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Overcome severe headaches and live a healthy life!

10 lipca 2023
Severe headaches, recurrent migraines, neck stiffness
The most common causes of severe headaches are often a result of various and complex factors that may not be familiar to us, affecting our body and mind. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of headaches. By conducting proper diagnostics and implementing appropriate pain management strategies, you can regain control over your own health and enjoy a life free from debilitating severe headaches.

When treating severe headaches, paying close attention to sleep hygiene is crucial as it can help alleviate them. Since we are all unique, each person may respond differently to various headache treatment methods. Therefore, it's important to find an individualized solution that works best for you.
Intense headache, migraine, throbbing head pain

What are the causes of severe headaches?

A common severe headache is migraine, which typically has a one-sided nature and is accompanied by very intense and pulsating pain. Factors that trigger migraines include stress, hormonal changes, and insufficient sleep. Occasionally, external stimuli such as bright light, loud noises, or an imbalanced diet can also have an impact.

Another common type of headache is tension headache. It is one of the most frequent forms of severe headache, characterized by an unpleasant sensation of pressure or tension around the head. The factors that can trigger tension headaches are primarily stress and excessive muscle activity in the neck and shoulders, but for many individuals, they can also be caused by lack of movement or spending too much time sitting in front of a screen.

Sometimes, a severe headache may be related to the circulatory system, including high blood pressure, which is a sign of our times. It can also be caused by circulation disorders in the brain or heart failure, which are also extremely common lifestyle-related conditions. Additionally, hormonal disorders, especially those occurring during irregular menstruation or menopause, can induce intense headaches. In such cases, it is important to consult a physician to establish an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Hormonal fluctuations can affect the blood vessels and nervous system, causing pain.

Furthermore, sinus infections, particularly sinusitis, can cause severe headaches in some individuals. In such cases, the pain is focused around the forehead, nose, and cheeks. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the facial bones, and their inflammation leads to pressure and pain in the head. Similarly, in the case of head injuries and concussions, immediate medical treatment in a hospital setting is often necessary.

Remember that these causes of headaches are just some of the possible factors. If you experience severe headaches, it is important to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment based on medical knowledge. Only professional consultation can help identify specific headache causes and adjust appropriate and effective pain management strategies. Some causes of headaches may require immediate medical intervention. Therefore, if you experience an extremely severe headache that differs from typical pain, contact a doctor immediately.
Temporal headache, severe headaches, pulsating vein on the forehead

What are the types of severe headaches?

Headaches are a common ailment that can have various causes. Among them, several primary types of severe headaches can be distinguished, which are frequently encountered in modern times. The most prevalent is migraine, an intense pain that often affects only one side of the head. It is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms such as photophobia, nausea, or lack of concentration. Migraines can last for several hours or days, and occasionally, even longer.

Migraines should be differentiated from trigeminal neuralgia. It is a relatively rare type of headache caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve. It manifests as an extremely severe and piercing pain that may last only a few seconds but is very intense for many individuals. If you experience this type of headache, consult a neurologist.

An increasing number of people suffer from cluster headaches, which are highly specific. It is an intense pain that occurs in attack periods called clusters. This pain usually affects one side of the head and typically lasts from 15 minutes to 3 hours for most individuals. It is also accompanied by other symptoms such as eye redness, tearing, or a stuffy nose.

Additionally, tension headaches are not uncommon. They are considered the most common type, affecting more people than migraines. They are characterized by a sensation of pressure or tension, mainly felt around the temples, forehead, or neck. It is most commonly caused by stress, but increasingly, improper posture or fatigue are also contributing factors.

A portion of the population experiences sinus headaches, which are most often caused by sinus inflammation. They manifest as a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the forehead, cheeks, or nose area. They are also accompanied by nasal congestion, toothache, or fever, although not in everyone.
Headache treatment, migraine medication, neurological disorders

Can severe headaches have a psychological cause?

