Headache or cephalgia is defined as pain arising from or perceived in the head. It is one of the most common complaints of pain.
Thankfully most headaches are not serious and will recover without intervention (self-limiting). The commonest cause is muscular tension arising from stress or anxiety. The muscles of the upper neck and base of the skull (suboccipital muscles) are often implicated and can be relieved by gentle stretches for the neck, pain relieving medication or relaxation. If the muscular tension is caused by poor posture for example from increased computer use then some specific neck stretch exercises or rehabilitation like those found at Desk Therapy can be effective.
Eye strain caused by prolonged staring at a computer terminal can provoke headaches. It is recommended that computer users break regularly and remember to blink. Desk Therapy is an excellent reminder with regular eye exercises.
Dehydration, reduced blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) and sinusitis and also common causes. Hormonal fluctuations especially mid menstrual cycle can be responsible.
It is important that more serious conditions are excluded as possible causes. Encephalitis, meningitis, brain tumours and cerebral aneurysms can be life threatening but are usually accompanied by other symptoms.
Brain tissue itself is insensitive to pain. Although it is manly composed of nerves it does not have pain receptors (noiciceptors) in it. Headaches are caused by the nerves over the scalp and certain blood vessels of the head (especially in the face, mouth and throat – the cranial nerves). The brain is covered by layers of connective tissue (the meniges) which are pain sensitive. It is these structures that inflamed in the dangerous condition of meningitis.
Headache can be classified in various ways but there are four main types.
As mentioned this is one of the most common causes. Tension in the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull due to poor posture, anxiety or stress cause a localised pain sometimes with radiations over the scalp to behind the eye (retro orbital). The facial muscles can also become tight. Desk Therapy is a useful effective way of relearning how to keep these muscles relaxed.
The most common type is migraine. This is characterised by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, disturbed vision, nausea and intolerance to bright lights (photophobia). The first stage of migraine (prodrome) is caused by the blood vessels contracting (vasoconstriction). The blood vessels then expand (dilate) which caused the pain.
Other examples of vascular headaches are toxic headaches produced by fever or toxic substances.
This are caused by problems of the neck and there is overlap with the myogenic category. There is often restricted movement in the neck and there may be radiations of pain into the arms. These headaches are often caused by prolonged desk work or computer work, from poor ergonomic set up and can be relieved and treated by gentle exercise and stretching like those available on Desk Therapy.
This group is caused by any of the pain sensitive structures becoming inflamed from infection (like meningitis), trauma. Sinusitis is a common example caused by inflammation within the sinus cavities.
Most headaches are harmless and self limiting. The sufferers often know the cause and can administer the most appropriate remedy. This may be relaxation exercises, pain killers, anti inflammatory medication or gentle stretches.
It is important to seek further advice if the headache is sudden and severe; associated with convulsions, fever, loss of consciousness or confusion; is associated with severe of pain in the ears or eyes; following head trauma; is persistent in a person with no previous history.
A physician may order further investigation like blood tests, MRI or CAT scans.
Once the cause of the headache is deduced then appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
Desk Therapy exercise software can help. Please visit our Home Page to see how Desk Therapy can create an exercise programme designed specifically for you.