Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Those Chronic Headaches?

Most people do have a headache from time to time, and they usually just last for a little while. Sometimes you might have to take pain relief, but they usually don't recur. If you have headaches, more days than not, you might be suffering from chronic headaches.  Chronic headaches are headaches that occur for 15 days of the month or more, for longer than three months, and usually aren’t caused by another condition.

There are several types of headaches to be aware of.  Knowing what they are can help you treat them effectively as well as determine if, or when, you need to see your GP.

Tension Headache

  • Characterised by a constant ache affecting both sides of the head
  • Neck muscles may tighten 
  • Feeling pressure behind the eyes
  • Normally is not severe enough to prevent you from doing everyday activities


Migraine 

  • Effects one or both sides of your head
  • Pulsating or throbbing
  • Cause moderate to severe pain can be debilitating
  • Chronic migraines (15x/month or more) typically occur with people that have history of episodic migraines


Cluster Headache

  • Begins very quickly, no warning
  • Severe pain with burning or sharp piercing sensation on one side of head
  • Usually feel around your eye or your temple or face
  • Recurs on same side of face
  • Can last between 15 minutes and 3 hours 
  • Can occur multiple times per day
  • Rarer but additional symptoms include: red/watery eye and/or dripping/swelling of eyelid; smaller pupil in one eye; red/water eye dripping; face sweating; blocked /runny nostril 
  • Smokers and genetic predispositions at higher risk
  • Cluster headaches can be brought on by alcohol or strong smells

 

Exertion Headaches

  • Comes on after physical exertion (exercise, coughing, sneezing, intercourse, going to the bathroom)
  • Comes on quickly and goes away in a few minutes or hours
  • Usually no underlying disease 

 

Hypnic Headaches 

  • Occurs ONLY when a person is sleeping and wakes them up
  • Pain can keep people awake
  • Usually occurs a few times per week
  • Can cause sensitivity to light, sound and cause runny eyes, nose and nausea
  • Dull or throbbing pain on one or both sides of head
  • Counterintuitively, caffeine is actually the best treatment for these types of headaches

 

If your headaches concern you, are chronic, or are very severe in pain and length, please consult your GP.  There may be prescription medications that can assist you. No matter the type of headache you have, Pearl Chemist has pain relief sprays and pain relief tablets. Our compassionate,  knowledgeable staff and chemists are available to discuss your options with you at any time. Please visit our website to order our pain relief options directly for delivery to your home.www.pearlchemist.co.uk