Introduction

Thursday, 17 February 2005 16:09
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Most people in the general population have headaches from time to time. However, about 3 in 100 people have headaches occurring on most days. Most of these occur for no apparent reason, although there may well be underlying stressors that can sometimes be a cause.

Headache is defined as chronic when it occurs 15 or more times per month for a minimum of 6 months. [International Headache Study criteria].

There are 2 main categories of headache, according to the International Headache Society (IHS).

Primary headaches are benign and include migraine, tension type headache and cluster headache.

Primary headaches are benign and include migraine, tension type headache and cluster headache. Secondary headaches result from other physical conditions.

However, one can argue that the types of headache seen in conditions such as arachnoiditis may appear to fall within the first category but in fact should be considered as secondary headaches.

However, one can argue that the types of headache seen in conditions such as arachnoiditis may appear to fall within the first category but in fact should be considered as secondary headaches.

In other words, often "tension" headaches can result from constant pain in other parts of the body and especially if there are problems with the neck.

Again, "alternative" practitioners such as chiropractors will tell you that migraines may result from spinal problems.