Got a pain in the head?

Health

July 23, 2007

Treatment often depends on how sufferers deal with the symptoms, doctor says

Anonymous The Weatherford Democrat Mon Jul 23, 2007, 10:22 AM CDT

By Rachel Kubicek

CNHI News Service

JOPLIN, Mo. — National Headache Awareness Week continues through Saturday — a time set aside each year to focus on a condition than can literally become a pain in the neck.

There are different kinds of headaches, said Dr. Kent Sutterer, a family practice physician specializing in osteopathic manipulation at St. John’s Regional Medical Center.

“The two types of headaches that most people are familiar with are tension headaches and migraine headaches,” he said.

Tension vs. migraine

Sutterer describes a tension headache as a headache that usually starts with muscular tension in the neck, which will often develop into a headache in the base of the neck. It often then turns into what many have described as a band squeezing the head.

Migraines, on the other hand, are headaches that prevail mostly on one side.

“Migraines most often present as a one-sided headache that is pounding in nature, often with sensitivity to light and loud noises,” Sutterer said. “Migraines occasionally start with an aura, which can be flashing lights or unusual smells.”

Treatments

Tension headaches can sometimes be remedied with over-the-counter medication.

“Tension headaches are best treated with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as Ibuprofen or Naprosyn. Other treatment and preventive measures include osteopathic craniosacral treatment, stretching and exercise,” said Sutterer.

However, these methods of treatment will sometimes fail to work on a migraine, he said.

“Migraines are often more difficult to treat and more persistent in nature. If over-the-counter treatments fail, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medicine or an abortive headache medicine in the triptan family,” he said. “With severe persistent migraines, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to take daily to decrease the frequency and severity of your migraine symptoms.”

When to see a doctor

There may be a time when a headache has become so severe or frequent that you wish to seek medical help.

The decision, Sutterer said, often depends on how the headache symptoms affect a person’s life.

“In practice I see patients who have two to three headaches per month who will do anything to alleviate them, and others who have 15 a month who seem to think it’s normal,” he said. “There are occasional headache symptoms that are an indication of more serious problems, so you should mention these symptoms to your doctor even if you are not interested in treatment.”

Text Only

Health

Free mammograms for uninsured This Saturday, the Careity Foundation, a North Texas based non-profit, will partner with medical service providers to make available free mammograms for uninsured, or underserved, men or women who lack insurance coverage or access to preventive care, ages 40 and over, or women ages 35 to 39 with a family history of breast cancer.
September 17, 2009
Flu shot clinics scheduled
September 16, 2009
Time for flu vaccine is now AUSTIN — The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to get their seasonal flu vaccination now.
September 8, 2009
Distinguishing CTS One of the most common hand/wrist complaints I see in my office is patients coming in with pain that they think is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
July 7, 2009
DSHS urges PAM precautions AUSTIN – The Texas Department of State Health Services is reminding swimmers and skiers to take precautions to avoid infection from Naegleria fowleri, an ameba assumed to be present in all rivers, lakes, ponds, tanks and streams.
July 2, 2009
Obesity surgery thins bones, but enough to break? WASHINGTON — It isn't just the thunder thighs that shrink after obesity surgery. Melting fat somehow thins bones, too.
June 22, 2009
'Oh My Blooming Back!' This time of year is when the frequency of a condition I have dubbed “Oh My Blooming Back!” becomes very prevalent.
June 22, 2009
During recession consumers should keep insurance CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Barry Miller figured he was saving $100 a month when he scaled back his disability insurance. After all, he was healthy.
June 22, 2009
Texas Department of State Health Services  DSHS Warns Against Eating Raw Cookie Dough Linked to E. Coli O157:H7 Outbreak AUSTIN – The Texas Department of State Health Services is warning consumers to avoid eating any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough as state and federal health officials investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7.
June 22, 2009
National health study links some ADHD meds to rare deaths, physical deformities MIDDLETOWN, CT – In a society where it’s easy to pop a pill to solve a problem, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Robert Reynolds is taking the road less traveled. Specifically, Dr. Robert Reynolds is leading the medication-free revolution for treating children with mental conditions and behavioral disorders across the state.
June 22, 2009
More Health Headlines

The Air Force Academy recently graduated their first openly gay cadets. What does this signify?

Health

Search Results