Headaches: The Lost ART of Dealing With Stress
Most of us have had a headache recently. In fact, 88% of women will suffer from tension headaches, the most common type of headache(1). Stress and headaches are commonly found together. How do you manage your stress? Many people "carry" their stress as increased muscle tension in their TMJ muscles, neck muscles or the muscles between their neck and shoulders.
Headache symptoms usually begin gradually. The sudden onset of a severe headache may signify a serious problem and requires immediate medical attention. The common headache is often described as achy, dull or throbbing pain. It typically begins at the base of the skull/upper part of the neck and may radiate into the eye(s), the temple, or other locations. Headaches may be felt on one or both sides of the head. Often loud noises or bright lights may make them worse. Some patients may become nauseated or experience odd smells, sounds, or sights before and during the headache attack.
What Causes My Headaches?
Headaches can be primary and secondary. Primary headaches do not result from some other health condition. The most common type of primary headache is caused by problems with the neck muscles. Changes in the blood vessels inside the skull usually cause migraines. Two of the most common types of headaches are tension‐type headaches and migraine headaches.
Headache Type |
Tension Type |
Migraine |
Pain |
Dull, tightening or pressing |
Throbbing/Debilitating, possible for days |
Onset |
End of day, high stress, muscle fatigue |
Morning, Gradual following trigger (food, environment, emotion) |
Location |
Back/ Top of head, over eye, to ear, jaw |
One side of head |
Aura/ Prodrome |
No |
Yes |
Nausea/ Vomiting |
No |
Yes |
Increased Sensitivity |
No |
Yes |
Family History |
No |
Yes |
Secondary headache results from some other cause or condition—head injury, concussion, blood vessel problems, or high blood pressure—or from side effects of some medications, infections in the head or sinuses or elsewhere in the body. Rare headache causes include tumors, aneurysms and other abnormal growths inside the skull, and toxic substances in the blood.
How Are Headaches Treated?
Treatment: If your headaches have a mechanical cause your chiropractor can provide a mechanical solution. Treating muscles with elevated tension using Active Release Techniques® (ART) will restore function to overworked muscle or entrapped nerves. Gentle chiropractic adjustments allow the joints to glide. Focused rehabilitative exercise creates proper movement & improved stability. Stress Management strategies that work for you such as meditation, walking, exercise, or your favorite hobby. Postural training. Identifying a dietary link can also be important.
How Can Headaches Be Prevented?
Muscle‐tension headaches can often be avoided by creating neck movements with proper mechanics. Maintain good posture while performing your normal activities. You should:
- Develop proper and stable movement patterns
- Reduce alcohol and inflammatory foods from your diet
- Keep your computer monitor at eye level
- Take frequent breaks from reading and working on the computer
References
1. National Headache Foundation, Guide to Understanding Headaches, 2010
2. Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, Accessed 2010
Nutritional Corner
Summer is a great time to get started on eating healthy salads. Add vegetables to give them more color and flavor as all types of produce are in season. Webster’s Farmer’s Market is open Every Saturday… from June 12th through November 6th, 8:00 am ‐ 12:30pm at the Village Parking Lot, behind the Baptist Church. Next month look for a tip on sprouting.
