If you suffer from headaches, you are not alone. Nine out of 10 Americans experience headaches.
Headache symptoms present as 'pain in the head or face which can be sharp, dull, throbbing, boring, with or without other features. '
- American Chiropractic Association (ACA)
There are several types of headaches.
The most common include:
Tension Headaches are typically caused by tight muscles in the back of the neck. Symptoms include: mild to moderate pain or pressure in the front, sides, and top of the head, irritability, fatigue, and trouble focusing.
Migraine Headaches are intense headaches that often present in stages and have symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, aura, or changes in vision. Migraines are often triggered by certain foods, alcohol, caffeine, stress, or other situations.
Cluster Headaches can be identified by their regular occurrence over several days, weeks, or months. These headaches typically come on fast, present with pain on one side of the head, and usually last 30-90 minutes.
Sinus Headaches result from the build-up that often occurs with a sinus infection. Symptoms present as a deep pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or on the top of the nose.
Thunderclap Headaches are sudden, intense headaches that result from bleeding in or around the brain and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms seem present suddenly like a clap of thunder and are often described as "the worst headache of my life."
Altitude Headaches are symptoms of another condition, altitude sickness. This condition occurs when one arrives at a higher altitude location, typically 8,500 feet above sea level. Symptoms often present on both sides of the head and worsen at higher elevations or with increased exertion or bending forward, increasing blood pressure.
Altitude sickness, if not cared for, can cause significant health issues and can even be life-threatening. If you are traveling to a higher elevation, please click this link to learn more about altitude sickness and how to prevent it.
Cervicogenic Headaches are headaches that originate in the back of the head or neck. (cervico = "neck", genic = "caused by") Symptoms include pain on one side of the neck that spreads to the back of the head and even over the ear and the forehead. Pain may increase with certain neck movements or applied pressure to the neck.
Cervicogenic and Tension headaches are caused by tight muscles in the back of your neck and scalp.
Working at a desk puts you at risk of developing these types of headaches.
When working at a desk for hours, we typically begin to slouch and adopt a forward head posture. This position stresses our neck muscles and causes pain.
What can I do to prevent headaches?
- Stretch every 30-60 minutes if you spend long periods in one position. (at a desk, on your cell phone, working in an unusual place - dentist / dental hygenist, etc.) Set a regular alarm on your cell phone to stretch.
- Mild intensity exercise such as walking can help relieve headache pain.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day to avoid dehydration, which can cause headaches.
- Avoid 'triggers'; migraine headaches are often caused by triggers such as certain foods, noises, lights, or behaviors.
To help you manage these types of headaches, Dr. Freitag is offering a FREE Virtual Workplace Ergonomic Assessment.
During this 15-minute virtual video call Dr. Greg Freitag, with the help of your web or mobile camera, will examine and evaluate your workplace office or positioning and help you implement strategies to optimize your body position while you work.
He will also prescribe specific stretches and exercises to train your body to maintain a more supportive posture.