Pain in the head

Most of us have had our share of headaches, and one of the frustrating parts can be figuring out how to treat it.  Have you felt a headache coming on, took medicine and had it do nothing?  How about had a headache that was terrible and you tried so many things that by the time it went away you didn't know what actually worked?  Headaches are one of the most common causes of doctor visits, massage appointments or chiropractic needs outside of illness, so here's a good place to start.  Most headaches aren't illness, they're symptoms of another problem.  Before I continue, I want to state clearly: I am not a medical doctor, I am not diagnosing your illness, there are excellent doctors who will listen and help you.  Here is a checklist to help you determine what might be causing that pain in the brain.  Keep in mind that we are all different; by answering these questions for yourself, you will become more aware of what triggers, helps, or worsens the headache for you.  Knowledge is the first step.

Onset: 
Gradual or immediate?  Gradual is often associated with tension headaches, while sinus and migraine headaches tend to come on more quickly. 
Morning, evening, night?  If your headaches occur at the same time of day it could be a cluster headache or a type of migraine that reacts to something you do.  Tension headaches generally get worse at the end of the day or you wake with one if you've slept in a poor position.  Migraines can also begin in the morning, but most commonly you don't actually wake with one.
Caused by something?  Did you just eat, lean over, exert yourself, or change temperatures rapidly?  These can all indicate a specific type of headache.

Accompanying symptoms:
Migraines tend to have other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or fatigue.
Sinus headaches will frequently have other sinus issues present, scratchy throat from drainage, runny nose, congestion, and in almost all cases the headache will feel worse when you lean over forward and sometimes when you lie down (increase in pressure).
Tension headaches will frequently feel worse in some area, but the area may be hard to locate.  Tension headaches will also almost always have referral pain or cessation of pain when using trigger points.  (More on this later)

If you can determine what causes your headaches, what type of headache you have, or even just what makes them go away these can all help with your ability to overcome the headaches.

Things to try:
From your doctor - There are a large number of possible medications for headaches or migraines now, if your doctor diagnoses your specific type of headache. It might be beneficial to have medications on hand until you learn how to prevent your headaches.  Your doctor can also help you by providing some other aids if they're willing, including oxygen, muscle relaxants, or shots for inflammation.
From your chiropractor/massage therapist - Locate your trigger areas when you are having a headache and let your practitioner know where they are.  Most bodywork professionals will have tests at their disposal of some sort to help you in determining how to ease the pain.
For yourself - When a headache begins, try the following 4 tests to know how to best proceed.
1.  Lean over and stand up.  Extreme pain in the front of the face while forward - possible sinus, dizziness when standing back up - possible migraine.
2.  Locate 3 points to check for tenderness.
First draw a line from the top of your temple to the top of your ear, press along that line - if the pain worsens or lessens it's likely a tension headache and may involve jaw problems. 
Second check the base of your skull in the rear by your neck for tenderness, the sub occipital muscles back there can cause compression in your skull with the dura. 
Third carefully check under your ear and down about 1.5" towards your chest (careful not to press hard or long as you don't want to compromise blood vessels).  These side and front neck muscles (scalene and SCM) can frequently cause tension headaches as well.

Once you begin to understand the headaches you will be better able to find your own treatments and get the information to your doctor or health practitioner.

Please remember that herbs interact like medications - if you are taking blood pressure, birth control, antidepressants or other long term medications check with your doctor before using herbs.
Natural headache helps - Feverfew, White Willow bark (low dosage), relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing, etc), Ice (properly covered no more than 20min), heat to related muscles (areas where trigger pain was found), vitamin B (can also help prevent in some cases), Fennel (fresh is best), green apples, and peppermint.  Topical treatments work very well for most types of headaches.













There are far more options for specific headache types, and many possible ways to reduce your chances of getting them.  As always, I'd love your comments and questions either here or in email.  God bless, be well, and see you tomorrow!