As rightly pointed out by Mateusz Nesterok, a health and rehabilitation psychologist who is part of the ONSEN® team, severe headaches are often associated with somatic ailments rather than psychological ones. The main culprits are migraine, tension headaches, and sinus infections. However, as psychosomatic mechanisms suggest, there is a strong connection between headaches and psychological factors.

One of the main factors is stress and tension, which are linked to experiencing strong emotions. These emotions can directly lead to tension headaches. Excessive muscle tension in the neck, head, and shoulders can cause significant discomfort and pain. Individuals dealing with depression or anxiety disorders are also more prone to experiencing severe headaches. Although it is certainly not the sole symptom of these conditions, it is an extremely common symptom that hampers daily functioning.

Psychogenic or psychosomatic migraines are also quite common. Some types of migraines are triggered by psychological factors such as high stress, emotions, or tension. These migraines often exhibit specific symptoms, including intense headache pain associated with challenging and emotional situations. This demonstrates that severe headaches can also result from the influence of psychosomatic factors. The body begins to experience severe headache pain in response to adverse factors.

It is important to understand that severe headaches with a psychological basis are not merely a product of imagination but rather the result of genuinely functioning physiological processes within us. Therefore, if you frequently experience severe headaches with a psychological origin, it is recommended to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. It may also have a hormonal basis, so it's worth consulting an endocrinologist to verify that possibility as well.
Breathing techniques, psychosomatic pain, phantom pains

How to effectively treat severe headaches?

The treatment of severe headaches depends on the underlying cause, but there are several general methods that can effectively help alleviate the symptoms. Of course, the most commonly used approach is pain-relieving medications, which can help combat the symptoms of headaches but do not address the underlying causes. The most frequently used over-the-counter medications for this purpose are paracetamol, ibuprofen, and acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin.

In addition to pain relievers, there is also a growing availability of anti-migraine medications, including triptans. For migraines, these medications can be significantly more effective than regular painkillers. They can reduce the intensity of the pain and shorten the duration of migraine attacks. However, some anti-migraine medications require a prescription.

Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can also be helpful, especially when stress and tension trigger the headache. Applying relaxation techniques can effectively aid in pain reduction and increasing relaxation throughout the day. Additionally, gentle head, neck, and shoulder massages can provide relief by relaxing tense muscles and easing headache pain.

Lifestyle changes can also provide relief for chronic headaches. It is important to prioritize regular meals and ensure an adequate hydration by drinking enough water. Additionally, sufficient sleep and avoiding factors that can trigger headaches are crucial. This includes minimizing exposure to blue light or loud noises.

If the headache is frequent and intense or lasts longer than usual, it is always advisable to consult a doctor. A specialist can conduct examinations and recommend more advanced treatment methods, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, or physiotherapy. Finding an individualized solution that works best for you is essential.
Psychosomatic diseases, severe headache, migraine

Which breathing techniques can be used for headaches?

There are several breathing techniques that can significantly help alleviate headache pain. One of the most popular techniques is relaxation breathing. To practice this technique, start by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Then, close your eyes and focus on your breath while slowly and deeply inhaling through your nose. After that, hold your breath for a brief moment and slowly exhale through your mouth. Throughout the exercise, try to focus on your breath and gradually increase the duration of the exhale. Perform this exercise for at least several minutes, concentrating on maintaining a calm and steady breath

Another helpful technique for severe headaches is abdominal breathing. To apply this technique, sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Place one hand on your abdomen, just below the ribs. Then, take a deep breath that fills your abdomen with air. During the exhale, slowly release the air from your abdomen. Focus on your abdomen and consciously breathe in this manner for several minutes.

The 4-7-8 method is also extremely popular and highly effective for headache relief. Begin by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale for four seconds. Then, hold your breath for seven seconds. Slowly exhale through your mouth for eight seconds. Repeat this cycle, maintaining a calm breath and a steady pace.

Meditation techniques, often based on mindfulness or yoga, can also be helpful. A simple version of these practices works well for many individuals. Sit in a comfortable position and focus on your breath. Concentrate on the inhale and exhale, but try not to control your breath. Pay attention to the natural rhythm of your breathing, immersing yourself deeper and more efficiently in the experience of breathing and quieting the mind.

