Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common issues that can disrupt our daily lives. Nearly everyone has suffered from them at some point – whether as a dull pressure, sharp pain, or throbbing discomfort. But what causes headaches, and how can they be treated?

The causes of headaches are as diverse as the people who experience them. Headaches are often harmless and can be triggered by factors like stress, lack of sleep, or dehydration. Poor posture, long hours in front of a screen, or skipping meals can also lead to discomfort. Tense muscles in the neck and shoulder area can often intensify the pain. 

Headaches can also be down to environmental factors. This includes factors like loud noises, bright lights, or sudden weather changes, such as a shift to high humidity. Fluctuating hormone levels – such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle – are also common triggers, especially in women.  In other cases, such as migraines or tension headaches, more complex mechanisms, often influenced by genetics, are at play.

Headaches can vary greatly in intensity and severity. Depending on the cause and mechanism, they are divided into two main categories:

Primary headache: Including tension headaches, migraines and cluster headaches, which occur independently and are not induced by any other condition

Secondary headache:Occur as a result of other health problems, such as colds, sinus infections or injuries.

The symptoms vary depending on the type of headache:

• Tension headaches: Pressing pain that feels like a tight ring around the head. These symptoms are often accompanied by tension in the neck and shoulder area.

• Migraines: Pulsating or throbbing pain on one side, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and noise. In some cases, aura symptoms such as flickering vision may appear first.

• Cluster headaches: Severe, stabbing pain that is often concentrated on one side of the head, especially around the eye. These attacks are brief but extremely painful.

• Headaches caused by external factors: Generalised pain that can be triggered by factors such as stress, lack of sleep, or dehydration.

Drink plenty of fluids: Dehydration is a common cause. Make sure you drink enough water every day.

Stress management: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises can help alleviate stress.

Exercise and posture: Regular exercise and ergonomically designed workplaces can help prevent tension.

Sleep: Develop a healthy sleep pattern to give your body the rest it needs. If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, the ricare® "Sleep Well" sleep patches and "Sleep & Morning Energy" 3-phase tablets could help you. Find out more about the products here.