Headache especially when lying down. Incorrect head position during sleep. Indications for prescribing CT or MRI for headaches

One of the most common complaints in medical practice. To find out its causes, a great deal of knowledge and experience is required.

This is one of the most common symptoms of various diseases. Despite their pain, most headaches are not serious illnesses.But if you are bothered by prolonged and recurring headaches, you should not neglect a visit to the doctor, as well as a medical examination, since intense and chronic headaches can be harbingers of any serious violations in organism.

On this page we will try to briefly and clearly understand the mechanisms of vertebrogenic headache (associated with disorders in the cervical spine). Then we will list under what other conditions, not directly related to spinal problems, headaches may occur and what this threatens the patient with.

Vertebrogenic headache.

To understand the mechanism of headaches caused by problems cervical spine I have to imagine how it all works...

In the transverse processes of almost all cervical vertebrae there are openings through which the vertebral arteries pass along the right and left sides.With normal relationships between the cervical vertebrae inAll together form a sort of semi-open bone canal in their transverse processes. This canal can be compared to a subway tunnel.If everything is normal, then the tunnel is straight and nothing will interfere with the passage of blood through the artery. And if you imagine that the tunneltortuous or deformed... When the “train” moves, problems will arise.

These vessels are very important for the body. They provide blood supply to the cerebellum. If there is a lack of blood flow in them, many so-called autonomic disorders or autonomic dysfunctions can occur. The main symptom, perhaps, can be called dizziness, an invariable companion of the so-called vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI).

Basic and common symptoms and syndromes:

• changes in blood pressure accompanied by dizziness;
• dizziness with vomiting;
• nausea with dizziness;
  
• dizziness and attacks of weakness;
  
• frequent dizziness;
  
• very severe attacks of dizziness;
  
• slight dizziness;dizziness accompanied by headache;
  
• constant dizziness;
  
• nausea with dizziness and resulting weakness;
  
• dizziness when lying down.

The vertebral arteries and their branches also supply blood to the brain stem, a structure in which the vital centers of circulation and respiration are concentrated. Knowing this is important for understanding the mechanism of occurrence of symptoms in cervical osteochondrosis.

To a greater extent, problems of lack of blood supply arise not due to mechanical compression of the vertebral arteries, but due to their reflex spasm. The body protects important blood vessels. The protection includes a certain amount of fatty tissue around the arteries and a network of sympathetic nerve fibers, as protection of the artery along the perimeter. Fiber serves as a certain buffer to avoid external pressure on the artery, and the nerve plexuses immediately report to the brain about possible compression or any other mechanical threat to the artery. The nerve that protects the vertebral arteries is called Frank's nerve. It originates from the inferior sympathetic “stellate” node, which is located in the area of ​​the cervicothoracic junction at the level of the 7th cervical vertebra and the first rib. Often autonomic dystonia associated specifically with problems of the spine in the area of ​​​​the transition of the cervical spine to the thoracic spine.

How does it all happen?

In the presence of instability of the cervical spine or bone growths due to osteochondrosis and spondyloarthrosis, the altered structures have a mechanical effect on the vertebral artery. Her path becomes not straight but winding. This is how the artery adapts to new conditions with developing osteochondrosis. When the buffer from fatty tissue becomes insufficient, irritation of the perimeter of the vertebral artery occurs, as we discussed above. Irritation of the Frank nerve occurs and, as a response, a reflex spasm of the vessel walls occurs. It seems to shrink and its diameter decreases. Consequently, less blood can pass through the vessel. But the heart continues to work and, as compensation, the speed of blood flow through the vessel can increase. In this case, patients often report a noise in the head when turning or tilting the head back. This noise occurs when the blood flow turbulently through tortuous rather than smooth arteries. Moreover, we noticed that the vertebral arteries supply blood to the brain stem, where the vasomotor center is located. Reflex vascular spasm is also observed in this area. The vasomotor center “sees” the problem; it lacks oxygen and nutrition. And he takes action, gives commands to all vessels, thus regulating microcirculation throughout the body, which invariably affects blood pressure. And then everything depends on the type of human nervous system. Who is he? Sympathetic or parasympathetic. Whichever system predominates, such a reaction to irritation of the vertebral arteries will occur. Either they spasm or, on the contrary, expand.
Both can cause headaches. We often encounter a situation where irritation of the vertebralThe artery occurs on one side. Typically, the artery is compressed between the abnormal arch and the neck muscles. This occurs with certain head positions or excessive tension in the neck muscles. This happens with the so-called functional blocking of the intervertebral joints of the upper cervical region, where there are anatomical features of the passage of the vertebral arteries. For example, irritation of the artery by a tense, spasmodic muscle in the C-1 area; S-2(Fig.d) Developmental anomalies also occur at the place where the vertebral arteries merge into one, the basilar. The so-called anomalyKimerli (Fig.b) - the additional bony arch of the first cervical vertebra can compress the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain. Or high position of the tooth of the second cervical vertebra(Fig.c)

