They are suffered by one in 20 adults every day,
but there may be a simple solution to your headaches.
It's enough to make your head hurt. Headaches are the most common ailment known to man and, for the most part, they are poorly managed by popping a few painkillers.
According to the World Health Organization, one in 20 adults suffer the disabling condition every day, with 99 per cent of women and 93 per cent of men set to suffer in their lifetime.
About one million Australians experience daily headaches, and for more than 90 per cent of sufferers, migraines interfere with their education, career and social activities. On the up side, help is at hand – and it's not all in your head.
According to the World Health Organization, one in 20 adults suffer the disabling condition every day, with 99 per cent of women and 93 per cent of men set to suffer in their lifetime.
About one million Australians experience daily headaches, and for more than 90 per cent of sufferers, migraines interfere with their education, career and social activities. On the up side, help is at hand – and it's not all in your head.
All in your neck
Headache and migraine physiotherapist Dean Watson, head of the Watson Headache Institute, says neck pain can be a component in migraines and diagnosing and treating neck problems can stop the pain.
"Neck involvement is underestimated when it comes to the cause and relief of headaches," Watson says.
He says research at the institute over the last 10 years has shown the underlying disorder in migraines and other forms of headaches may be due to a malfunctioning pain filter located in the brain stem.
However, he says the brain stem can be desensitised. "This is done by examining the small movements of the joints in the upper neck and mirrors the beneficial effect of heavy-duty anti-migraine medication."
"Neck involvement is underestimated when it comes to the cause and relief of headaches," Watson says.
He says research at the institute over the last 10 years has shown the underlying disorder in migraines and other forms of headaches may be due to a malfunctioning pain filter located in the brain stem.
However, he says the brain stem can be desensitised. "This is done by examining the small movements of the joints in the upper neck and mirrors the beneficial effect of heavy-duty anti-migraine medication."
Early intervention vital
Early diagnosis and management through a comprehensive treatment program can significantly decrease the course of costly treatment and disability that is often associated with migraines.
Watson says seeing your GP will rule out any serious issues underlying your headaches. "Once this has occurred, seek a comprehensive assessment of your upper neck."
He says treatment aimed at restoring normal function of the joints in the upper neck, as well as good posture and retraction, is important. Some improvement should be noticeable in just a few weeks.
Watson says seeing your GP will rule out any serious issues underlying your headaches. "Once this has occurred, seek a comprehensive assessment of your upper neck."
He says treatment aimed at restoring normal function of the joints in the upper neck, as well as good posture and retraction, is important. Some improvement should be noticeable in just a few weeks.
Pull your head in
Watson says too many of us stick our chin out and neck forward when we are sitting or standing, which weakens the joint function in our upper necks. To retrain your posture, he recommends this simple retracting exercise:
- Move your head back horizontally so your chin is vertical to the floor and not tilted.
- Place your hand on your chin and push your head back further. Your neck muscles should now be completely relaxed. Hold for 20 seconds.
- Repeat three times with a five- to 10-second break between holds. Repeat the entire process every three to four hours. Watson says this movement is like putting a drawer back into a filing cabinet. "If done firmly enough and repeatedly, it can abort headaches and migraines," he says.
Other measures
Andrew Kikeros, vice chairman of Headache and Migraine Western Australia, says it is also important to create a headache plan, make changes to your lifestyle if necessary and work closely with your doctor.
"Planning around the crisis that may occur because you cannot fulfil your work and family roles because of a headache allows you to concentrate on yourself and on managing your headache rather than worrying about others," he says.
Preventive measures include sleeping, eating and exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, limiting caffeine and alcohol and reducing stress.
"Planning around the crisis that may occur because you cannot fulfil your work and family roles because of a headache allows you to concentrate on yourself and on managing your headache rather than worrying about others," he says.
Preventive measures include sleeping, eating and exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, limiting caffeine and alcohol and reducing stress.
Types of headaches
- Tension headaches: The most common headache, accounting for almost 90 per cent of cases. Symptoms include pain or pressure.
- Migraines: These are three times more common in women than in men. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, neck muscle tenderness, stiffness, discomfort and severe pain.
- Menstrual migraines: One of the five most common disabling conditions in women. Symptoms occur one or two days either side of the start of a cycle.
Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/
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