Benign (or Primary) Headaches
Most head pains (headaches) are benign, because they do not cause harm to the body - only causing pain. These are sometimes called 'primary' headaches. Common types of these headaches include migraine headaches (often on one side of the head, sometimes with other symptoms such as nausea), chronic daily headaches, tension headaches (feeling like a tight band is wraped around the head, or a heavy weight is on top of the head, sometimes with neck and shoulder pain) and cluster headaches (a one sided headache that centers atound the eye or temple).
However, headaches can be quite debilitating, and there is often a relationship between headaches and upper back, neck and shoulder pain (this region is where most people hold any stress and tension).
Treating headaches Osteopathically will often also include treatment for the neck, upper back and shoulder region also. The spinal cord is part of the brain, and brain and spine go together. The Osteopathic treatment of headaches will often also include at least assessing (if not also treating) the back and vertebral column, and looking for any areas of restriction there (what may be called an Osteopathic lesion, or somatic dysfunction).
There may be many triggers for (benign or primary) headaches, stress and tension being common ones. Perhaps sitting for many hours looking at a screen - this can also affect posture, and lead to a 'hunched' more forward posture. And of this is the case, then Osteopathy can be helpful here. Frequently a combination of Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy and also Acupuncture (depending on your preference) can be very beneficial in the treatment of (benign or primary) headaches.
Dangerous Headaches
Most headaches are 'benign or 'primary' as described above, yet there are 'dangerous' headaches. Unlike 'benign' headaches, these headaches can be warning signs of other health problems, and require immediate medical attention. Call 111 for an ambulance if you or a family member have any of the following, as these may be signs of a stroke (caused by a blood clot or bleed in the brain):
confusion
loss of vision
paralysis in any part of the body
slurred speech
For meningitis - an extremely dangerous infection - more often affecting children and teenagers, caused by bacterial or viral infection of the brain and spinal cord:
high temperature (100.4 F or higher)
stiff neck
nausea and/or vomiting
dislike of bright lights (also a symptom of migraine - a benign headache)
a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
drowsiness and unresponsiveness
siezures (fits)
and, of course, headache
symptoms of meningitis can occur in just a few hours(but in some cases 1-2days) so it is essential to seek help immediately (call 111)
For more about meningitis see meningitis
A 'Thunderclap' headache is severe and comes on suddenly. This may be a symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage and requires emergency medial attention (call 111) although, in some cases thes can also be benign.
Another type of 'dangerous' headache (more common in oldper people) is temporal arteritis or giant cell arteritis. It causes the temporal arteries to become inflammed, which leads to scalp sensitivity or pain, and/or bulging arteries around the temples, and possible jaw pain while chewing. Temporal arterities requires urgent medical treatment (corticosteroids). Blood tests to help determine Temportal arteritis include C-reactive protein, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, full blood count, and Liver function tests. For more on this, and what to do if you suspect this, please see Giant Cell Arteritis.
If uncertain about any of these symptoms (for yourself or a family member) please seek urgent medical attention. Go to A&E or call 111
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