Instability of the cervical spine (a kind of play between the vertebrae) can lead to a terrible condition - slipping of one vertebra from another (listhesis). This condition can also occur after a cervical injury. We must remember that instability almost never occurs in isolation. Always with instability in the cervical spine, there will be limited mobility in the thoracic spine or cervicothoracic junction. Treatment must first be carried out where there is no movement. Otherwise, it will not be possible to redistribute the motor load, which is excessive for the cervical vertebrae and is the main damaging factor for the cervical spine. It leads to early aging vertebral structures, osteochondrosis, arthrosis, muscle tension and, as a result, headaches and dizziness.

The mechanism of occurrence of disorders in vertebrogenic headache looks something like this, simplified.

Other anatomical anomalies are known:

Arnold-Chiari malformation- prolapse of part of the cerebellum into the foramen magnum that is too wide;

Concrescence of the cervical vertebrae or Klippel-Feil syndrome(Klippel-Feil) - fusion of two or three cervical vertebrae with each other, often leads to compression of the vertebral arteries, overload and damage to the above and underlying intervertebral discs;

Basilar impression- “screwing” of the edges of the occipital foramen into the cranial cavity;

Platybasia- congenital defect of the occipital bone, leads to displacement of the cerebellum;

Assimilation of Atlanta- accretion of the 1st cervical vertebra to the occipital bone, which can cause compression of the vertebral arteries when turning the head;

Proatlant- additional, often unstable 1st cervical vertebra, often displaced and pinched spinal cord and vertebral arteries

Danger Signs for Headaches

An unexpected acute headache or a moderate headache that quickly increases in intensity often indicates a serious illness. This could be subarachnoid hemorrhage (stroke), meningitis, brain tumor and a number of other processes. Persistent or recurring headaches over a long period of time are not life-threatening, but indicate that the aging processes of vertebrates structures and vascular reactions as a consequence exist and it is necessary to pay attention to them.

When should you sound the alarm?

1. Very serious symptoms include a sudden, acute headache of the “blow to the head” type. Such pain is almost a sure sign of subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this case, you must immediately call an ambulance.

2. If the pain is moderate and increases in a horizontal (lying) position, and goes away within half an hour in vertical position, such a symptom may be a sign of a serious illness associated with impaired outflow of cerebrospinal fluid and increased intracranial pressure (first of all, it is necessary to exclude a brain tumor, but this symptom may also be a manifestation of other diseases, for example those associated with the consequences of a severe traumatic brain injury).

3. If even a moderate headache is accompanied by loss of consciousness or inappropriate behavior, inability to rise and maintain an upright body position, this is a sign of a serious illness and requires an immediate call to the ambulance.

4. If the headache suddenly arose against the background high temperature and increases over time. If these symptoms are accompanied by photophobia or pain in the neck muscles, this may be a sign of meningitis. And even if this is not the case, it is always better to play it safe and consult a doctor.

Causes of headaches

The causes of headaches today can be about 46 diseases and pathological conditions. Moreover, many of these diseases are not directly related to the head.

Any inflammatory process in the human body, like increased blood pressure, can cause headaches. If a headache has a “causal” disease that causes it, it is symptomatic headache.

However, most often, the cause of headaches are processes occurring directly in the head or on its surface and not having a basis in the form of a specific disease. In this case, headache is an independent disease and is called primary headache. Most typical reasons occurrence of headache:

1. Head muscle spasm. The skull is surrounded by muscles along the “perimeter”; there are muscles on the forehead, back of the head and temples. These muscles pull on the “tendon helmet,” which is located just under hairy part heads. In addition, they are involved in the formation of facial expressions, and the temporal muscles are involved in chewing, helping the masticatory muscles.

