Check out relieve headache for an updated version of frequent headaches causes and more advice about headache types.
Frequent headaches can be a debilitating problem, detracting significantly from quality of life. The medical community breaks headaches into a system of categories, with primary headaches making up the majority of cases. Cluster and secondary headaches are far rarer, but can present the patient with severe pain and more serious neurological issues. Although never life threatening, primary headaches can still cause a serious level of discomfort, infringing on quality of life in many cases. Frequent headaches, even milder primary headaches, can have a serious effect on enjoyment of daily life.
How can frequent headaches be prevented? That depends on the root cause at play. Primary headaches are sometimes a result of physical or emotional stress in the patient, and can become frequent if the cirumstances responsible are a regular part of life. Tension headaches are brought about when the patient undergoes significant emotional or physical stress. This kind of stress causes contraction in the muscles of the cranial area, resulting in pain from the pressure. This can be difficult to prevent and treat. Over the counter medications usually work well to alleviate some of the issue.
Prevention is more about circumventing the kind of situations that prompt serious physical and emotional stress. This kind of stress results directly in the contraction that is known to cause headache, subsequently causing sometimes serious headaches. Frequent headaches can be a sign that life adjustments need to be made. If emotional stress is thought to be behind the frequent headaches, consider visiting a doctor about this stress, or taking steps in personal life to reduce the stress.
Frequent headaches that strike at random can be a sign of a more serious secondary problem. In these situations, a structural or chemical problem in the brain is to blame for the pain. This can signify a serious issue, such as a tumor growing in the brain. Although this is rarely the cause, frequent headaches should be cause for a visit with the doctor.
Over the counter medications are typically all that is needed to treat a primary headache. Aleve and ibuprofen work equally well to treat primary headaches. In more serious cases, therapeutic steps such as biofeedback may be needed in order to overcome the pain associated with frequent headaches. If none of these measures provide a remedy for the pain, consider seeing a specialist about the pain.
Go to relieve headache to read an updated version about chronic tension headaches and more info about headache types.
Chronic tension headaches are a serious ailment that can detract from enjoyment of daily life. Daily activities are subject to interruption by painful episodes that can occur any time. Chronic tension headaches can easily lead to depression and a general pain crisis. It is important that chronic tension headaches receive prompt attention and medical care. Fortunately, the medical community has a great deal of experience with the phenomenon of headache, and has several avenues of treatment available for sufferers. In fact, headaches are actually divided into three individual categories.
The majority of headaches suffered can fit into the primary category. A primary headache is frequently brought on by emotional or physical stress, and is the most common form of headache by far. Primary headaches are almost never life threatening, but they can bring serious pain with them. This pain can impair enjoyment of daily activities, making even basic functioning difficult. Although the actual causes of chronic tension headache are still unknown, it is widely held that the symptoms are brought on by a tightening of the muscles that surround the base of the skull. This tightening comes on as a sensation of tightness at first in the patient’s cranial area.
Cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far less frequent basis, but are much more serious. To treat this kind of headache, the attention of a specialist is most likely required. Cluster headaches are easily identifiable by the amount of pain they cause. Patients frequently describe cluster headaches as like having an icepick driven into the eye. Treatment includes powerful sedatives and pain medications. Secondary headaches can be a sign of deeper neurological issues.
Chronic tension headaches should be treated with an eye toward stress management. Physical and emotional stress are both known to trigger chronic tension headache. Circumstances that trigger significant emotional stress can prompt the occurence of chronic tension headaches. Prolonged physical stress can also be tied directly to chronic tension headaches. Steps to manage both kinds of stress are necessary to bring the problem under control. If these steps do not succeed, then further treatment with more powerful pain medications may be necessary. Chronic tension headaches that do not abate should be a signal to see a doctor.
Maybe you already know that there are numerous advantages to a stretching routine for your muscles. But did you know that there are actually two different kinds of stretches? These motions are commonly called static or dynamic stretches.
Dynamic stretching routines are most beneficial just before engaging in heavy cardiovascular exercise. This might include a workout at the fitness club, participating in a team sport, or taking a dance class. Dynamic stretches incorporate muscle movement into the routine. A static stretch involves holding a position for at least 10 seconds before you relax the muscle.
Each of these stretching techniques has its pros and cons. Static stretches particularly seem to cause controversy among fitness experts. Although stretching routines have been practiced for countless years, there is still some disagreement with regard to the benefits of each particular style.
Static Stretches
Static stretches are most often performed prior to an extended period of physical activity such as strength training or a cardiovascular workout. The benefits of static stretches for your muscles are impressive. Among these is improved blood flow. Better blood circulation leads to a better delivery of oxygen to your muscles and organs.
You can do the most good for your muscles by performing several kinds of stretches. These should each be targeted to a different area of your body. This includes your back, neck, legs, arms and chest muscles.
Dynamic Stretches
Dynamic stretches are common among professional and competition athletes. But they have benefits even if you’re not heading into an intense workout. When you’re doing this type of stretch, you need to make sure you’re moving at the same time you achieve the greatest muscle stretch you can.
When you’re doing a dynamic stretching routine, your muscles must be warmed up so they can be pushed to the maximum. Getting into high gear with cold muscles can lead to injury, strains and cramps.
So you now see that static stretches and dynamic stertches each have their strong points. The choice is yours depending on the fitness program you’ve committed to.
