Most Common Physical Problems: Headaches

Headaches are unfortunately one of the most common physical problems that humans experience. Approximately 90% of adults in the United States have a headache each year. Primary headaches are not related to a serious pathology; however, secondary headaches are. Most headaches belong to one of four categories. The categories include: Tension-type headaches, vascular headaches, Chemical headaches, and Traction inflammatory headaches.

Tension-type headaches are the most common type of headache that people experience. Tension headaches affect everyone at some point in there life; they are triggered by mechanical stresses that start the Central Nervous Symptom changes in serotonin levels and begin the process of the blood vessel dilation. Some symptoms include pressing, tightening, and light sensitivity. Nausea is not followed with this type of headache and this headache is not aggravated by physical activity. The pain level ranges from mild to moderate and this headache can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 days. Treatment of this headache depends on if the headache is chronic or primary. Chronic headaches can be treated with antidepressants and primary headaches can be treated with over the counter medications or Ibuprofen.

Vascular headaches include migraines, cluster headaches, and possibly sinus headaches. These headaches are often triggered by food sensitivities, hormonal shifts, alcohol use, stress, or other factors that are difficult to identify. These headaches are characterized by pain that throbs with the patient’s pulse. Migraines are less common then tension headaches; however, about 28 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with migraines. They are found to be more common in women and affect about...

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...adaches are not related to any serious issues and there are many remedies such as massage, oxygen, and mediation that can help with these types of headaches. Since Traction inflammatory headaches are less common, and this form of headache is related to an underlying pathology talking to a doctor is the most important and getting treated right away is crucial. Being educated about headaches is very important because most people who do not suffer with them often find it difficult to understand what others go through.

Works Cited

Werner, Ruth. A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology. 4th ed. United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009. 316-20. Print.

Unknown, . "Types of Headaches." American Headache Society. American Headache Society Committee on Headache Education, 2007. Web. 16 Nov 2010.