2. Spasm of blood vessels in the head. For a headache to occur, it is not at all necessary that the blood vessels in the brain spasm. A spasm of blood vessels located on the surface of the skull is enough.

3. Compression of the meninges. It can be caused by a tumor, hemorrhage, increased intracranial pressure, swelling of the meninges themselves as a result of the inflammatory process, etc.

4. Disturbance of the “nutrition” of the brain. The reason for this may be insufficient blood supply, low blood pressure, blockage of blood vessels supplying the brain, diseases of the lungs or heart, etc.

5. Poisoning- alcohol, narcotic substances or drugs or poisoning with endogenous products formed during inflammatory processes in various tissues.

Headache occurs due to irritation of the nerve endings of the vessels of the head or meninges. Depending on its cause, it has its own characteristics.

• With vascular diseases, it is more often pulsating, intensified by overwork, drinking alcohol, smoking, and exposure to sharp stimuli (noise, smells, bright light).
• sick hypertension Often after sleep, heaviness in the head and bursting pain in the back of the head bother me. Sleeping in a ventilated room and light exercise in the morning usually reduces this pain.
• Paroxysmal pain localized in one half of the head occurs with migraine.
• Compressive headaches can occur due to tension in the head muscles due to a disease of the cervical spine (osteochondrosis), overstrain of the neck muscles, or improper positioning of the head during work.
• Headaches can also be caused by strained vision, for example in poor lighting, blurred vision that is not corrected by glasses, or an eye disease such as glaucoma.
• “Shooting,” “tearing,” or “burning” pain in the face and back of the head occurs with neuralgia of the trigeminal and occipital nerves.
• Severe headache with vomiting and confusion accompanied by high fever occurs with inflammation of the brain and its membranes.
• Quite often, persistent headaches are associated with inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses.
• Headache can be the result of a traumatic brain injury, and often it accompanies infectious diseases, intoxications, neurotic disorders, diseases of internal organs.

If you have persistent headaches, you should see a doctor to determine their cause. Long-term self-administration of painkillers that do not address the underlying cause may have adverse health consequences. If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, the treatment prescribed for the underlying disease usually eliminates or reduces the headache.

An examination of the biomechanics of the cervical spine by an experienced doctor will help diagnose symptoms of dizziness and headache. Muscle tone, range of motion, position of the vertebrae at rest and during movement will be determined (radiography with functional tests), vascular examination - Doppler ultrasound, rheovasography, MRI angiography.

Osteochondrosis, instability of the cervical spine, atherosclerosis of the vertebral arteries and resulting vertebrobasilar insufficiency require systematic approach in treatment:

Applicable:

• manual therapy and massage of the thoracic spine and collar area;

• physiotherapy (SMT, UHF, DDT, galvanophoresis with enzymes);

• osteopathy;

• reflexology (acupuncture, auriculotherapy);

• therapeutic exercises (therapeutic exercises) - strictly according to the doctor’s instructions!!!;

• dosed wearing of a neck brace (Schanz splint);

• medications (nootropic, vascular, chondroprotective, anti-arthrosis and restorative therapy).

• local procedures - compresses and rubbing

Remember! Treat headaches - what to walk on thin ice! Treatment must be carried out on time, competently, carefully and carefully.

Don't get sick and be healthy!

Trust your health to professionals!

Center for Vertebrology Dr. Vladimirov

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If your doctor diagnoses you with a vascular disease of the brain or heart, if you periodically experience headaches, dizziness, or palpitations, then you should begin therapeutic exercises by reading this chapter.

