People with chronic headaches often have pain 25 or more days a month, pain that is far more debilitating than scientists previously thought, according to an Ohio University researcher who is leading a study of 245 chronic headache sufferers.
Results from the study found that 66 percent of participants have headaches nearly every day.
The research was presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Headache in San Francisco.
Weekly records kept by patients indicate that more than 70 percent record disrupted sleep, fatigue and headache-related anxiety or stress. Forty-four percent say their headaches affect their performance at work or school and 72 percent said the pain caused them to miss work or school an average of 3.5 days in the last six months.
Unfortunately, chronic headache pain disrupts the lives of millions of people worldwide. Thankfully, there are ways to treat the debilitating discomfort of tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. But, how do you know which kind of chronic headache pain treatment is right for you?
Chronic headache pain treatment includes medication or natural remedies. The first step is to visit your doctor to find out what kind of headache you have, and if it is chronic, then, a chronic headache pain treatment will be suggested by your doctor. Also, consider getting a second opinion just to be on the correct side of the diagnosis.
To be considered for chronic headache pain treatment, a person must have acute pain on a regular basis that is not cured by over-the-counter drugs, such as such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
Medication Doctor-prescribed, brand-name medications are used frequently as chronic headache pain treatment methods. Medications, such as Imetrex or Maxalt, are typically used to treat chronic headache pain associated with migraines and cluster headaches. And, in very severe cases, strong narcotic painkillers, like Oxycodon and Vicodine, may be used as part of a chronic headache pain treatment plan. However, many doctors agree that a chronic headache pain treatment plan cannot consist of medication alone.
Seddon Savage, M.D., a pain specialist from Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, New Hampshire says, “Treatment for chronic pain is about much more than medication. It can also involve stress relief and relaxation, physical therapy, improved sleep and nutrition habits, and exercise.”
Alternative Methods
Medication is not for everybody. If you would rather find a more natural way to treat your pain, there are many alternative methods of chronic headache pain treatment.
• Acupuncture. Traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy uses small needles that are inserted into specific points of the body. Many people swear by this chronic headache pain treatment
• Acupressure. If acupuncture needles frighten you, you may want to try acupressure. Instead of needles, acupressure relies on fingertips to stimulate channels of energy in the body.
• Fragrant Oils. Some oils have been proven to be great chronic headache pain treatments. Try using peppermint oil, chamomile, rosemary, or lavender to alleviate your pain. Keep in mind, a little oil goes a long way.
Since pain varies from person to person, Chronic Headache pain treatment is individualized. While medication may work perfectly for some, acupuncture or acupressure works better for others.
For more information about chronic headache pain treatment, check out the National Headache Foundation’s website. This site may lead you in the right direction in order to find a chronic headache pain treatment plan that works best for you.
