced. The painfulness from the headache types can be mild or they can be excruciating in their severity. To find relief from these headache types you can talk with your doctor about treatment or you can buy some over the counter headache pain medication.

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Does Your Exercise Give You a Headache?

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008

A comment by a reader over the weekend reminded me of a topic that is little understood but comes up with surprising frequency: exertional or exercise-induced headache (EIH).

I previously blogged about EIH here but here’s the skinny on it: EIHs occur due to either increased pressure in the venous sinuses around your brain, excessive tension in your head and neck muscles, or a combination of both (it is possible that another mechanism may be at work, but those are the best explanations for exertional headaches as of rigth now).  Before you get images of blood spurting out of your ears and worry about sustaining a stroke while performing an overhead press, don’t worry.  Most EIHs are mild and transient - they cause some degree of pain acutely, and tend to leave a dull ache/pressure for a day or two afterwards, but as far as I know most cases aren’t causing any long-term damage.

What is problematic is that if the trainee doesn’t resolve the form issues that cause EIH, they may give up on strength training (or intense exercise, as any activity requiring high level of effort can result in EIH) altogether.

There are three main causes of EIH (as far as strength training is concerned), and the first is overwhelmingly the biggest factor:

1. Valsalva:

Valsalva is simply extertion against a closed glottis, i.e., holding your breath and bearing down (think #2 in the bathroom).   It’s not hard to imagine how bearing down in this manner causes blood pressure to increase, which in turn causes the pressure in the sensitive venous sinuses to increase…

The easiest “cure” for EIH is to overbreathe while lifting.  I’ll often instruct clients to hyperventilate while performing a set; that during their most intense efforts, their breathing should resemble Lamaze.  This helps by preventing blood pressure increase during a set, since trainees are unable to sustain pressure inside their abdominal cavity if they’re constantly taking breaths.  Some clients argue that it feels silly or that they feel a little light-headed afterwards, to which I normally respond, “It’s better to be a little light-headed than to have a headache.”

No, this isn’t the best method for attaining one-rep maxes, but if you’re getting EIHs then you’re not ready to try maxing out anyway.

2. Excessive neck tension:

Hand in hand with breath-holding is scrunching up the face and excessively tightening the muscles of the neck.  This creates tension in the neck and head muscles, which can contribute to a headache.  While breathing in the above manner (see #1) helps to ameliorate this somewhat, consciously relaxing the face and neck areas helps as well.

3. Incorrect posture:

Whenever possible, the spine should be kept in anatomical neutral, which is a fancy way of saying that the natural curves of the spine should be maintained and the head should be kept forward.  There’s a strong tendency (for novices, at least) to whip the head around when giving your best efforts on an exercise.  This kind of behavior should be kept to a minimum, since the more stable your torso (read: spine) is, the easier it’ll be for you to lift a weight with max effort.  A good rule of thumb is to imagine yourself holding an extra large egg underneath your chin; think of neither dropping the egg nor cracking its shell.

Most trainers have never heard of EIH but I can bet you they’re worked with someone that had one.  It’s important to note that while they’re uncomfortable, EIH are not life-threatening and highly preventable.  If you or someone you know gets these kinds of headaches, you now know how to deal with them.

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The Headaches of Life

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches

1. What Types of Headaches Are There?

There are several types of headaches - 150 diagnostic headache categories have been established!

Below is a list of the most common types of headaches.

Tension headaches: Also called chronic daily headaches or chronic non-progressive headaches, tension headaches are the most common type of headaches among adults and adolescents. These muscle contraction headaches cause mild to moderate pain and come and go over a prolonged period of time.

Migraines: The exact causes of migraines are unknown, although they are related to blood vessel contractions and other changes in the brain as well as inherited abnormalities in certain areas of the brain. Migraine pain is moderate to severe, often described as pounding, throbbing pain. They can last from 4 hours to 3 days and usually occur 1 to 4 times per month. Migraines are associated with symptoms such as light sensitivity; noise or odors; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and stomach upset or abdominal pain. When a child is having a migraine they often look pale, feel dizzy, have blurred vision, fever, stomach upset, in addition to having the above listed symptoms.

