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Headaches involve mild to severe pain in one or more parts of the head as well as the back of the neck.  Many people regularly experience mild forms of headaches at some point in their lives, and they are generally more frequent during times of stress.

There are two types, a tension headache or a cluster headache. Tension headaches last only a few hours and are more frequent in women than men.  Symptoms include a constant ache which affects both sides of the head with tightening of the neck muscles, and a feeling of pressure behind the eyes.

A Cluster headache, also called a Migraine begins quickly, feels like a throbbing inside the head and is concentrated on just one side. It lasts a short time and is very painful. Sleep is often disrupted causing you to wake up at the same time each night and the eye on the side of the headache often becomes sore and watery. Patients may feel sick and become sensitive to light and sound.

Headaches can also be divided into either primary, not related to another disorder or secondary headaches which are caused by other factors such as head injuries, high blood pressure or a brain tumour. With secondary headaches, it’s important to treat the underlying because otherwise it may become fatal.

The causes of a Migraine may be linked to a family history, stress, alcohol use, smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke, lack of sleep, poor posture, for women menstrual periods and the use of oral contraceptives, and certain foods like nuts or chocolate may also cause Migraines. Depression may also be a cause.

Most people tend to buy painkillers from the pharmacy to treat persistent headaches and this is usually effective, however if the headache is sudden or persistent and accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, convulsions or lack of feeling in the arms or legs sufferers should see a doctor immediately.

Various x-rays accompanied by a patient reports aid the doctor in making a diagnosis, and keeping a ‘headache diary’ that records the frequency, duration and severity of the headache is also useful. Keeping a diary also helps patients to identify ‘headache triggers’ and avoid them.

As well as painkillers, relaxation techniques can also help reduce the symptoms of a headache, these may include applying a hot flannel to the head or neck, exercise, yoga or a neck and shoulders massage to relieve tensions.