Headache categories-yes, there are categories for headaches as set out by the medical community. First, the primary headache is something that tortures everyone at some point in their lives. It is by no means life-threatening, and is definitely the most common type of headache. And no, it does not indicate any sort of problem neurologically. So, if you have a common headache, don't worry, you are not having a stroke.
Then there is the next category-cluster headaches. Far more painful, they happen in a much tinier part of the populace. They show up as a random group of attacks, then suddenly show up in a "cluster" group-and it can happen years apart. Next are the secondary headaches. Usually a sign of something more dangerous, secondary headaches are actually considered a symptom of a deeper issue neurologically-chemical imbalance, internal bleeding or tumor growth. Secondary and cluster headaches are far less common than primary headaches.
Into the primary headache category falls the common stress headache-something that we are all well aware of, and know of well. The stress headache, though a pain, can be an obstacle enjoying anything in one's daily routine, for some people. These situations must be settled, as should any other medical issue-it is important. There are muscles around the skull, and it is thought that stress headaches are caused by the contraction, or the sudden pulling, of these muscles surrounding it. This pressure makes for a truly nasty and excruciating sensation. There is no neurological issue that is causing the problem, just a rigidity around the skull.
Have you ever felt like you have had a band being tightened right above your eyes? That is the muscles around the skull, and that is the beginning of a stress headache. Right at that time would be the best time to take some Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin or other NSAID. Try to find out what the cause of your stress headache is, in order to prevent it. If life circumstances are causing you major problems or grief in some way, then it is probably certain that they are also the source of your stress headaches.
Learning to use stress management is a huge way to decrease stress headaches. Practice yoga/deep breathing, or even drinking herbal teas can help on occasion. Make a concerted effort to try to change whatever it was that triggered the stress headache, or manage that particular thing better if possible, and your stress headaches may decrease. However, visit a doctor if pain keeps on chronically.
Then there is the next category-cluster headaches. Far more painful, they happen in a much tinier part of the populace. They show up as a random group of attacks, then suddenly show up in a "cluster" group-and it can happen years apart. Next are the secondary headaches. Usually a sign of something more dangerous, secondary headaches are actually considered a symptom of a deeper issue neurologically-chemical imbalance, internal bleeding or tumor growth. Secondary and cluster headaches are far less common than primary headaches.
Into the primary headache category falls the common stress headache-something that we are all well aware of, and know of well. The stress headache, though a pain, can be an obstacle enjoying anything in one's daily routine, for some people. These situations must be settled, as should any other medical issue-it is important. There are muscles around the skull, and it is thought that stress headaches are caused by the contraction, or the sudden pulling, of these muscles surrounding it. This pressure makes for a truly nasty and excruciating sensation. There is no neurological issue that is causing the problem, just a rigidity around the skull.
Have you ever felt like you have had a band being tightened right above your eyes? That is the muscles around the skull, and that is the beginning of a stress headache. Right at that time would be the best time to take some Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin or other NSAID. Try to find out what the cause of your stress headache is, in order to prevent it. If life circumstances are causing you major problems or grief in some way, then it is probably certain that they are also the source of your stress headaches.
Learning to use stress management is a huge way to decrease stress headaches. Practice yoga/deep breathing, or even drinking herbal teas can help on occasion. Make a concerted effort to try to change whatever it was that triggered the stress headache, or manage that particular thing better if possible, and your stress headaches may decrease. However, visit a doctor if pain keeps on chronically.
