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Q. What are some ways to relieve headaches and what would cause them?

Headache is a frequent symptom which can be debilitating, but is rarely life threatening. Headaches can be a primary symptom or associated with other conditions. The two most common types of headaches are tension headache (TH) and Migraine Headache (MH). TH is caused muscle contractions in the neck, scalp, face, and jaw. Often TH is aggravated by stress. Usually, the pain is a dull ache on both sides of the head and often is described "like a band around the head". Tension headaches usually respond to stress reduction, resting/relaxation techniques, stretching or exercising, massage, and warm or cold compresses.

Over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful. Migraine headaches usually are moderate to severe in nature. Most often, the pain is on one side of the head and is throbbing in nature. It usually accompanied by fatigue, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and light/sound sensitivity. The exact cause is not known, but stress can increase episodes. They tend to run in families. Migraines usually start occurring before the age of 20 and are recurrent in nature. If you have no history of migraine you should be evaluated by a health care provider. Over-the-counter Ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be helpful for migraine headaches. Prescription medications are often alone or in combination to alleviate the symptoms of migraine. Over use of analgesics can cause symptoms to worsen instead of improve. This is called rebound headache.

You should be evaluated by a medical practitioner for any of the following:

  1. If you have a new onset of headache that is different than your other headaches
  2. You are having the "worst headache of your life"
  3. Other symptoms are associated with your headache
  4. Headaches recur or get worse despite treatment
  5. If you are not sure what to do.