Headaches are not an athlete-specific condition. Most people have suffered from some form of head pain in their life. If you happen to be one of the lucky few to have never experienced this discomfort, cross your fingers that continues. There’s nothing quite like fighting through a day at school or work while your brain feels like it has a knife in it or like it may explode out your eyes or ears.
Types of Headaches
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke recognizes 150 different types of headaches. There are two categories, primary and secondary. A primary headache is one that is not caused by another health issue such as a migraine or a tension headache. Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are symptoms of another health disorder such as fever, infection, stress or physical head injuries. This article will focus on only four varieties of headaches: vascular, tension, traction and inflammatory.
Vascular means relating to vessels which carry blood. These vessels contract and relax, that’s how they move blood throughout the body. Vascular headaches arise when vessels surrounding the brain spasm. Migraines, toxic headaches (fever induced) and headaches related to high blood pressure fall in this group.
Who gets headaches?
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Ninety percent of headaches are considered vascular. With that being said, most headaches will have a fast onset; it may feel like it came out of nowhere. The pain is usually on one side of the head above the ear and behind the eyes. It will throb or pound; some people can connect their heartbeat to the cadence of the throbbing pain.
Just as blood vessels have contractile components, so do our muscles. All the muscles within the body can shorten and lengthen; this is how we are able to pump blood (the heart is a muscle!), breathe (diaphragm moves our lungs), lick ice cream and run. Tension-type headaches are caused by excessive, continuous contracted muscular on the cervical spine, or neck, and cranium. This type of tension can be caused by an acute injury such as whiplash or a concussion. Poor posture is often a cause of chronic tension through the neck and upper shoulders.
The third and fourth types, traction and inflammatory headaches, are caused by other disorders. An example would be sinus infections. These block the nasal passages creating not only pressure but also a change in the chemical makeup of substances.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a type of vascular headache. It typically affects women and girls more than men and boys.
When a migraine begins, it can be pain-free. The symptoms that will be experienced are sensory orientated. Visual irregularities are common. Blurry vision or squiggly streaks across the field of vision are call auras. Most migraines make an individual extremely sensitive to light and sound. Pain peaks after two hours then will subside after one day. Some people have daily recurring episodes. In additional to the visual issues and pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea are also potential symptoms. To help reduce the occurrence of a migraine, avoid sleep deprivation, chocolate, stress, cigarette smoking and tyramine-containing foods. Examples of these foods are strong or aged cheese, cured or smoke meats, some beers, and soy products.
For young women, there is another type of migraine to worry about; basilar artery migraine. This specific migraine occurs before a menstrual period. Symptoms may last minutes to hours and can include facial and finger paresthesias (tingling or prickling), vertigo (dizziness), ataxia (loss of control of movement), dysarthria (unclear or difficult articulation of speech) and tinnitus (ringing in ears).
To help ease the discomforts of a migraine, lay in a quiet, dark room and try to sleep. Medication can also be administered. Some individuals require prescription strength pain relief.
Treatment for Headaches
One treatment avenue to consider when suffering from head pain is manual therapy.
Massage can be very beneficial to someone who is suffering from a headache or migraine. The therapist will most likely focus on the neck, upper back and potentially the scalp. Depending on the style of therapist, some may also include acupressure points associated with headaches.
Many people find relief from head pains by visiting a chiropractor. Not only can a chiropractor reduce symptoms but they can also help evaluate the physical cause of a headache.
For relief at home, you can try stimulate neurovascular points yourself. Using two fingers, rub in a circular motion adjusting the amount of pressure as needed. Some points may be more sensitive than others. Continue to stimulate the point until the sensitivity reduces or for about a minute, whichever comes first. By stimulating neurovascular points, you’ll be influencing the blood flow and hopefully relieve pressure. Don’t stress about finding the exact location, the sensitivity of the points will help you find them.
Over the counter medications are common in the self-treatment of head pain. It is essential that the label is read carefully. Dosages are suggested based on age; children over the age of 12 are usually considered for adult dosages. If there is any question on the proper dosage, call and ask your doctor. If you are taking a name brand drug, be sure to check the active ingredient, clearly stated on the label. For example, Motrin’s active ingredient is ibuprofen while Tylenol’s is acetaminophen. Ibuprofen should never be taken after sustaining a head injury. It will can be extremely dangerous as it thins blood and can worsen cranial bleeds. Acetaminophen is one of the most common overdosed over the counter drugs. Read the label carefully; follow directions as stated. If you’re forgetful, write down how much you took and the time it was taken. Click here for an enlarged dosage chart.
OTC pain relievers dosage chart
Preventing Headaches
The best treatment is prevention. Identify and avoid precipitating factors.
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If the headaches are experienced during physical activity, begin with a slower, more gradual warm up to allow your body a better opportunity to adjust to the change in blood pressure. Training in hot weather may be more difficult so ensure hydration. Exertional headaches are usually treated successfully with NSAIDs, neck massage, and hydration. Young athletes can help prevent headaches by eating regularly – don’t skip meals. Try to stay on a regular sleep pattern to ensure quality sleep is happening. Begin a journal and keep track of potential triggers (certain foods, pollen, etc)
Still suffering… see your doctor
If headaches are disruption your daily life it may be time to seek the help of a medical professional. Visit your primary care physician to rule out any major health concerns. Then begin working on a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
When to see your doctor
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Always refer to your doctor if you have concerns regarding headaches or any of the symptoms listed above. This article is not intended to be the only resource in your pain management. We hope you find this content both helpful and informative. Continue researching and asking questions; the more you know the better you can prevent future headaches and migraines.
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