As mentioned above, in the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, located in pairs on the sides of the vertebral bodies, the vertebral arteries (a. vertebralis) pass like a thread through beads. These arteries pass through the openings of five vertebrae, forming the bony canal of the vertebral artery. The left and right vertebral arteries enter the cranial cavity through the foramen magnum; at the border of this foramen they give off one branch downward, which, when connected, form the anterior spinal artery, which supplies the anterior horns of the cervical spinal cord. Rising higher by 2–2.5 cm, the vertebral arteries give off the posterior inferior cerebellar arteries, then unite into the main artery (a. basilaris), which further, dividing into different-sized branches and twigs, provides blood circulation in the brain stem and cerebellum, and two its largest terminal branches, or posterior cerebral arteries, supply blood to the occipital lobes of the brain and part of the temporal lobes. This entire arterial system is called the vertebrobasilar system, and the brainstem to which it supplies blood is called the vertebrobasilar system. The quality of blood supply in the vertebrobasilar region entirely depends on the blood flow in the extracranial parts of the vertebral arteries, that is, that part of the vertebral arteries that pass through the openings of the transverse foramina of the vertebrae. In normal physiological conditions the neurovascular bundle of the vertebral artery hangs exactly in the center of the opening of the transverse process with the help of thin connective tissue cords, and with any movement in the cervical joints vertebral artery does not suffer, in other words, movements of the head and neck normally do not affect the function of the vertebral artery. Another thing is in the context of the development of functional restrictions on mobility (functional blockades) of vertebral motor segments.

The anatomical unit of the spine is the vertebra, and the functional unit is the vertebral motion segment (VMS): two vertebrae and a disc between them, in addition, each vertebra has many more articular connections with the above and underlying vertebrae. In case of injury, uncoordinated sudden movement exceeding the strength and volume of physiological mobility, as well as degenerative processes both in the intervertebral discs and in the vertebrae, for example, with osteochondrosis or poor posture, functional, that is, reversible restrictions arise in individual motor segments mobility - functional blockades.

With the development of functional blockades, mobility in the blocked segments sharply decreases, while in others it increases compensatoryly, vertebral subluxations form and already under these conditions, as a rule, hypocirculation develops in one of the vertebral arteries and a compensatory increase in blood flow in the opposite artery. This functional “distortion” can provide compensation for blood circulation in the vertebrobasilar circulation for a long time, but at the same time the compensatory capabilities of the system as a whole are sharply reduced.

Further influence of pathological factors, an increase in the number of functional blockades, or an increase in the load on the vertebrobasilar system leads to decompensation or manifestations of vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and then an ischemic stroke in the vertebrobasilar region can develop. According to the mechanism of cerebral steal, when circulatory deficiency in the vertebrobasilar system leads to the flow of part of the blood from the carotid artery basin through anastomoses to the base of the brain and depletion (stealing) of blood flow in the internal carotid artery basin, discirculation can develop already in the branches of the carotid arteries and ischemic stroke in the carotid artery basin.

The prolonged existence of insufficient blood flow creates conditions for the development of osteophytes, bone outgrowths that are initially soft, cartilaginous, and later, if nothing interferes with them, they become saturated with calcium and become a threat to vascular and nervous formations in the vertebral artery canal, especially if they grow inside the bone ring or posteriorly, in the direction of the vertebral artery and its accompanying veins and nerves. But if the artery functions sufficiently and pulsates well, then such an osteophyte cannot develop.

Hence the conclusion: it is necessary to constantly maintain the normal functioning of the vertebral arteries and prevent the development of osteophytes, leading to irreversible insufficiency of blood flow through the vertebral artery and in the vertebrobasilar system as a whole.

In reality, vertebrobasilar insufficiency is a mismatch between the brain's ability to consume and the vertebrobasilar system's ability to provide the required amount of blood flow. And if, under any load on the vertebrobasilar system, it ensures normal blood circulation, then there is no vertebrobasilar insufficiency. If, under certain conditions, for example, when turning or throwing back the head, changing body position, or working at a computer for a long time, brain dysfunction occurs in the vertebrobasilar region, then insufficiency occurs.

The sensitivity of brain tissue depends on the presence and density of nerve endings. Many intracranial structures are devoid of sensitive innervation and therefore mechanical impact on them is not accompanied by pain. The bones of the skull with their veins, the substance of the brain and the choroid plexuses of the ventricles are deprived of pain reception. The avascular areas of the meninges are also insensitive to pain.

Therefore, many symptoms of human brain diseases can manifest themselves in quite later periods when dysfunction is already detected: decreased vision, weakness in the limbs, instability when walking.

Structures with high pain sensitivity include large veins and venous sinuses, arteries of the dura mater (anterior and middle meningeal arteries), large arteries of the base of the brain, dura mater in the area of ​​the anterior, posterior and middle cranial fossae, pia mater near the large arteries of the base brain, cranial nerves and upper cervical nerves. The skin, fascia, muscles and periosteum are sensitive to pain. Headache is a sensation of pain in the anatomical structures of the head and neck, one of the few sufferings that is familiar to almost every person. It is a rare person who can say about himself that he has never experienced a headache.

