Treating the Chronic Headache
Treating the Chronic Headache
A random headache. We've all experienced one. That dull throb behind your eyes, the tight band squeezing your temples. You pop a couple of pain relievers, and usually, it fades. It's just a headache, right? No big deal. Something everyone deals with.
But what happens when "just a headache" doesn't go away?
What happens when it becomes a constant headache? One that simple fixes like over-the-counter pain relievers can’t touch.
That's the reality for millions of people living with chronic headaches.
And trust me, it's a whole different ballgame than that occasional head pain.
For chronic headache sufferers, it's not about a temporary inconvenience. It's about life being constantly filtered through a lens of pain. It's about waking up with a headache and going to bed with one. It's about planning your day around the throbbing, the sensitivity to light and sound, the nausea that can creep in uninvited.
Imagine trying to focus on a work project when your head feels like it's being squeezed in a vise.
Picture trying to enjoy a movie night with friends when every loud noise sends a jolt of pain through your skull.
Think about the frustration of having to cancel plans, again, because the pain is just too much to bear.
This isn't about being dramatic or wanting attention.
It's about a real, often invisible situation that can significantly impact every aspect of life. Chronic headache sufferers are not just complaining about a little head pain; they are navigating a world that often doesn't understand the constant, debilitating nature of chronic headaches.
Here's a little glimpse into what it's really like:
The "Headache Hangover"
Even on days when the pain isn't at its peak, there's often a lingering "headache hangover" – a dull ache, fatigue, and a general feeling of being off.
The Medication Merry-Go-Round
We become experts in over-the-counter remedies, prescription drugs, and alternative therapies, constantly searching for something that offers even a little relief.
The Guilt and the "Shoulds"
There's the guilt of having to say no to things, the feeling that we should be able to push through, the frustration of not living up to our own expectations or the expectations of others.
The Invisible Illness Struggle
Because we often look "fine" on the outside, it can be hard for others to grasp the internal battle we're fighting. Explaining the constant pain can feel exhausting and often met with well-meaning but unhelpful advice like "Have you tried drinking more water?" (Yes, we have. A lot.)
The Emotional Toll
Living with chronic pain takes a toll on your mental health. Anxiety, depression, and irritability can become unwanted companions.
Living with chronic headaches is a journey of constant management, adaptation, and often, a lot of patience. It's about learning to listen to your body, finding small moments of relief, and advocating for yourself in a world that doesn't always understand.
If you do suffer from chronic headaches and have not tried Craniosacral Therapy, it is worth trying. I say that as a former headache sufferer who found relief by receiving the work, as well as a practitioner who has helped many people with headaches. Headaches is a place where CST shines.
If you’d like to read more, here is one study published by the National Library of Medicine that found CST is a recommended modality to treat migraines.