A small percentage of pediatric migraines include recurrent (cyclic) gastrointestinal symptoms, in which vomiting is most common. Cyclic vomiting means that the symptoms occur on a regular basis — about once a month. These types of migraines are sometimes called abdominal migraines.

Mixed headache syndrome: Also called transformed migraines, this is a combination of migraine and tension headaches. Both adults and children experience this type of headache.

Cluster headaches: The least common, although the most severe, type of primary headache, the pain of a cluster headache is intense and may be described as having a burning or piercing quality that is throbbing or constant. The pain is so severe that most cluster headache sufferers cannot sit still and will often pace during an attack. The pain is located behind one eye or in the eye region, without changing sides. The term “cluster headache” refers to headaches that have a characteristic grouping of attacks. Cluster headaches occur one to three times per day during a cluster period, which may last 2 weeks to 3 months. The headaches may disappear completely (go into “remission”) for months or years, only to recur.

Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movement or straining and usually occurs with other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, and facial swelling.

Acute headaches: Seen in children, these are headaches that occur suddenly and for the first time and have symptoms that subside after a relatively short period of time. Acute headaches most commonly result in a visit to the pediatrician’s office and/or the emergency room. If there are no neurological signs or symptoms, the most common cause for acute headaches in children and adolescents is a respiratory or sinus infection.

Hormone headaches: Headaches in women are often associated with changing hormone levels that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Chemically induced hormone changes, such as with birth control pills, also trigger headaches in some women.

Chronic progressive headaches: Also called traction or inflammatory headaches, chronic progressive headaches get worse and happen more often over time. These are the least common type of headache, accounting for less than 5% of all headaches in adults and less than 2% of all headaches in kids. Chronic progressive headaches may be the result of an illness or disorder of the brain or skull.

2. Are Headaches Hereditary?

Yes, headaches, especially migraines, have a tendency to run in families. Most children and adolescents (90%) who have migraines have other family members with migraines. When both parents have a history of migraines, there is a 70% chance that the child will also develop migraines. If only one parent has a history of migraines, the risk drops to 25%-50%.

3. What Causes Headaches?

Headache pain results from signals interacting between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. During a headache, specific nerves of the blood vessels and head muscles are activated and send pain signals to the brain. It’s not clear, however, why these signals are activated in the first place.

There is a migraine “pain center” or generator in the mid-brain area. A migraine begins when hyperactive nerve cells send out impulses to the blood vessels, causing constriction, followed by the dilation of these vessels and the release of prostaglandins, serotonin, and other inflammatory substances that cause the pulsation to be painful. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical essential for certain body processes.

Headaches that occur suddenly (acute-onset) are usually due to an illness, infection, cold or fever. Other conditions that can cause an acute headache include sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), pharyngitis (inflammation or infection of the throat) or otitis (ear infection or inflammation).

In some cases, the headaches may be the result of a blow to the head (trauma) or rarely a sign of a more serious medical condition.

Common causes of tension headaches or chronic nonprogressive headaches include emotional stress related to family and friends, work or school; alcohol use; skipping meals; changes in sleep patterns; excessive medication use; tension and depression. Other causes of tension headaches include eyestrain and neck or back strain due to poor posture.

Headaches can also be triggered by specific environmental factors that are shared in a family’s household, such as exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke strong odors from household chemicals or perfumes, exposure to certain allergens or eating certain foods. Stress, pollution, noise, lighting and weather changes are other environmental factors that can trigger headaches for some people.

Too much physical activity can also trigger a migraine in both adults and children.

Be sure to consult a doctor to find out what is causing your headaches.

4. How Are Headaches Evaluated and Diagnosed?

The good news for headache sufferers is that once a correct headache diagnosis is made, an effective treatment plan can be started.

If you have headache symptoms, the first step is to go to your family doctor. He or she will perform a complete physical examination and a headache evaluation. During the headache evaluation, your headache history and description of the headaches will be evaluated. You will be asked to describe your headache symptoms and characteristics as completely as possible.