For a long time it was believed that children, especially young ones, rarely have headaches, at least much less often than adults. This is explained by the fact that young children generally do not know how to explain their sensations of pain in the head, and older children do not like to complain about a headache, sometimes even hiding the fact of its presence. However, clinical studies have shown that the prevalence of headaches among children and adolescents ranges from 15 to 39%. Any pain in the head is a symptom, not a disease. There are more than 1,500 reasons for headaches.

Hypertensive headache

If the venous outflow or outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity is impaired, a hypertensive headache occurs due to increased intracranial pressure when swelling or swelling of the brain tissue occurs. The brain tissue increases its volume and begins to relocate the meninges to the inner surface of the skull. The dura mater has great amount nerve endings. As a result of edema and swelling of the brain, it is pressed against the inner surface of the skull, and the person experiences a hypertensive headache diffuse nature(not in a specific place, but diffuse) in the neck, temples, forehead, crown, back of the head, sometimes bursting, unbearable in nature. This pain is accompanied by a bouquet of vegetative phenomena (palpitations, profuse sweating, redness or paleness of the face, feeling of fear). Often, headaches sharply intensify when bending, especially extreme positions of the head forward, backward, to the sides, or when rotating the head. The headache also worsens with coughing and sneezing, or sudden movements.

Such a headache may be accompanied by sudden, not related to food intake, “cerebral” vomiting. Vomiting usually occurs at the peak of the headache. After vomiting, the headache decreases somewhat. Often patients experience a forced position of the head, that is, patients choose a position in which the pain in the head decreases.

Venous drainage or drainage of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity worsens during the supine position, so diffuse hypertensive headaches reach a maximum at night and in the morning, often after sleep.

Morning headache

Poisoning with chemicals the night before and at night (alcohol, carbon monoxide, etc.)

The blood vessels in the brain relax, and numerous holes (pores) open in the vessels. Fluid from the vessels rushes like an avalanche into the surrounding brain tissue. Edema and swelling of the surrounding tissue occurs, which presses the dura mater with numerous nerve endings to the inner surface of the skull and a diffuse headache occurs, often of an unbearable nature.

Incorrect head position during sleep

Often, after a hard day of work, people fall asleep sitting at the table, during a holiday dinner, or while watching TV in an easy chair, with their head in an uncomfortable position, hanging to the side or back. Some people are accustomed to sleeping without a pillow at all, or with a small pillow tucked under their neck, or sleeping on their stomach. The neurovascular bundle of the vertebral artery, the vertebral nerve, two veins and one artery, which runs in the upper cervical spine, under normal physiological conditions is completely compressed on the same side when the head is tilted to the side (Fig. 4).

Rice. 4. Compression of the vertebral artery in the cervico-occipital joint when tilting the head to the side

When tilting your head back and especially when simultaneously raising your arms upward, the neurovascular bundle of the subclavian artery is compressed and blood flow in the vertebral arteries can decrease by up to 80%!

In all these positions, the venous outflow or outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity is disrupted. If this is a young man and the safety margin of his body is sufficient, then nothing bad happens, and this position of the head can even be a training factor. But if you have high blood pressure or cerebral atherosclerosis, then this position of the head causes additional insufficiency of blood supply to the brain (ischemia of brain tissue) and can lead to a vascular accident, even death.

Under no circumstances should you sleep on bolsters, since by squeezing the soft tissues of the cervical spine, the bolster can disrupt the venous outflow or outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity. You need to sleep in such a way that your shoulder is on the couch when lying on your side. In this case, the head (and not the neck!) rests on the pillow, touching the pillow with the temple. The thickness of the pillow should be equal to the distance from the neck to the shoulder. If you sleep on your back, then choose a pillow of the same height.

Massage of the collar area at night - the path to a stroke

When massaging the collar area, blood moves from the vessels of the base of the skull (basal sections) to the collar area. Thus, circulatory failure occurs in the medulla oblongata. In young people, these blood movements are a training factor, and in patients with arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels, such a massage can lead to a vascular catastrophe - a stroke of brain tissue or myocardial infarction!

