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So why does my head ache?
by James Wilson BSc (Hons) Ost Med. DO - find out more about James.
For some a headache can be a very worrying and distressing symptom, whilst for others it is an almost daily occurrence. Headaches are one of the most common reasons why patients will visit their GP, in fact somewhere around 80% of the UK’s population is estimated to suffer from headaches from time to time!
Many patients naturally become very concerned that their symptom of headache is due to something nasty. Luckily (according to various textbooks) only about 2% of all the patients presenting with headache actually have something physically amiss inside their head (eg-brain tumour, aneurysm). This means that the vast majority of headache is benign and many sufferers will find a suitable treatment or way to manage their problem.
I must stress at this stage that although it is highly likely that your headache is nothing to worry about, we can never assume it is. Should you experience any of the following, you must seek a health professional’s opinion such as your GP or Optometrist (as you may need further investigation or referral):
- A new headache or one that appears very quickly for no apparent reason, especially if it is pounding in nature.
- Headache with nausea or vomiting.
- A headache that is constant or worse on waking or made worse by bending forward.
- Visual disturbance (such as blurred or double vision or blind spots in your visual field).
- Any change to or loss of sense of smell, taste, hearing etc.
If none of the above symptoms apply to you, then a visit to your local Osteopath may well be the solution! This is because probably the most common type of headache is due to disruption of the nerves supplying the neck and scalp and can very often be helped by the treatment and advice we can provide with Osteopathy.
This type of headache is known as Tension Type Headache (TTH). The symptoms of TTH commonly involve some of the following:
- Headache on both sides of the head.
- Headache starting at the base of the skull and referring forwards.
- Headache that is increasing through the day, but not made worse by activity.
- Headache that is like a band around the head, vice-like or gripping in nature.
- Recurrent headaches that come and go.
- Stiff or tight neck or shoulder muscles, hunger or tiredness bring it on.
- Headache accompanied by one of the following; nausea, sensitivity to noise or light.
So how will Osteopathy help?
As Osteopaths, we are able to look and feel very accurately for problems in the mid back, neck and shoulders that may be contributing to the formation of headache. A very common pattern is where the deep muscles of the back of the neck become shortened and tight over time and “pull” the neck into a deeper curve. This in turn will tend to cause the chin to move forwards and in turn cause a lot of tension in the subboccipital muscles at the base of the skull. A headache can then result either by the pull of these muscles on the scalp or by the compression and irritation of a nerve that comes out from the skull underneath these muscles.
After detailed questioning and examination, we are able to decide the source of your headache and therefore treat you when appropriate. We can accurately apply techniques to help balance muscle tension and to aid in the normal function of the spine, as well as providing you with some exercises to help prevent the pattern, and therefore the headache, returning again.
Some other causes of headache
Migraine
Effecting about 15% of the adult population. Normally on one side of the head, often with a warning (prodromal) phase which can effect vision. About half of sufferers will find a trigger to attacks, such as foods, neck problems and hormonal changes.
Dehydration and Sinusitis
Any irritation of the membranes around the head, nose and throat can cause headache. This can be made worse by dehydration, hence the good old hangover headache or the headache associated with too much caffeine!
Eyestrain
It is always a good idea to make sure your eyes are tested regularly, but especially if you regularly suffer from headache or work at a desk or computer regularly.
Analgesic Headache
Ironically taking too many pain killers (analgesics) can actually cause headache. The same can happen if you stop taking any medication.
Food Intolerances and Allergies
There are obvious causes such as hayfever, but various food intolerances can lead to headache.
Hormonal Changes
Particularly linked to the female monthly cycle and menopause.
Temporal Arteritis
Arteries at the side of your head can get thickened and inflamed; anyone over 50 with sensitivity around the temples, particularly if they have a stiff or painful jaw, must seek medical attention.
Raised Blood Pressure
It is actually quite rare for raised BP to cause headache, but raised BP in itself must of course be monitored.
Just a thought to finish; although we should never just put a headache down to stress, it is interesting that headache is reported far more by females – perhaps it’s men that cause them?!!
Further information is available on our website www.molfordhousesurgery.co.uk. Alternatively I am always pleased to answer any questions you may have. You can call me at Molford House Surgery on 01769 574830.
The information provided on these pages is intended as a general guide only and in no way constitutes a complete service for diagnosis or treatment. You must not rely solely on this information and it is therefore your responsibility to seek a professional opinion should you be concerned about your particular case.
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