A headache evaluation may include a CT scan or MRI if a structural disorder of the central nervous system is suspected. Both of these tests produce cross-sectional images of the brain that can reveal abnormal areas or problems. Skull X-rays are not helpful. An EEG (electroencephalogram) is also unnecessary unless you have experienced a loss of consciousness with a headache. Sinus X-Ray - although the CT scan and MRI provide more details, your doctor may use this test if your symptoms seem to indicate sinus problems. Eye Exam - an eye pressure test performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) will rule out glaucoma or pressure on the optic nerve as causes of headaches. Spinal Tap - a spinal tap is the removal of spinal fluid from the spinal canal (located in the back). This procedure is performed to look for conditions such as infections of the brain or spinal cord. The test can itself cause a temporary headache. Blood Chemistry and Urinalysis. These tests may determine many medical conditions, including diabetes, thyroid problems, and infections, which can cause headaches.

If your headache symptoms become worse or become more frequent despite treatment, ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist. Your family doctor should be able to provide the names of headache specialists. If you need more information, contact one of the organizations in the resource list for a list of member doctors in your state.

5. How Are Headaches Treated?

Your doctor may recommend different types of treatment to try or he or she may recommend further testing, or refer you to a headache specialist. You should establish a reasonable time frame with your family doctor to evaluate your headache symptoms.

The proper treatment will depend on several factors, including the type and frequency of the headache and its cause. Not all headaches require medical attention. Treatment may include education, counseling, stress management, biofeedback and medications. The treatment prescribed for you will be tailored to meet your specific needs.

6. What Medications Can Treat Headaches?

* Aspirin
* Sinus relief medications
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Aleve)
* Sedatives for sleep
* Codeine and prescription narcotics
* Over-the-counter combination headache remedies containing caffeine (such as Anacin, Excedrin, Bayer Select)
* Ergotamine preparations (such as Cafergot, Migergot, Ergomar, Bellergal-S, Bel-Phen-Ergot S, Phenerbel-S, Ercaf, Wigraine and Cafatine PB)
* Butalbital combination pain-relievers (Goody’s Headache Powder, Supac, Excedrin)

7. What Are Rebound Headaches?

While small amounts of these medications per week may be safe (and effective) — at some point, the continued medication use can lead to the development of low grade headaches that just will not go away.

8. What Food Triggers Headaches?

Some of the most common food, beverages, and additives associated with headaches include:

* Aged cheese, red wine, alcoholic beverages, and some processed meats.
* Food preservatives (or additives) contained in certain foods can trigger headaches. The additives, nitrates and nitrites, dilate blood vessels, causing headaches in some people.
* Cold foods: Cold food, like ice cream, can cause headaches in some people. It’s more likely to occur if you are over-heated from exercise or hot temperatures. Pain, which is felt in the forehead, peaks 25 to 60 seconds and lasts from several seconds to one or two minutes. More than 90% of migraine sufferers report sensitivity to ice cream and cold substances.

9. Is Caffeine a Headache Treatment or a Headache Trigger?

Caffeine can be both beneficial and harmful for a headache sufferer. Caffeine is a common ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter headache medications. Caffeine additives make pain-relievers 40% more effective in treating headaches. Caffeine also helps the body absorb headache medications more quickly, bringing faster relief.

While caffeine-containing medications can be beneficial, these medications, combined with consuming too much caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks or chocolate) from other sources, may make you more vulnerable to getting rebound headaches.

10. What Are Abortive Medications?

Abortive medications, when used at the first sign of a migraine, can stop the process that causes the headache pain. By stopping the headache process, abortive medications help prevent the symptoms of migraines including pain, nausea, and sound and light sensitivity. Some medications should not be used during a migraine aura; please follow the instructions of your doctor.

11. Do Children Outgrow Headaches?

Headaches may get better as your child gets older. The headaches may disappear and then return later in life. By junior high school, many boys who have migraines outgrow them, but in girls, migraine frequency increases because of hormone changes. Migraines are three times more likely to occur in adolescent girls than in boys.

