Indianapolis, March 1, 2011 -- Not only is it cold and uncomfortable outside, but winter also brings with it a rise in the number of headaches people must cope with.   
A combination of changes in temperature and dry indoor air can result in headaches for many people, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  While headaches can be more prevalent in the colder months of the year, there are some steps that people can take to combat this discomfort. 
Dr. Seth Rinderknecht, a primary care physician at Wishard Health Services, said that treatments for headaches differ depending on their cause. Tension headaches originate from muscles in the neck that wrap around the skull and pain is often felt in the back of the head and temples.  Focusing on the neck can often prevent these headaches or alleviate them more quickly.  Gentle stretching combined with heat can relax the neck muscles where headaches originate. Improving posture by tucking in the chin to straighten the neck especially when watching television or sitting at the computer can also be beneficial. 
"Headaches felt in the face or forehead are more often the result from the sinuses," Dr. Rinderknecht said.  "For sinus headaches it is important to treat contributing problems such as allergies.  Antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec along with a nasal steroid can help open the sinuses and relieve pressure." 
Dr. Rinderknecht also said that decongestants like Sudafed can also be used, but caution should be taken, especially in people with high blood pressure. A good rule of thumb for using anymedication is to take it at the very onset of the headache before it becomes severe and is harder to break. 
Since headaches are usually caused by stress, tension and anxiety, finding ways to lessen these symptoms is very important.  Emotional stress and anxiety can increase neck and shoulder tension which in turn can cause headache.  Doctors suggest exercising, reading a good book, meditating, drinking plenty of water and keeping blood sugar levels constant by eating a balanced diet can all help reduce the symptoms caused by headaches.  Over the counter pain medicine can also be taken, but doctors suggest it should only be taken for a short period. 
Other causes of headaches include eyestrain, allergies and sinus infections and inadequate recovery following a head injury.  The pain a person feels from a headache is typically the result of a contraction of the muscles that cover the skull.  When the muscles covering the skull are stressed, they may spasm and cause pain. 
Symptoms of a headache include: 

• Mild to moderate pain, constant band-like pain, pressure or throbbing 
• Intense pain that comes and goes over a prolonged period of time 
• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep 
• Chronic fatigue and irritability 
• Disturbed concentration 
• Mild sensitivity to light or noise 
• General muscle aching 

Doctors suggest that headaches can be frustrating and annoying, but as long as a person is aware of the symptoms and monitors the pain, in most cases medical care is not needed.  Dr. Rinderknecht added that if there is ever a question or symptoms seem more intense than usual, a person should contact their primary care physician immediately. 
Wishard has established a primary care network consisting of its Primary Care Center and eight Community Health Centers, offering an array of services including physical exams, prenatal care, social services, dental services and more.  For more information on the services Wishard provides or to find a primary care physician, please call Health Connection at (317) 655-2255.