Headaches
Many people across the globe suffer from headaches that stem from a multitude of diverse and difference causes. But despite the different provokers of headache pain, some types of headaches can actually be dangerous indicators that something else is wrong within the body, making it vital to get help from a healthcare professional if pain is severe or persists often.
What Causes Headaches
While a wide array of causes can sometimes explain the pain that occurs in various areas of the head. Headaches that occur as a result of tension often share many of the same characteristics, making it simple for sufferers to distinguish what type of headache is occurring and how to treat each particular type. Tension headaches often produce a tight pain around the base of the head and are easily treated with over the counter pain medications.
On the other hand, some types of headaches are more serious or crippling when it comes to dealing with the uncomfort and pain. Migraines occur in many different people and can be a crippling and debilitating type of headache that can prevent the occurrence and enjoyment of everyday activities and stimuli. Migraines can stem from a variety of different causes, from the types of foods consumed to stimuli to hormonal changes. Some types of migraines may be better managed with prescription drugs rather than over the counter pain relievers.
Stimuli like staring at a television or computer screen can cause headaches, because of the strain produced in one's eyes. In addition, headaches can be provoked with too much time in the sun, the need for glasses when reading and even dehydration. Headaches, it may seem, is one way for the body to grasp one's attention and point out overstimulation or a problem in one area or another.
Headache Categories
Categorized by healthcare professionals, most headaches fit within one of the five different categories available, ranging from simple to more severe.
1. Vascular Ache: This type of headache is caused by swollen blood vessels in the head region. Migraines are one example of this headache type.
2. Traction Headache: Provoked by stretching in the head due to a tumor, bone or spine injury. One of the most serious types of headaches.
3. Myogenic Headache: The constriction of muscles is the root of this headache.
4. Cervogenic Pain: Stemmed by head trauma, such as that which occurs after an accident, etc. The pain subsides after the injury itself heals.
5. Inflammatory Headaches: Diseases in the spine, or other area in the upper body and head region spark this very serious type of pain.