Head massage at night

A head massage at night may be helpful. It is recommended to do it for no more than 5 minutes with soft stroking movements in the direction from the back of the head to the forehead.

Brain development abnormalities

In some people, part of the brain tissue (the cerebellar tonsil) may descend into the foramen magnum (Arnold-Chiari pathology), then in extreme positions of the head, a disturbance in the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity may occur and a diffuse headache may occur.

Anomalies of the spine

In some people, the process of the second cervical vertebra may enter the foramen magnum (ventro-basilar impression), then in extreme positions of the head, especially when tilting the head forward, the spinal cord may be compressed and the outflow of fluid through the spinal canal from the cranial cavity may be disrupted - a headache may occur. diffuse nature.

Tumors of the brain and cerebellum

Tumors of the brain and cerebellum, creating additional volume inside a closed cavity, cause disturbances in the venous outflow and outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity - a diffuse headache occurs (spread over the entire head).

Attention! A diffuse headache can be a sign of a serious brain disease, so if it occurs repeatedly, you should urgently consult a neurologist to find out its causes.

Vascular headache

Vascular headache does not depend on the time of day and is pulsating in nature, often has a gradual onset with moderate or weak intensity, then a sharp pain develops in the temples, usually on one side, the forehead, less often the back of the head. Some people experience pain in one half of the head, which often occurs suddenly in the periorbital region and behind the eyes, radiating to the frontotemporal, zygomatic region, sometimes along the entire half of the head, to the neck. It can last from several minutes to several hours.

As a rule, vascular headache is associated with spasm of intracranial and extracranial vessels.

Migraine

Spasm of intracranial and extracranial vessels can occur with hereditary headaches - migraines. Migraines are attacks of repeated headaches of varying intensity and duration, often unilateral localization. In most cases, before a migraine attack, an aura phase occurs in the form of autonomic disorders: palpitations, sweating, redness or paleness of the face, and feelings of fear. The duration of the aura is individual, on average from 15 to 45 minutes, pain in the head at this time is still absent.

Migraine is a family disease in which hereditary disorders in the vascular, nervous and endocrine systems can be traced. In this case, an autosomal dominant type of inheritance is most likely: most children (75%) inherit migraine from their mother, while migraine is transmitted on the paternal side in only 20% of cases.

Vascular headache of a spastic nature with a duration of several hours inevitably turns into vascular headache as a result of relaxation vascular wall- pathological expansion and atony of cerebral vessels occurs. When the vessels relax, numerous holes (pores) open in them, and fluid rushes into the surrounding brain tissue like an avalanche, causing edema and swelling of the brain.

The dura mater with numerous nerve endings is pressed against the inner surface of the skull and an unbearable diffuse headache occurs, often with nausea and vomiting.

For differential diagnosis vascular headache as a result of spasm or relaxation of the vascular wall, first of all it is necessary to assess the value of blood pressure.

For high blood pressure and spasm of cerebral vessels, they are prescribed vasodilators rapid action: dibazol, papaverine, no-spa, papazole, clonidine. Beta blockers (anaprilin, visken) are effective. If the intensity of the headache from taking the above drugs does not decrease, this indicates that it has moved into another phase - the phase of relaxation of the vascular wall. For the purpose of correction in this phase, pressor amines (drugs with caffeine), agents that reduce the permeability of the vascular wall (ascorbic acid, rutin, ascorutin), and dehydration drugs (glycine, triampur, lasix) are prescribed.

When migraine headache attacks occur, derivatives of ergot alkaloids (dihydroergotamine, dihydroergotoxin, redergin, nicergoline, ditamine) are used. antihistamines(diphenhydramine, pipolfen, tavegil, suprastin, peridol), antiserotonin agents (cinnarizine, divaxan, imigran). Simultaneously with these medications, you can use simple analgesics from the para-aminophenol group: panadol, dolipran, kalpan.

Muscle tension headaches

Among all types of headaches, occipital headaches and headaches muscle tension occur in 80% of cases. Their occurrence is due to various pain syndromes developing in one or another muscle of the head and neck. These types of headaches are caused by muscle tension. shoulder girdle, head, neck, with the presence of pain points in these muscles. There are sensations of external tightening around the head (“helmet”, “hat”, “helmet”, “hoop” on the head), tension and soreness of the scalp muscles. Pain may be felt when combing hair. In addition, there is a limitation of mobility in the cervical spine due to painful muscle spasm (the neck is as if in a “corset”). The headache can be paroxysmal or chronic, dull or aching, most often begins in the morning, decreases somewhat by the middle of the day, but intensifies again in the evening.

