DEAR READERS,
Michael, a 24-year-old male from Golden Spring, St. Andrew, attends one of Jamaica's tertiary institutions of learning situated in Kingston. His most recent problem, he tells LIFELINE, is that of recurring headaches.
Michael admits to being under pressure as he works, studies and helps out with the care of a two-year-old. Michael also suffers with sinus problems and stuffiness and has been told in the past that his congested sinuses could be the cause of headaches that he experiences.
The pressures of life do tend to lead to stress in our lives. One manifestation of stress is headaches, appropriately termed "tension headaches". In addition, Michael has a sinus congestion with stuffiness and post nasal drip which is at times associated with frontal headaches (headaches over the forehead and nose bridge).
To differentiate between these two significant types of headaches a brief description follows. Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches seen in adults. They usually occur due to:
- inadequate rest
- emotional stress
- physical stress
- depression
- poor posture
These headaches are related to muscle tension and can feel like a tight band around the head. The pain can be described as throbbing or dull and can be mild or severe. It can affect both sides of the head or just one side and can sometimes be felt over the front of the head, the neck and the shoulders.
Daytime headache
This headache occurs most often during the day and worsens as the day passes. Sleep can bring some relief. The headache is not associated with any changes in vision or any physical weakness.
Sinus headaches however, are characterised by pain which is more centred on the face. The forehead, the nose bridge and the cheek bones may all be sites of significant pain sensation which tends to worsen when the affected person moves their head suddenly. This headaches is due to inflammation in the sinus cavities which prevents proper mucous drainage.
For any type of headache the person experiencing them should keep a diary listing the frequency of the headaches, the times that they occur and possible triggers of the headaches, example, stress or dust. The person should try to eliminate or reduce any stress and rest. A cold compress can be placed on the forehead. A tension headache may disappear on its own after sharing a problem with a friend, a family member or a counsellor. Practising relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation helps. Acupuncture helps. Exercise helps. Avoidance of allergies such as dust, smoke and paints may help in sinus headaches.
Drug treatment for these headaches starts with over the counter medications such as panadol and advil for pain and anti histamine decongestants for relief of congestion in sinus headaches.
Prescription non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as cataflam and panstan (and others) are quite useful in treating headaches. Muscle relaxants and mild tranquillisers are also used with tension headaches. Both tension headaches and sinus headaches are linked in part to the environment in which we live and to the life style practices we participate in.
To minimise the incidence of headaches, practise a healthy life style. Eat healthy meals with a preponderance of vegetables and fruit. Drink eight glasses of water daily. Exercise. Do not smoke. Relax. Avoid pollutant.
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