Head off the aches
THE number of people suffering with headaches soared during the Covid pandemic – and headaches were already our most common health complaint.
A study for Nurofen found 34 per cent of people who had seen an increase in pain during Covid times said headaches were the culprit.
Other figures show half of us get at least one headache a year, while 10 million of us suffer regularly with a pain in our head or face. James Moore has the lowdown about this most common complaint...
What’s your type?
Tension headaches are the most common. Triggers include stress, poor posture or dehydration. They last from 15 minutes to several hours, typically causing pain in your forehead and temples. Not usually severe, tension headaches can be simply treated with a dose of overthe-counter painkillers.
Is it a migraine?
Affecting nine million people in the UK and lasting up to 72 hours, these more painful headaches are often combined with other symptoms, such as pain in the face or neck, sensitivity to light, and nausea.
Some people also experience visual aura such as flashing lights.
Check yours at migrainetrust.org.
Women get more migraines than men, and experts think your genes could make you more susceptible. If migraines persist, contact your GP for stronger painkillers.
Cluster buster?
This is a rare type that often affects one side of the head. They typically last from 15 minutes to three hours, and can occur several times a day for weeks or months on end.
They are more painful than migraine. See your GP if you’re affected because usual painkillers don’t work. You’ll need stronger medication or oxygen therapy.
Conditions to consider
Conditions such as a cold, sinusitis or the flu can cause a headache, while at least five million women in the UK experience hormonerelated headaches linked to their periods. Headaches can also be a side-effect of medication – even painkillers if they’re used too often. A headache is now one of the most reported symptoms of Covid, too.
Mind out
Lots of factors can spark headaches, including certain smells such as perfume, too much alcohol, caffeine withdrawal, exercise, vision problems and grinding your teeth.
Even relaxing after a period of hard work can cause one as stress hormones plummet and release neuro-transmitters that cause blood vessels to constrict and dilate.
Under the weather
Changes in the weather can be a trigger for headaches and migraines. Heat, high humidity and storms can all bring on pain. The NHS explains that changes in air pressure trigger chemical and electrical changes in the brain.
Food for thought
Some people report that chocolate, citrus fruits, cured meats and certain cheeses trigger their migraines. Keep a food and drink diary to help pinpoint the culprit.
Get to the point
There’s evidence that acupuncture can help prevent a migraine, while a US study found a daily portion of oily fish could help ward off headaches, thanks to omega-3 content.
Brain freeze is real
Eating an ice cream or having a cold drink can bring on a short, sharp headache, according to researchers, due to the effect of the cold on blood flow. But it usually passes quickly.
Is it a brain tumour?
Cancer Research UK advises that it’s unlikely you have a brain tumour if a headache is your only symptom. If you have other symptoms, however, such as nausea, sickness, eye problems or pain that is getting steadily worse, then get checked out.
Is it an emergency?
A headache can sometimes be a symptom of a life-threatening condition, such as meningitis or stroke. If you get an extremely painful headache that comes on suddenly, seek urgent medical advice by calling 111 or 999.