Headache
Headache Introduction
“A Headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes. Headaches have numerous causes, and in 2007 the International Headache Society agreed upon an updated classification system for headache.”(1) Because so many people suffer from headaches and because treatment sometimes is difficult, it is hoped that the new classification system will allow health care practitioners come to a specific diagnosis as to the type of headache and to provide better and more effective treatment.
“There are three major categories of headaches: 1. Tension headache (is the most common type of primary headache. The pain can radiate from the lower back of the head, the neck, eyes, or other muscle groups in the body. Tension-type headaches account for nearly 90% of all headaches. Approximately 3% of the population has chronic tension-type headaches.[ 2. Migraine headache (is a severe, painful headache that is often preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days.) 3. Cluster headache (is a condition that involves, as its most prominent feature, an immense degree of pain that is almost always on only one side of the head. the pain resulting from cluster headaches as the most intense pain a human can endure)” (1)
Etiology
Tension headaches
The exact etiology or causes of tension headache are unknown. Experts used to think that the pain of tension headache stemmed from muscle contraction in the face, neck and scalp, perhaps as a result of heightened emotions, tension or stress. But research suggests that there doesn't appear to be a significant increase in muscle tension in people diagnosed with tension headache.
The most common theories
“A Headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes. Headaches have numerous causes, and in 2007 the International Headache Society agreed upon an updated classification system for headache.”(1) Because so many people suffer from headaches and because treatment sometimes is difficult, it is hoped that the new classification system will allow health care practitioners come to a specific diagnosis as to the type of headache and to provide better and more effective treatment.
“There are three major categories of headaches: 1. Tension headache (is the most common type of primary headache. The pain can radiate from the lower back of the head, the neck, eyes, or other muscle groups in the body. Tension-type headaches account for nearly 90% of all headaches. Approximately 3% of the population has chronic tension-type headaches.[ 2. Migraine headache (is a severe, painful headache that is often preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days.) 3. Cluster headache (is a condition that involves, as its most prominent feature, an immense degree of pain that is almost always on only one side of the head. the pain resulting from cluster headaches as the most intense pain a human can endure)” (1)
Etiology
Tension headaches
The exact etiology or causes of tension headache are unknown. Experts used to think that the pain of tension headache stemmed from muscle contraction in the face, neck and scalp, perhaps as a result of heightened emotions, tension or stress. But research suggests that there doesn't appear to be a significant increase in muscle tension in people diagnosed with tension headache.
The most common theories