Pain Relief Medicine for Headaches
Headaches are a problem that affects millions of Americans. There are also several different types of headaches, from tension headaches to migraines to cluster headaches. Although research is still ongoing as to what exactly causes some of these headaches, there are a number of pain relief medicines available to treat each one.
Headache Types and Treatments
The most common type of headache is the tension headache. By its name, you can probably guess what this type of headache is related to. It is believed that they are caused by tension in the muscles of the face, neck, back and shoulders. They usually show up as a constant pain in the area of the eyes and temples. There are various types of pain relief medicines used to treat this type of headache.
The most commonly used pain relief medicines for this condition are aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Aspirin has been used to treat headaches for decades, but it is not effective for everyone. Aspirin has certain side effects that eliminate it as an option for many people. Aspirin has been known to irritate the stomach lining in some people. It also should be avoided by those whose blood does not clot properly. Aspirin is a known blood thinner and is used as part of the treatment for many heart conditions.
Acetaminophen is another pain relief medicine that is used to treat headaches. Unlike aspirin, acetaminophen will only treat the pain and not the inflammation that often causes it. Acetaminophen is, however, safe for all stages of pregnancy. This is not the case with ibuprofen, which is especially dangerous during the third trimester.
Migraines are a more severe form of headache that affects around 28 million Americans. This condition usually shows up as an intense, stabbing or throbbing pain in the areas of the temples. Sensitivity to light and sound, as well as nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms. For mild to moderate cases, the previously mentioned over-the-counter pain relief medicines can provide some relief. For more severe cases, prescription medication is often required.
Triptans have probably been the most effective form of migraine treatment to date. They are, however, no miracle drug. Migraines are thought to be caused by the way a neurotransmitter, called serotonin, interacts with various nerve receptors. Triptans are similar in their make up to these neurotransmitters, and are used to take their place on the nerve receptors. The triptans are just different enough to eliminate the effects that are thought to cause migraine pain. Midrin and ergots are other pain relief medicines that are similarly used to treat migraines.
In some cases, headaches are the result of some other underlying medical condition. This is why it is so important to seek the proper diagnosis for your headache pain. Many times, when an underlying condition is treated with some type of medication, it also acts as a pain relief medicine for your headaches.
If you experience persistent or severe headaches, consult your physician as soon as you can. Give them as much information about the symptoms you are experiencing. This information, combined with the proper battery of tests, can help you pinpoint the best form of treatment.
