WHAT ARE SPINAL HEADACHES AND ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM THEM?
Spinal headaches, as the name suggests, are headaches that can originate from pain or pressure situated in the spine. These headaches are often extremely painful and tend to be much worse if you are standing up or sitting down.
If you have ever had a spinal procedure such as a spinal tap, lumbar puncture or an epidural, you may have experienced a spinal headache without realizing it. In fact, in a recent report, 40% of patients said they had experienced some type of head pain following one of these procedures.
Spinal procedures like those described above involve a small needle being inserted into the spine. This needle can often cause a change in spinal fluid pressure and this pressure change can cause a spinal headache to occur. You will know if you are because it is described by patients as “one of the worst headaches in the world”.
HOW CAN I TELL WHETHER I HAVE A SPINAL HEADACHE?
Spinal headaches can be extremely painful and common symptoms can include:
- PAIN THAT INCREASES WHEN STANDING UP OR SITTING DOWN, BUT WHICH PRACTICALLY DISAPPEARS WHEN LYING DOWN. MID WEATHER
- THROBBING PAIN THAT CAN RANGE FROM A DULL ACHE TO DEBILITATING PRESSURE ACROSS THE ENTIRE HEAD. RIGHT SUNLIGHT
Other symptoms you may experience include:
- NAUSEA
- DIZZY SPELLS
- TINNITUS (RINGING IN THE EARS)
- LIGHT SENSITIVITY
- NECK STIFFNESS
SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT MY SPINAL HEADACHES?
The good news is that most spinal headaches disappear within 24 hours. However, if you still have the same pain after this time, it is advisable that you visit your doctor for a professional and thorough diagnosis.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR SPINAL HEADACHES?
Even though most spinal headaches disappear after 24 hours, some can last as long as 5 days. The first way to treat a headache of this nature is to regulate the pressure that is being caused to the spinal cord. High caffeine drinks can often do the trick or you may need to have fluids given through an intravenous drip. You may also be told to rest in bed for 48 hours. All spinal headaches are different, so the advice you are given will be tailored to your personal circumstances.
SPEAK TO THE HEADACHE EXPERTS AT NEW JERSEY HEADACHE INSTITUTE TODAY
If you are suffering from a prolonged spinal headache, the headache experts at New Jersey Headache Institute are here to help. We have years of experience when it comes to helping patients with spinal headaches and many other ailments. We would be happy to arrange an appointment for you.