12. Can Headaches Be Prevented?

Headaches can cause untold pain and suffering. But, you don’t have to resign yourself to be a headache sufferer. There are steps you can take to prevent headaches. Here are just a few ways to keep headaches at bay.

o Follow your treatment plan. Avoid taking medications that have not been ordered by your doctor.
o Reduce emotional stress. Take time to relax and take time away from stressful situations. Learn relaxation skills, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
o Reduce physical stress. Proper rest and sleep will allow you to deeply relax so you can face the stressors of the new day. When sitting for prolonged periods, get up and stretch periodically. Relax your jaw, neck and shoulders.
o Exercise regularly. Get at least 20 minutes of exercise three times a week. But, don’t over do it!
o Keep a regular routine. Eat meals and snacks at about the same times every day, and get enough sleep at night.
o Quit smoking. Smoking can trigger headaches and make any headache, especially cluster headaches, worse. Ask your doctor for information about smoking cessation programs in your community.
o Seek help when you are unable to cope. Talk to a friend, family member, religious or health care professional if your problems are getting to you.
o Know your headache triggers. Keep a headache diary to keep track of what triggers your headaches and avoid these triggers in the future.
o Preventive therapy. Women who often get headaches around their menstrual period can take preventive therapy when they know their period is coming.

Additional information about migranes and headaches

Are Migraines Hereditary?

Yes, migraines have a tendency to run in families. Four out of 5 migraine sufferers have a family history of migraines. If one parent has a history of migraines, the child has a 50% chance of developing migraines, and if both parents have a history of migraines, the risk jumps to 75%.

Can Migraines Be Prevented?

* Yes. You can reduce the frequency of your migraine attacks by identifying and then avoiding migraine triggers. You can keep track of your headache patterns and identify headache triggers by using a headache diary.
* Recalling what you ate prior to an attack may help you identify chemical triggers.
* Stress management and coping techniques, along with relaxation training, can help prevent or reduce the severity of the migraine attacks.
* Women who often get migraines around their menstrual period can take preventive therapy when they know their period is coming.
* Migraine sufferers seem to have fewer attacks when they eat on a regular schedule and get adequate rest.
* Regular exercise — in moderation — can also help prevent migraines.

Can Allergies Cause Headaches?

It is a misconception that allergies cause headaches. However, allergies can cause sinus congestion, which can lead to headache pain. If you have allergies, the treatment for your allergy will not relieve your headache pain. The two conditions generally must be treated separately. See your doctor to ensure proper treatment.

What Are Some Techniques I Can Use to Relax?

Below are a few relaxation exercises. But first, be sure that you have a quiet location that is free of distractions, a comfortable body position, and a good state of mind. Try to block out worries and distracting thoughts.

o Rhythmic breathing: If your breathing is short and hurried, slow it down by taking long, slow breaths. Inhale slowly then exhale slowly. Count slowly to five as you inhale, and then count slowly to five as you exhale. As you exhale slowly, pay attention to how your body naturally relaxes. Recognizing this change will help you to relax even more.
o Deep breathing: Imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe into that spot, filling your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, then let it out, like deflating a balloon. With every long, slow exhalation, you should feel more relaxed.
o Visualized breathing: Find a comfortable place where you can close your eyes, and combine slowed breathing with your imagination. Picture relaxation entering your body and tension leaving your body. Breathe deeply, but in a natural rhythm. Visualize your breath coming into your nostrils, going into your lungs and expanding your chest and abdomen. Then, visualize your breath going out the same way. Continue breathing, but each time you inhale, imagine that you are breathing in more relaxation. Each time you exhale imagine that you are getting rid of a little more tension.
o Progressive muscle relaxation: Switch your thoughts to yourself and your breathing. Take a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly. Mentally scan your body. Notice areas that feel tense or cramped. Quickly loosen up these areas. Let go of as much tension as you can. Rotate your head in a smooth, circular motion once or twice. (Stop any movements that cause pain!) Roll your shoulders forward and backward several times. Let all of your muscles completely relax. Recall a pleasant thought for a few seconds. Take another deep breath and exhale slowly. You should feel relaxed.
o Relaxing to music: Combine relaxation exercises with your favorite music in the background. Select the type of music that lifts your mood or that you find soothing or calming. Some people find it easier to relax while listening to specially designed relaxation audio tapes, which provide music and relaxation instructions.
o Mental imagery relaxation: Mental imagery relaxation, or guided imagery, is a proven form of focused relaxation that helps create harmony between the mind and body. Guided imagery coaches you in creating calm, peaceful images in your mind — a “mental escape.” Identify your self-talk, that is, what you are saying to yourself about what is going on with your illness. It is important to identify negative self-talk and develop healthy, positive self-talk. By making affirmations, you can counteract negative thoughts and emotions. Here are some positive statements you can practice.
o Let go of things I cannot control.
o I am healthy, vital, and strong.
o There is nothing in the world I cannot handle.
o All my needs are met.
o I am completely and utterly safe.
o Every day in every way I am getting stronger