Practicing breathing techniques can help you relax and reduce tension and alleviate headache pain. It's worth experimenting with different techniques to find the one that works best for you.
Autogenic training, mindfulness, severe headaches

How does sleep hygiene prevent headaches?

Not everyone is aware that sleep hygiene plays a significant role in preventing various headaches. Ensuring adequate quality and quantity of sleep can have a beneficial impact on long-term headache reduction. The first step is to pay attention to maintaining a regular sleep schedule, which means going to bed and waking up at consistent times, helping to maintain a healthy sleep rhythm. This allows for proper preparation for rest and rejuvenation, which, for many individuals, contributes to a reduction in headache frequency.

Creating appropriate conditions in your bedroom is essential for the quality and restorative value of sleep. Ensuring a quiet, dark, and cool environment, for example, can help achieve better and more efficient sleep. Similarly, avoiding excessive noise, light, and high temperature exposure can contribute to better rest and reduce the risk of headaches.

It is also important to avoid stimulants and similar substances. These can negatively affect sleep quality and cause intense headaches. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before sleep, as they can disrupt the natural sleep cycle and lead to sleep disorders and headaches.

Properly maintained sleep hygiene is crucial for overall health and well-being, as well as headache reduction. It is precisely regular and quality sleep that supports rejuvenation and reduces stress and tension, resulting in a decrease in headaches, as well as spinal and limb discomfort.

In addition to the above, the mattress and pillow are on the front line. Improperly selected sleeping pillows and a poor mattress lead to incorrect body posture during sleep, causing neck and head muscle tension. Therefore, it is important to choose a pillow and mattress that provide proper support and comfort to avoid excessive pressure and tension.

The unrivaled and functional Osaka Air mattress provides the highest functionality on the market, based on a design focused on jobs to be done. Similarly, like our anatomical orthopedic pillows, we created it solely to meet the needs and solve the problems of sleepers.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
Severe headaches, memory foam mattress, high-resilience mattresses

FAQ: Severe headaches

Why do severe headaches occur?

Severe headaches can have various causes. The most common ones are migraines or tension headaches. However, sometimes severe headaches can be caused by infections, stress, fatigue, overuse of pain medications, head injuries, as well as certain diseases such as meningitis or tumors.

What should be concerning about a severe headache?

There are certain accompanying symptoms of a severe headache that may indicate serious health problems and should be treated as a cause for concern. These include sudden and intense pain that differs from previous experiences, headache after a head injury, weakness or loss of consciousness, vision problems, difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in the limbs, high fever, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience such symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

When can a severe headache be dangerous?

A severe headache can be dangerous if it is a symptom of a serious health condition such as a stroke, intracranial bleeding, encephalitis, carotid artery dissection, meningioma, or brain tumor. If the pain is very intense, sudden, extremely painful, or accompanied by other worrisome symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice immediately as they may indicate a life-threatening or health-threatening condition.

How to treat a sudden and severe headache?

The treatment of a sudden and severe headache depends on its cause. For tension headaches, pain relievers, relaxation techniques, massages, and avoiding triggers may help. For migraines, migraine-specific medications such as triptans can be used, and it's also important to avoid triggers that may provoke migraines. If the headache is caused by other conditions, treatment of the underlying cause may be necessary, which could involve medication, physiotherapy, or surgical intervention. It is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What causes primary headaches?

Primary headaches, also known as spontaneous headaches, are headaches that occur independently without being related to any other health condition. There are different types of primary headaches, such as migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. The causes of these types of headaches are not fully understood, but they are associated with factors such as genetics, environmental factors, hormones, muscle tension, stress, and diet. Although primary headaches can be bothersome, they are typically not a symptom of serious health problems. However, there are available treatment methods and management strategies for these types of headaches that can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. If you experience frequent and persistent headaches, it is always worth consulting a doctor.

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