ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM SPINAL HEADACHES?
If you have suffered or suffer from spinal headaches, you will certainly know about it. These headaches are often described by sufferers as “the worst headache ever” or “a headache like no other”.
Spinal headaches tend to be worse when you are sitting or standing up and improve immediately when lying down.
WHAT CAUSES A SPINAL HEADACHE?
A spinal headache can often occur after certain procedures such as a lumbar puncture, a spinal tap or an epidural block. In fact, over 40% of patients receiving these procedures report a spinal headache immediately afterwards. In most cases, these headaches disappear within 24 hours.
During these procedures, a thin needle is used to create a passage to the spine and this is when spinal fluid can leak. The change in fluid pressure around the spinal cord and brain can cause a spinal headache to occur.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A SPINAL HEADACHE?
The symptoms of spinal headache can include:
- A DULL AND THROBBING PAIN THAT CAN RANGE FROM MILDLY UNCOMFORTABLE TO DEBILITATING
- PAIN THAT INCREASES WHEN SITTING OR STANDING UP BUT WHICH DISAPPEARS WHEN LYING DOWN
You may also experience these additional symptoms:
- TINNITUS (RINGING IN THE EARS)
- NAUSEA
- DIZZY SPELLS
- LIGHT SENSITIVITY
- NECK STIFFNESS
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR SPINAL HEADACHE
As mentioned above, the pain experienced with a spinal headache can vary from person to person. However, you should go and see your doctor if your headache gets significantly worse when you stand or sit.
How Are Spinal Headaches Treated?
The pain that is caused by a spinal headache can actually last for up to 5 days and sometimes more. The first thing to do when treating a spinal headache is to try to regulate the pressure within the spinal cord. Sometimes the patient will be told to drink beverages that are high in caffeine or on other occasions fluids will be administered through an intravenous drip. The patient may also be placed on strict bed rest for up to 48 hours.
Speak to Your Migraine Expert for Professional Advice
Are you suffering from a spinal headache? In the first instance, we would recommend that you visit your doctor to ensure there are no serious causes of your headache.
If you continue to experience headaches and there is no serious underlying cause, we can carry out a full professional diagnosis and work out a personal treatment plan for you.
Book Your Consultation at NationalHeadache Institute Today
Book a consultation with The National Headache Institute today for help with all forms of headache and migraine. We have helped many of our patients to experience life without pain and we can do the same for you. Call us or use our contact form to book a consultation.
