Headache: Amazon specialist explains causes and treatments for “headache”

Manaus (AM) — Headache, popularly known as headache, is a disease that affects more than 50% of the world’s population, according to research carried out by scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. In addition to discomfort, headaches can be so intense and continuous that they leave the person unable to perform everyday tasks, such as working and studying.

According to the master of Rehabilitation Sciences, specialist in the subject in the Amazon, the physiotherapist Joelma Magalhães, individuals with chronic headaches tend to have a high incidence of biological, psychological and social comorbidities. She explains that the International Classification of Headaches has mapped 14 types and more than 300 subtypes of headaches.

Joelma Magalhães is a reference and pioneer in the Amazon in Dysfunctions, Surgeries and Pain Treatment in the Head and Neck area. Acting for 15 years in the market, she is part of the Brazilian Society for the Study of Pain (SBED) and coordinates the Scientific Headache Committee of the entity, in addition to belonging to the Head and Neck Pain Brazil group.

According to Joelma Magalhães, the warning for people to realize that the headaches they feel are not punctual, but something chronic, is the frequency with which they occur, the intensity and duration.

“It is considered a chronic headache, that pain greater than or equal to four hours, or of short duration, which can affect the individual several times a day. Occurrence is 15 days per month for more than 3 months. These pains have a significant impact on society, mainly due to absenteeism and decreased productivity of the individual. Pain symptoms, such as pressure, twinge and uni or bilateral pulsation in the head, can be a warning of some type of headache that should be investigated by specialized professionals in the area”,

he said.

The expert points out that the cause of pain is multifactorial, but some things can lead to chronic headache, such as anxiety, depression, continuous stress, sleep disturbance, poor diet, lack of regular exercise, temporomandibular disorders, obesity, excessive caffeine intake , excessive use of medication, among others.

“Physical exercise is even an important ally in controlling and modulating pain. There are countless studies that prove the physiological action in the release of chemical and hormonal substances that help in this painful process”,

stressed.

Joelma clarifies that when risk factors are identified, they can provide a basis for preventive intervention with better treatment results.

“Keeping a headache diary can help determine trigger points related to triggering the pain. Including details and observations of what the individual was doing at the time, or before, the onset of the crisis and the duration of time help in understanding the pain”,

guides.

The treatment of headaches, according to the professional, should be multidisciplinary. In addition to the physiotherapist, the patient often needs follow-up with a neurologist, psychologist, nutritionist, dentists and other professionals, depending on their clinical condition. “In this way, it is possible to care for the patient with a focus on comprehensive rehabilitation”, he pointed out.

She also points out that there are several approaches for the treatment of headaches that must include multimodal and multiprofessional treatment, ranging from therapies with specific medicines to resources aimed at physical rehabilitation and behavioral modifications for the reduction or remission of the painful condition, including the food reeducation, sleep hygiene, regular physical activity, reduction of caffeine, alcohol and addictions.

In the office, Joelma Magalhães develops and addresses the assessment, diagnosis and treatment differently for each patient, targeting specific physiotherapy techniques, such as manual therapy, but also including education in pain and behavior change, focusing on a biopsychosocial approach, considering physical, psychological and social factors.

“Working in a very specific field, mainly headaches, requires a lot of study and dedication in the head and neck area, as pain is real, subjective and individual”, he explained.

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