I think it’s safe to say that everyone experiences headaches at some point in their lives. They can range from a dull, nagging, but manageable ache, to a full blown, laid-up-in-bed migraine with nausea, intense pain, and sensitivity to light and sound. Most headaches have primary causes such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches.
Although aging adults do experience headaches, according to the Mayo Clinic, the prevalence of headaches decreases after age 40. So most of us should experience fewer headaches the older we get.
Unfortunately, for aging adults a headache has a higher likelihood of resulting from a secondary cause. Secondary headaches are a symptom of something else that is wrong in your body such as head trauma, vascular disease, allergies or sinus infection, the side effect of medication overuse, etc. Studies have shown that 33% (or about one third) of headaches in older adults are caused by secondary causes, while only 10% of younger adults have headaches from secondary causes. For this reason, aging adults should not ignore headaches.
If you suffer from chronic headaches, or have recently started having headaches, discuss them with your primary care doctor. Chances are you can find the reason for your headaches, and find a solution to manage or prevent them.
Tips for managing headaches:
- Drink enough water each day: dehydration causes headaches, even mild dehydration
- Eat regular, balanced meals and avoid foods that trigger headaches such as foods/drinks that are high in caffeine, and alcohol
- Talk to your doctor about alternative methods for pain management: pain relievers may initially help with headaches, but regular use of them can trigger rebound headaches
- Get moving: physical exercise releases endorphins in your brain that boost your mood and help block pain signals to your brain
- Lower stress/reduce tension: yoga, gentle stretches, a warm bath, listening to music, taking a walk in nature, are all great ways to alleviate stress
DISCLAIMER : This article contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding exercise and health care. It is presented as general advice on health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs. Before beginning any new exercise program it is recommended that you seek medical advice from your personal physician. This article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician. The reader should consult with their doctor in any matters relating to his/her health.
