Did you know that headache is one of the most common health conditions in Australia?
It is estimated that around 15% of Australians are taking pain-relieving medication for a headache at any given time. And while people of all ages are affected, headaches tend to be most common in people between the ages of 25-44.
There are many different types of headache, and many different possible causes: stress, a poor diet, muscle tension, dehydration and a lack of exercise are all common triggers. In most cases a headache will be caused by a combination of contributing factors, but will usually quickly resolve with simple rest and sometimes medication. In a small number of cases, a headache can be caused by a more serious underlying disease (such as infection or a tumour), with the headache being a side-effect of the main illness.
The two most common types of headache are tension-type headaches and migraines.
Tension headache
Tension headache is the most common type of headache; two out of three people will have at least one tension headache in their lifetime. They feel like a tight band of pressure around the head, and are often (but not always) associated with muscle tightness in the head, neck or shoulders. They can also be caused by physical or emotional stress. Tension headaches are best treated by making lifestyle adjustments, such as improving diet and exercise, managing stress and improving posture. Simple analgesic (pain-relieving) medication can be used to relieve the immediate symptoms of the headache.
Migraine headache
A migraine headache has different types of symptoms to other headaches, and is recognised as a separate medical condition. Symptoms of a migraine vary from person to person, but they often include nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound or smells, and visual disturbances. These symptoms are in addition to a severe throbbing pain in the head, often on one side only. A migraine attack can last from a couple of hours to several days.
Migraine is one of the most common neurological conditions in the developed world – about 10-15% of the population are estimated to suffer from migraines; that’s up to 3 million Australians. The World Health Organisation classifies migraine as one of the most disabling illnesses, yet it remains undiagnosed and undertreated in at least 50% of patients. Over half of migraine sufferers experience one or more attacks per month, and some report one or more per week.
What causes a migraine still remains unknown, but a migraine attack is often associated with a combination of possible triggers, including diet, sleep, menstrual cycles, environmental factors and stress. Treatment of migraine varies, but often identifying and addressing these triggers is an effective preventative approach.
Sinus headache
Some people may suffer from sinus headaches, which are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movement or straining, and is accompanied by other sinus symptoms such as nasal discharge, fever and facial swelling. Sinus headaches are a result of chronic sinusitis, and are far less common than tension or migraine headaches. In fact, many people who report having a sinus headache will actually be suffering from a migraine or tension headache.
Get the right advice and treatment
With so many different headache and migraine treatments available, how do you know which one is right for you? Finding trusted, qualified pharmacists that take the time to understand your specific symptoms and treat the underlying condition that cause headache and migraine pain is critical.
At Community Care Chemist, we have a range of traditional, natural and whole-health solutions to manage headaches and migraines. We focus on nutrition and diet that may benefit your general wellbeing and recommend lifestyle modifications that are likely to improve your headache condition.
If you suffer from recurring headaches or migraines and would like to find out more about the possible treatment options available, I invite you to come in to our Belmont pharmacy to discuss your headaches with me or one of our other qualified pharmacists.
Bryce Cameron
Pharmacist, Community Care Chemist Belmont