Mind Over Menopause

Archive for the ‘Common Problems’ Category

Got a headache? Here are the four most common.

I haven’t listed migraine headaches – if you get migraines you know exactly what they are.

Tension Headache
Feels like: A general tightness all over the scalp or a tight band around the head.
What causes it? These are caused by tension in the back and neck, brought on by stress or injury, causing muscles to spasm.
Get rid of it: The best thing is gentle neck and shoulder exercise, or a hot wheat bag.

Eye Strain Headache
Feels like: A frontal headache, usually behind the eyes. It can be difficult to differentiate from a tension headache.

1. What causes it? Straining your eyes by trying to focus.

2. Get rid of it: Get your eyes checked at the optician. If you’re lucky, the cause of an eye strain headache will be obvious because you’ll only get it when you’re doing close-up work, but if you’re getting a regular headache and you’re not sure of the cause, it’s always worth getting your eyes checked to rule out this possibility.

Sinus Headache
Feels like: Pressure across the cheekbones and under the eyes, which gets worse when you lean forward. Sufferers also describe feeling like their front teeth are loose.

1. What causes it? Blocked sinuses brought on by allergies or a cold.

2. Get rid of it: By inhaling steam or taking an over-the-counter decongestant

And here’s one you may not know about ..

Painkiller Headache
Feels like: A moderate to severe headache all over your head when you stop taking painkillers, after taking them for a few days.

1. What causes it? It’s a withdrawal headache as soon as the levels of painkillers start dropping in your body. (If you’ve been having to take painkillers continuously for more than a couple of days, go to the doctor and get checked out). Ironically, the headache you get from painkiller withdrawal is often much worse than the one you had originally.