Headaches - From Tension Headaches To Migraines - What To Do For Each

Headaches! From stress headaches to tensions headaches to migraine headaches there can be no stopping them. They can be attributed to the hectic lifestyle many of us lead, to job related issues, to lack of good nutrition. And they hurt, oh do they hurt, and sometimes the pain will last for a long time. Everyone gets headaches but not everyone has the same degree of pain, cause of headaches or impact on their lives.

The most common headache is a tension or stress headache. Tension or stress headaches occur when muscles tightened in your shoulders, neck and jaw. Tension or stress headaches are often times related to busy deadline driven work environments, when you don't get enough restful sleep, if you drink alcohol or even if you skip or miss a meal.

Relieving the pain associated with stress or tension headaches can be as simple as getting away from your work desk with a lunchtime walk, reducing your intake of alcoholic beverages and getting more rest.

Migraine headaches on the other hand can be much more severe. They are known for having debilitating effects on those who suffer from them. People who suffer from migraine headaches have reported sensitivity to light and sound, a vice like grip around the skull, excruciating neck pain, nausea and sometimes a numbing sensation along the shoulders.

They can come on quickly, last for hours and are exhausting. Medical experts do agree that a migraine pain is caused when blood vessels swell around certain nerve areas in the brain. The exact cause is not known but believed to be a combination of factors.

Approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraines with the largest group being adults aged 25 through 55. It is known that women are 3 times more likely to suffer from migraine headaches than men which is thought to be because of the hormonal changes that occur.

The treatment for migraines is not specific but the goal is to prevent it all together. If you treat your migraine symptoms quickly the severity of pain and length of a migraine pain may lessen.

Some ways to relieve migraine pain are:
1.Rest in a dark quiet room
2.Drink fluids to avoid dehydration especially if you experience vomiting
3.Put a cool cloth on your forehead and relax
4.Call your doctor and discuss medication if migraines persist

Headaches have many causes but serious life threatening headaches are, fortunately, rare. However, sometimes headaches are a warning of a more serious medical condition that needs professional attention. Be sure to let your doctor or health care professional know if you have a sudden and severe headache.

Get medical attention immediately if you have a headache after a blow to the head or if you have a headache along with a stiff neck, confusion, pain behind your eye or a loss of consciousness.