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HEALTH What a Pain in the Neck!

from Good News August 2023

from Good News August 2023, page 19

What in the World is a Seedles...

Well, not quite. This is about headaches, but neck pain is close and may contribute to headaches. There’s no shortage of events and circumstances now that can cause headaches. The National Headache Foundation (I didn’t even know there was a headache foundation) estimates that about 40 million Americans live with headaches. However, there’s a significant difference in the type of headache, ranging from the “brain freeze” from eating something cold to serious migraine headaches.

The most common headaches are tension, cluster, and migraine. Tension headaches are often associated with stress or muscular-skeletal problems in the neck. The pain is usually dull and aching, and occurs in the forehead or around the back or sides of the head.

Cluster headaches typically come on as intense pain on one side of the head with searing pain around or behind the eye. These headaches come and go and can last for weeks or months. They are difficult to treat and are more common in men than women.

Migraines typically occur in women and involve pulsating pain.

Symptoms can include nausea, loss of appetite, or heightened sensitivity to light, smell, or sound. Migraines can last from four to 72 hours.

Aside from getting a notice from the IRS for an income tax audit, what are some common triggers that bring on headaches? Among the common triggers are dehydration, sleep deprivation, medications, changes in hormones, as well as underlying medical conditions.

Exertion may also bring on a headache. During a workout the blood vessels in the head dilate for increased blood circulation, thereby causing an exertion headache. Similarly, exercising in extreme weather and at high altitude can bring a headache on.

Poor posture can sometimes be a culprit. Similarly, prolonged sitting with your head forward, particularly at a computer, can cause the neck and shoulder muscles to spasm. This can lead to tension headaches.

Certain foods and/or ingredients may trigger headaches or migraine attacks. Aged cheese, chocolates, some wines, salty foods, and even caffeine are among foods that can trigger attacks.

Tension ranks high on the trigger list. When the body experiences stress, the sympathetic nervous system triggers the release of stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, causing the muscles in the neck and scalp to tense up.

Lack of regular sleep is associated with painful headaches during the day. Lack of sleep may increase the creation of specific proteins in the body that contribute to intense headaches.

Aside from popping pills to relieve headaches, there are some natural therapies that have proven an effective alternative to OTC medications. They include aroma therapy, rhythmic and deep breathing, massage and self-massage, meditation, yoga, and eliminating loud noises and bright lights.

Cold packs and warm compresses on the back of the neck may help to relieve headaches. Warm compresses promote blood flow while cold packs have a numbing effect which may decrease pain.

Unfortunately, headaches are likely to be a fact of life. But being aware of what triggers a headache can help you avoid those triggers. As to the posture trigger, just remember what your mother told you: “sit up straight.”

Please remember to MAKE it a good day and be kind to others. Till next time,

Ken Dettloff ACE

Certified Personal and Brain Health Trainer

Source: The Costco Connection June 2023