In order to receive proper treatment, a correct diagnosis of your headaches must be made. To properly diagnose the cause(s) of the headaches, your doctor will first take a headache history.

Headache History

The most important part of your doctor’s evaluation of your headaches is what’s called the headache history. It is important to describe your headache symptoms and characteristics as completely as possible. Your headaches can be better diagnosed if you tell your doctor:

· How old you were when the headaches started
· How long you have been experiencing them
· If you experience a single type of headache or multiple types of headaches
· How often the headaches occur
· What causes the headaches, if known (for example, do certain situations, foods or medications trigger the headaches?)
· Who else in your family has headaches
· What symptoms, if any, occur between headaches
· If your school or work performance has been affected by the headaches

It is also important to tell your doctor how you feel when you get a headache and what happens when you get a headache, such as:

· Where the pain is located
· What it feels like
· How severe the headache pain is, using a scale from 1 (mild) to 10 (severe)
· How long the headache lasts
· If the headaches appear suddenly without warning or with accompanying symptoms
· What time of day the headache usually occurs
· If there is an aura (changes in vision, blind spots or bright lights) before the headache
· What other symptoms or warning signs occur with a headache (such as weakness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, appetite changes, changes in attitude or behavior)
· How frequent you get headaches

You should also tell your doctor if you’ve been treated in the past for headaches and what medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) you have taken in the past and what medications are currently being taken. Don’t hesitate to list them, bring the bottles, or ask your pharmacist for a printout.

Studies performed by other doctors who may have evaluated your headaches in the past, including X-rays and other imaging tests are also very important — you should bring these to your appointment as well. This may save time and repetition of tests.

Physical and Neurological Examinations

After completing the headache history portion of the evaluation, the doctor will perform a complete physical and neurological examination. The doctor will look for signs and symptoms of an illness that may be causing the headaches, such as:

· Fever or abnormalities in breathing, pulse, or blood pressure
· Infection
· Nausea, vomiting
· Changes in personality, inappropriate behavior
· Mental confusion
· Seizures
· Loss of consciousness
· Excessive fatigue, wanting to sleep all of the time
· High blood pressure
· Muscle weakness, numbness or tingling
· Speech difficulties
· Balance problems, falling
· Dizziness
· Vision changes (blurry vision, double vision, blind spots)

Neurological tests focus on ruling out diseases of the brain or nerves that may also cause headaches, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. Some of the tests may also look for a physical or structural abnormality in the brain that may cause your headache, such as:

· Tumor
· Abscess (an infection of the brain)
· Hemorrhage (bleeding within the brain)
· Bacterial or viral meningitis (an infection or inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord)
· Pseudotumor cerebri (increased intracranial pressure)
· Hydrocephalus (abnormal build-up of fluid in the brain)
· Infection of the brain such as meningitis or Lyme disease
· Encephalitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain)
· Blood clots
· Head trauma
· Sinus blockage or disease
· Blood vessel abnormalities
· Injuries
· Aneurysm (an outpouching of the wall of a blood vessel that can leak or rupture)

Psychological Evaluation

An interview with a psychologist is not a routine part of a headache evaluation, but may be done to identify stress factors triggering your headaches. You may be asked to complete a computerized questionnaire to provide more in-depth information to the doctor.

After evaluating the results of the headache history, physical examination, neurological, and psychological examination, your doctor should be able to determine the type of headache you have, whether a serious problem is present, and whether additional tests are needed. Possible additional tests you may be given include diagnostic tests.

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