Headache and Neck Pain Help
Headache and neck pain are a bad combination. Your head not only hurts but you can' turn your head in any
direction without suffering pain. You might not even be able to
sleep unless you can find some headache and neck pain help.
What causes headache and neck pain?
There are two major causes of headache and neck pain. The first, which might be called environmental, is based
on factors such as how you sit, how you sleep, how you hold the telephone or cell phone or just how you hold
your head.
For example, people who sit in front of a computer all day often suffer from headache and neck pain. This is
because they do not have good posture so, by the end of the day, their necks are aching with
pain. And their headaches could be situational - or caused by the stress of their jobs.
Believe it or not, gum chewing and poor lighting can also cause these problems.
Headche and neck pain help from over-the-counter drugs
If your headache and neck pain is the result of environmental factors, you should be able to find
relief by using an over-the-counter drug such as ibuprofen or aspirin that can reduce the
swelling in the muscles that are causing the problem.
For more serious problems
If these medications don't help and your headche and neck pain persist for long periods of time, the problem may
be more serious than just environmental factors.
Migraine headaches, cluster headaches, TMJ (Temporomandibular joint)disorders and Meningitis can all cause
headache and neck pain.
Chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia can also cause this head and neck pain.
Trauma or an injury to your head and neck - for example, as the result of an auto accident - can lead
to lasting headache, neck pain, and even shoulder pain.
Help with more serious problems
If you believe your headache and neck pain is being caused by one of tehse more serius problem, you need
to do is see your healthcare provider.
He or she will examine you and take your history, then recommend the treatment, or combination of
treatments, that are most likely to bring you relief.
For example, if the head and neck pain is related to a chronic problem like cluster headaches - you may be given
a prescription for a corticosteroid such as prednisone (Deltasone or Sterapred) and dexamethasone
(Decadron).
On the other hand, if your head and neck pain is the result of migraine headaches, your healthcare provider may
prescribe Propranolol, Methysergide, Verapamil or some othe similar drug.
Help with trauma related head and neck pain
If your head and neck pain is the result of trauma like whiplash as the result of an auto accident, you probably
suffered damage to your disks, intervertebral joints, and ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots. This neck
pain may occur directly after the injury or may be delayed for several days.
In either event, treatment for this injury may include pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar, which is usually worn for 2 to 3 weeks.
Alternative treatments for headache and neck pain
In additon to the treatments suggested here, there are alternative treatments that have helped some people with
their headache and neck pain. This includes:
- Chiropractic
- Homeopathic medicine
- Acupuncture
- Environmental medicine
- Ayurvedic medicine
- Naturopathy
- Ice and Heat
- Massage
- Hypnosis
- Compresses and steams
As you can see, there is much headache and neck pain help available. But before you try any of these, be sure to
see your healtcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis so you can determine which treatment could give you the
most relief.
Do you have trouble sleeping?
There are a number of natural ways to stop tossing and turning and enjoy a good night;s sleep that lets you wake
up feeling refreshed and full of energy. Go to the Natural, Restful
Sleep site to learn how.
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