Headaches

Headaches affect a large proportion of us at one stage in our lives, although degrees will vary. For some of us, headaches can prove so severe that they interfere with our daily routine, leaving us incapacitated for periods. The headache is a condition that is associated with shooting or throbbing pains in the head, although some pain experienced in the lower neck area and back can also be associated with headaches.

It is often difficult to identify a single cause for the condition although we can identify some key contributories. These can include eye strain, swelling of the sinuses and more severe conditions like blood clots and even brain cancer.

How are headaches classified?

There are two main types of headache which are primary headaches and secondary headaches. Primary headaches include migraine, tension headache, cluster episodes and a variety of less common types of headache. Out of these, tension headaches are arguably the most common. Around 90% of adults suffer from this type of head pain although they are more common in women.

Migraine headaches are the second most common primary headache, affecting millions of us worldwide. In the US alone, around 12% of the population will experience some form of migraine. Cluster headaches are another form of primary headache. They affect around 0.1% of us and 85% of these are experienced by the male population. Generally speaking, the majority of sufferers are between 28 and 30 years of age.

Headaches in children

Headaches also affect children, particularly before puberty. Unlike adults, boys and girls are affected to equal levels. However, women will experience more severe headache than men. (6% of men and 18% of women)

How can we treat headaches?

The majority of headaches can be treated with every day medications, available from any local pharmacist. However, in the event that a particular episode becomes too painful, there are a number of easy solutions. Cefaly is a great example. It is an advanced device that has been medically proven to reduce the symptoms associated with tension headaches, cluster headaches and migraines. It works to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. Another popular solution is the Viatek Ionic Energiser Foot Spa, an effective detoxifying foot bath that will work to balance and reenergise the body, through the extraction of unwanted toxins. It has been proven to reduce pain.

Are there any natural remedies?

One particular remedy made with natural ingredients include the ‘flowers of henna’, which have been proven to cure headache pain that can result from over exposure to the sun. You simply need to rub it into vinegar before massaging it into your forehead.