The Common Stress Headache

Stress Headache Video

The medical community has set out a well defined categorization of headaches.  The first category, that of the primary headache, is experienced by almost everyone throughout their lives.  The primary headache occurs more frequently than any other kind of headache.  The cluster headache category is defined as a far more painful variety of headache that occurs to a much smaller segment of the population.  Cluster headaches are so called because of the random groupings in which they occur.  Patients can go pain free for years before suddenly suffering a rash of attacks.  Secondary headaches are classified as symptoms of a deeper neurological issue, such as internal bleeding, tumor growth, or chemical imbalance in the brain.  Cluster headaches and secondary headaches are far rarer than primary headaches.

The common stress headache falls into the primary category.  Although not at all rare or life threatening, the stress headache can become an impediment to the enjoyment of daily life. In some cases, the common stress headache can be very painful.  It is important that these cases be resolved as quickly as possible to avoid serious discomfort.  The first step in treatment is knowing the source of the issue.  Stress headache is believed to actually result from a contraction of the muscles surrounding the skull.  The added pressure from this contraction introduces a level of pressure that causes general discomfort and pain.  The problem has nothing to do with any neurological issue, but rather with the tightness around the skull.

The tightening of the muscles around the skull is typically explained as a feeling of band-like tightness around the forehead.  This is the first sign of stress headache, and should be when sufferers take preventive measures.  To actually prevent stress headache more effectively, the root problem should be investigated.  If stress headache occurs seemingly on a schedule, it can be assumed that daily emotional or physical stress is to blame.  Stress management can be a big part of reducing stress headache.  Changes should be made to lifestyle choices that trigger stress headache, or manage them more effectively, and stress headache may be reduced.  If pain persists in a chronic fashion, be sure to visit a physician.

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Sinus Headache Symptoms

Sinus Headache Symptoms Video

Sinus headaches affect millions of patients every year, and they can become an almost yearly affliction.  Potentially very painful, sinus headaches can also be treated very effectively.  The earlier a sinus headache can be caught and treated, the easier and less drastic the course of treatment must be.  Sinus headaches can be differentiated from normal headaches because of their severity and the added pressure that is normally felt.  Sinus headaches are usually caused by a buildup of pressure in the sinus cavity, developing into a painful sensation that focuses behind the nose and eyes. 

Sinus headaches are usually discernable by this feeling of increased pressure.  Leaning forward suddenly usually brings about a painful feeling.  Pain when blowing and sneezing is also a potential symptom of sinus headache.  Other sinus headache symptoms include blood coming from the nose, or blurred vision and swelling around the eyes.  Sinus headache symptoms can become much worse if the sinus cavity should become infected.  An infection of this nature can very easily occur, as the mucus behind the nasal cavity is a fertile breeding ground. 

Decongestants, nasal sprays, and antihistamines are all effective solutions for sinus headache symptoms.  These treatments should be used as soon as possible to avoid further infection of the nasal cavity.  When an actual infection occurs, the patient will typically suffer a dull ache in the nasal cavity region.  Blurred vision and swelling around the face can also indicate an infection of the nasal cavity.  Bacteria and viral infections in this region are prone to becoming serious if not treated right away.  If this the case, be sure to see a doctor immediately.  A doctor will prescribe powerful antibiotics for these sinus headache symptoms.  Antihistamines and decongestants should also be used when nasal congestion is a problem.

Over the counter medications are usually enough to combat sinus headache problems.  When the symptoms first present themselves, purchase an antihistamine and decongestant to treat the problem.  This combination should do a good job of clearing out the excess mucus, as well as preventing further reactions.  Clearing out the excess mucus promptly is very important in treating the problem.  Letting mucus sit in the nasal cavity is a sure path to infection.

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Causes of The Sinus Headache

Sinus Headache Video

Sinus headache can be an annoying problem that patients suffer from on an almost yearly basis.  The change in seasons, often times from warm to cold, can very easily bring about a sinus headache.  Sinus headache typically forms when the small cavity behind the nose becomes filled with excess mucus, putting too much pressure in that area.  This can present as a feeling of pressure around the nose and eyes.  This pressure can sometimes become very painful and uncomfortable.  The prelude to a sinus headache is sometimes a stuffed up nose or severe congestion.  If a cold or congestion extends for a prolonged period, it can very easily develop a sinus headache.

Prompt treatment of congestion and colds is the best way to prevent the occurence of a sinus headache.  Whenever a cold or congestion initially strikes, try to treat the problem immediately in order to alleviate stronger symptoms.  Overly dry air can quickly lead to a sinus headache as well, so a humidifier can be a good solution as well.  Sinus headaches typically come about when pressure in the sinus cavity becomes too high. 

The problem can become painful when bacteria or a virus invades the nasal cavity area.  Prolonged colds and congestion can easily lead to an infection.  When bacteria infects the nasal cavity, it can prompt increased swelling.  Significant pain when sneezing or blowing, in addition to a fever, are strong signs of an infection.  It is important to treat such infections promptly.  Sinus headache can become very painful if an infection is allowed to spread unchecked.  See a doctor promptly, and they will typically prescribe both antibiotics and decongestants to rid the patient of the problem.