Headaches are localized in the under occipital region and in most cases are permanent and dull in nature (stretching of the cranial arteries causes burning and nagging pain). In some cases, the pain can intensify to sharp, piercing and piercing pain, as with a “lumbago” in the neck.

In these cases, when severe pain Nausea, vomiting, paleness or redness of the face, sweating, dizziness, unsteadiness when walking, sometimes drooping eyelids and ringing in the ears may occur. Suboccipital headaches can be triggered from the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine (Fig. 5 a), from the suboccipital muscles (Fig. 5 b), from the trapezius muscle or from the levator scapulae muscle (Fig. 5 c).

Rice. 5. Areas of suboccipital headaches:

a - from intervertebral discs;

b - from the suboccipital muscles;

c - from the trapezius muscle

Tension headaches in the suboccipital region may be associated with tonic tension of the inferior oblique capitis muscle. Located between the inferior oblique muscle of the capitis and the posterior major rectus capitis muscle, the greater occipital nerve loops around the inferior oblique muscle of the capitis and extends under the skin into the suboccipital region, innervating the skin of the scalp in a wide strip to the suture separating the occipital bone from the parietal bone. Increased sensitivity or numbness, shooting or aching pain in this area first appears at night or after sleep, usually disappears after 20-40 minutes. Subsequently, they appear in the daytime and intensify when turning the head to the healthy side and straightening the neck. In some cases, throbbing and burning headaches occur. You can almost always find a pain point at the site where the greater occipital nerve exits the skin.

Preparing your hands

Before performing therapeutic postures, you need to learn to feel your body when touched with your fingers.

Increased sensitivity of fingertips

While lying down or sitting, place your fingertips on the temple of your head. Imagine that you feel the movement of hair with your fingertips. Contact during palpation should be very gentle, the pressure force should be less than 5 grams. Try to imagine that the head continuously changes its shape in accordance with breathing activity and that the whole body also makes physiological involuntary displacements in accordance with breathing. During the “inhalation” phase, the body straightens and expands. During the “exhalation” phase, the body bends and narrows slightly. If contact with your own body causes a defensive reaction, interrupt the exercise (Fig. 6 a, b).

Rice. 6 a. Increased sensitivity of fingertips

Rice. 6 b. Increased sensitivity of fingertips. Fragment

Attention! If you are tense or your posture is uncomfortable, it will reduce your ability to feel.

Feeling your pulse in the carotid arteries

Perform in a supine position, without a pillow. Bend your head slightly and rest it on the back of your head. If you experience slight dizziness or discomfort in this position, stop doing the exercise immediately. If you feel good, place the index and middle fingers of your left hand on the right side of your neck two fingers above the middle of your collarbone. Gently pressing your fingers in this place, feel the pulse on carotid artery. Do the same with your right hand on the left side of your neck: feel the pulse in the carotid artery. Compare the frequency and fullness of the pulse with the left and right sides(Fig. 7).

Rice. 7. Feeling your pulse on the carotid arteries

If on one side the pulse feels significantly weaker, consult a neurologist immediately!

Therapeutic postures and movements for occipital headaches

Before performing the exercises, look at Fig. 8, which shows the parts of the spine.

Rice. 8. Sections of the spine

Pose-Movement No. 1

The therapeutic movement to relieve headaches is performed in a sitting position with the torso straight and the head tilted forward under the influence of gravity. In this position, keep your head tilted forward for 20 seconds, then take a break for 20–30 seconds. Repeat the therapeutic movement 15–16 times (Fig. 9).

Rice. 9. Posture-movement for occipital headache

Pose-movement No. 2

The therapeutic movement to relieve occipital headaches is performed in a sitting or standing position. Fix the upper zygomatic arches with the thumbs of your raised hands, and the back of your head with the remaining fingers. During the “inhale” phase, try to straighten your head back, looking up, against the resistance of your fingers for 9–11 seconds. During the “exhalation” phase, relax the muscles for 6–8 seconds, look down - during this time you need to bend your head down as much as possible, stretching the back group of neck muscles (do not strain the muscles). Repeat the therapeutic movement 3–6 times (Fig. 10).

