Migraines have occured to the vast majority of people at one point or another in their lives. These migraine are known to range widely in their pain. Headaches are widely researched and treated in the medical community, but the exact causes remain a mystery. The medical community defines migraine in three basic categories. Primary headaches are by far the most common variety, while cluster and secondary migraine occur on a far rarer basis. Most migraine have no life threatening significance, although secondary migraine can be a sign of a more serious neurological disorder.
Most migraine are classified as primary headaches, and are usually easily treated by over the counter solutions. Ibuprofen and Aleve can do wonders to alleviate problems associated with primary headaches. More serious headaches, like cluster headaches, demand specialized treatment. Other effective treatments for headaches include therapeutic measures such as biofeedback, massage, and psychotherapy. These are good ways to prevent headaches or migraines before they even have a chance to begin. The majority of headaches can be traced to a stress related cause.
Several hours of physical exertion can definitely trigger a stress related headache. The muscles in the skull tend to contract, causing added stress that results in pain. Treatment is fairly simple, but prevention should be focused on as the most effective treatment. Preventing headache pain usually means finding the cause of the onset in the first place. If emotionally stressful situations are seen as the root of the problem, some sort of stress management should be undertaken. Hours of physical labor should be broken up by regular breaks to prevent the outbreak of stress related migraines.
Frequent migraine that last for weeks or months may be a sign of a more serious condition. Headache treatment in these situations may revolve around diagnosing a more serious issue. Headaches that occur frequently and seemingly without provocation can be a sign of more serious neurological issues. This kind of headache, known as a secondary headache, can signify internal bleeding, tumor growth, or chemical imbalances. It is important to see a specialist whenever problems of this kind present in the patient. Prompt care can prevent the root cause of secondary headaches from turning into a larger issue.