It is important to treat infections quickly.  If left alone, sinus headache can become a life threatening infection.  Sinus headache can be brought under control with the use of medication.  The earlier the problem is caught, the more effective the treatment can be.  Ignored sinus headache can develop into serious infections that threaten permanent damage to the sinus cavity.  In severe cases, it may be necessary to block off the sinus cavity to prevent a repeat of the problem.

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Hormonal Headaches

Hormonal Imbalance Video

Hormonal headaches are a serious and often times debilitating form of headache that effects only women. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone are known to be behind hormonal headaches in women. Hormonal headaches are a part of the overall premenstrual cycle, and can begin eleven to seven days before the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of hormonal headaches include severe migraine like pain, usually accompanied by a sensitivity to light and loud noises. The pain can typically be described as a throbbing like sensation. A great number of women experience hormonal headaches at one point or another in their life. The occurence of hormonal headaches is difficult to predict, although contraceptives are known to have an effect on their frequency. In some women, oral contraceptives provide a trigger for migraine like headaches, while in others it ends up reducing the frequency of the headaches. Accurately predicting the effect that oral contraceptives will have is difficult. Outside of contraceptives, the exact causes of a hormonal headache are unknown. Preventing hormonal headaches can be difficult, or even next to impossible. Fortunately, treatment for the effects of hormonal headaches can be highly effective. Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can do an effective job of suppressing hormonal headache symptoms. Treatment with these over the counter drugs around five to seven days prior to a menstrual period can mitigate their effects. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are all effective treatments for hormone headaches. These NSAID medications can possibly also play a role in reducing other premenstrual symptoms. Migraine medications, such as triptans, are another tool in the arsenal against hormonal headache pain. Although not a direct solution to hormonal headaches, triptans can significantly reduce the associated pain. Triptans and NSAID medication should be used wisely when attempting to reduce hormonal headaches, because they can cause reactions if overused. Overuse of both triptans and NSAID medication can result in what are known as "rebound" headaches, where the symptoms emerge even stronger after the effects of the medication has worn off. In addition to the premenstrual cycle, hormonal headaches also emerge during high hormone level periods. The early periods of childbirth can cause widespread changes in hormone levels, and this can commonly result in hormonal headaches. The days after childbirth are also particularly susceptible to the occurence of headaches. Menopause can also frequently be associated with hormonal headaches.

Find more information on headaches here Sinus Headache Symptoms

Types Of Headaches

Types of Headaches Video

There are several types of headaches, and the medical community has established a definite set of categories for each.  The vast majority of headaches that patients suffer can be easily fit into the first category, or primary headache.  Primary headaches occur to almost everyone, and are not a serious or life threatening issue.  Primary headaches can occasionally become very painful, or can become a chronic problem.  Although this isn't life threatening, it can be a serious impediment to quality of life.  Fixing these kinds of primary headaches can be crucial to restoring enjoyment of daily life activities.  Correcting issues regarding primary headaches can usually be done with the use of over the counter medications.

Cluster headaches are a far more serious kind of headache that can seriously debilitate a patient if not treated.  Although not life threatening in itself, the associated is very serious and often debilitating.  Cluster headaches are known as such because of the groupings they occur in, and can be very hard to predict.  This means that treatment over the course of a lifetime is difficult, resulting in attacks that usually cannot be avoided.  A cluster headache usually prevents any daily function.  Pain typically focuses behind one or both eyes.  Patients can become overwhelmed with the pain associated with cluster headaches.  Treatment of this pain is very important and should be done as soon as possible.  Over the counter medications may do little to help under these circumstances.

Secondary headaches are the third and rarest form of headache types.  As the name implies, a secondary headache results from another issue.  Secondary headaches signify a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening.  In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumor.  Poor blood flow and internal bleeding can also trigger secondary headaches.  Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.

The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary categorization.  As many as 90% of primary headaches result from the "tension" variety of headache.  A tension headache occurs when the muscles over the skull contract tightly, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head.  The pain can typically be felt around the temples and around the eyes.  Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.

Get more on headaches here Causes Of Migraine Headaches

Cause of Headaches

Although medical science cannot pinpoint the exact cause of headaches in a patient, some of the most common causes can typically be identified in the majority of cases. In order to properly diagnosis a headache, physician will usually categorize headaches in one of the following types. The most common form of headache, is known as a Primary Headache and they are experienced by nearly everyone. The most common types of primary headaches are 1) tension, 2) migraine, and 3) cluster and are rarely life threatening. Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. Cluster headaches are among the least common, although considered to be one of the most severe, the pain of a cluster headache is intense and may be described as having a burning effect that is throbbing and often constant. People who suffer from Cluster headaches often experience sharp pain behind the eyes and water or drainage coming from both the eye and nose area are not uncommon.

Tension headaches are caused by muscle contraction which causes mild to moderate pain and come and go over a prolonged period of time. Significant emotional stress typically results in a contraction of the muscles, and therefore a tension related headache. The muscles that surround the skull sometimes contract, putting too much pressure on the head. The most common reason that muscle contract in this way, can be attributed to stress, which effect the oxygen and blood flow in the tighten area. A Migraine headache will occur in areas of the brain, however, the exact causes of these forms of headaches is unknown, they are related to blood vessel contractions, other changes in the brain and believed to be hereditary. Migraines are associated with symptoms such as light sensitivity; noise or odors; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and stomach upset or abdominal pain.

Migraine pain is moderate to severe, often described as pounding, throbbing pain. They can last from 4 hours to 3 days and usually occur 1 to 4 times per month. Inflammatory headaches or Chronic progressive headaches get worse over a period of time, in both strength and frequency. These type of chronic headaches are not common and around less than 5% of all adults will experience them. Women experiencing changes in their hormone levels due to menopause, pregnancy or menstruation cycles, can get, ’Hormone headaches’. Also, chemically induced hormone changes, such as with birth control pills, also trigger headaches in some women.

Secondary headaches occur as a symptom of a more serious problem. This is much rarer than primary headaches and treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible to bring the pain under control. The diagnosis of secondary headache begins with a complete patient history followed by a physical examination,laboratory and radiology tests as appropriate. Secondary headaches can be quite painful, and may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensory phenomenon. The most common types of headaches can be classified as 1) primary, 2) secondary, and 3) cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches.

Advertising Victims - Teeth Whitening

Americans are some of the most gullible people this world has to offer and with teeth whitening it's no different. An American can be talked into anything. This is why commercial advertising is such a good business to be in. Advertise a product on television, no matter how trivial the product may be, and there will always be a handful of idiots who go running for their checkbook. Not to say that's a bad thing, for no household would be complete without three abdominal exercise machines and a Miracle Mop. But for the sake of the idiots, this situation needs to be brought out into

the light. If there's a sucker born every minute, then one of these suckers hands his money over to an unworthy cause every forty-five seconds. I see a little of sucker in everyone I meet, almost without exception, and I just so happen to know a few very well. They are my friend

Joe, my very own mother, and my girlfriend. They are three people whom I love very

dearly, and it's for that reason that their stories must be told to expose the dangers of commercial advertising.

Ask my friend Joe how many exercise machines is too many and he'd ask you what you meant. He just doesn't understand that there is no need for him to buy the new Ab

Roller, since he already has the Ab Works and Ab Flex. I wish I could say that the madness stops at abs. Even though he's got plenty of free-weights and a nice, sturdy bench complete with butterfly curls and leg extensions, he was sold the first time he saw a Soloflex commercial. What's worse is he sold it six months later to buy Nordicflex, taking the three hundred dollar loss in stride. When confronted about this by someone of greater objectivity and reason, such as myself, he explained that Soloflex lacks something that Nordicflex doesn't: cable crossovers. But in order for one to understand why I don't understand why Joe insists on spending all of his money on as-seen-on-TV exercise products, one must

understand something: the boy hasn't gained an ounce of muscle since he bought his first dumbbell. I'm also waiting to see those Greek-godlike abdominals that all three of his ab machines promised to deliver. Joe's cluttered basement can be considered as one of the harmful effects of commercial advertising, but he is by no means the worst.

My mother, on the other hand, is the worst. She's more into domestic products than barbells, though. From the Miracle Mop to that little machine that dries out fruit chips and beef jerkey, she's got it. As a matter of fact, if you saw something on TV, and you bought it, I'd be willing to bet she bought it, too. Maybe she's not worse than Joe, though, because at least she uses the stuff she buys, even if only for a while. Which is a good thing, since there are only so many dried fruit chips one can eat.

Well, that's two suckers down, which leaves my girlfriend, Angie. The good thing about Angie is that she lacks sufficient funds necessary to purchase the worthless products that she otherwise would. But save as she does, once in a while she can afford to splurge on the unnecessary. My girlfriend is one of the few who actually bought the Natural Tooth Whitening System, leaving me to bear the burden of lying to her every time she'd ask

whether or not her teeth looked whiter. She also has a habit of calling those psychic hotlines to ask if I'm cheating on her and whatever else people who call psychics ask. This leaves me spending the remainder of my evening convincing her that I'm as faithful as a lapdog, and no, she will not soon die a horrible death.

What can we do, one might ask, to curb the harmful effects of commercial advertising? The answer is simple. Before making a controversial purchase, say to yourself "If I really needed this, I would probably already have it, and, therefore, I should not buy it." One could also divert the attention of a potential nonsense buyer from his commercial program by asking him to show you how a past purchase has made his life that little bit better. Until then, people such as myself will be forced to continue convincing Joe his arms look bigger,

letting mom know how much I love her kiwi fruit chips, and, of course, telling Angie her teeth really do look whiter.