Rice. 10. Posture-movement for occipital headache

Pose-movement No. 3

Perform the therapeutic movement to relieve headaches in the back of the head in a sitting position. With one hand, grab your head from the painful side (top), turn it to the healthy side and with your free hand fix your cheek on the side of the head tilt (bottom). During the “inhale” phase, for 9-11 seconds, strain the neck muscles on the side of the tilt against the resistance of the lower palm (press your chin on the lower palm), look down. During the “exhalation” phase, relax the muscles for 6–8 seconds, look up - for this a short time with a free natural movement of the hand clasping the head from above, increase the amplitude of turning the head in the painful direction (do not strain the neck muscles). Repeat the therapeutic movement 3–6 times, each time during the “exhalation” phase, slightly increasing the amplitude of turning the head to the painful side (Fig. 11).

Rice. 11. Posture-movement for occipital headache

Pose-movement No. 4

Using the thumbs of both hands, find the pain point in the area between the skull and the first vertebra. (The thumbs are connected to certain parts of the brain.) For occipital headaches, make rhythmic circular movements at the point of pain with the pads of the thumbs clockwise 15 times. Next, press on the pain points with your thumbs for 1.5 minutes, break for 2 minutes, repeat 3-6 times (Fig. 12).

Rice. 12. Posture-movement for occipital headache

Therapeutic postures and movements for occipital headaches starting from the upper thoracic spine

Pose-Movement No. 1

Goal: increasing the mobility of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd ribs in the anteroposterior direction.

Perform in a supine position, lying on the couch. Place the heel of the palm of your left hand on your back at the level of the 7th cervical vertebra (the most protruding vertebra is just above shoulder level, see Fig. 8). Right hand place your palm on the bottom of your neck ( thumb to the head) so that the middle of the palm is below the recess (jugular fossa). It is necessary to lie down without crossing your legs, but stretching them out. In this position, press your right hand on your chest until you feel slight tissue resistance. Pressure must be applied for 9–11 seconds, with a 6 second break. Repeat the therapeutic movement 3–6 times (Fig. 13 a, b).

Rice. 13 a. Posture-movement for occipital headaches starting from the upper thoracic spine

Rice. 13 b. Posture-movement for occipital headaches starting from the upper thoracic spine

Pose-movement No. 2

Perform while standing or sitting on a couch. During the “inhale” phase, bring your shoulders forward as much as possible for 9–11 seconds, and raise your eyes up. From this position, raise your shoulders up, trying to reach your earlobes. Then move your shoulders back as far as possible, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Perform the therapeutic movement slowly, rhythmically, smoothly moving from one position to another. During the “exhale” phase, lower your shoulders for 6–8 seconds, close your eyelids, and relax. Repeat the therapeutic movement 3–6 times.

Therapeutic posture-movement for headaches with irradiation from the back of the head to the eyes and temples

Perform in a lying position, head in a neutral position. Place the middle fingers of both hands 1 cm below the outer corners of the eyes in the recesses. The thumbs should be on the lower border of the occipital bone. Establish non-slip contact between your middle fingers and the surface of the skin and do not squeeze them too tightly. Gently hold the back of your head with your thumbs. Then, fixing your thumbs on the occipital bone, make smooth, slow, rhythmic movements of your arms forward, as if bending your head. Perform the therapeutic movement for 1–1.5 minutes, repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 14 a, b).

Rice. 14 a. Posture-movement for headaches radiating from the back of the head to the eyes and temples

Rice. 14 b. Posture-movement for headaches radiating from the back of the head to the eyes and temples. Fragment

Therapeutic postures and movements for occipital headaches radiating to the temples

Pose-Movement No. 1

Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place the thumbs of both hands on the corners of the lower jaw (the right hand - on the right corner of the jaw, the left hand - on the left corner of the jaw). Place your index fingers under your eyebrows. Then, during the “inhale” phase, use your thumbs to apply upward pressure in the vertical plane, without straightening your head back, but as if stretching it out and separating it from the body. During the “exhalation” phase, when the body narrows and the torso goes down, hold the head in the position achieved during inhalation. Perform the therapeutic movement for 1–1.5 minutes, break for 2–3 minutes, repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 15 a, b).

Rice. 15 a. Posture-movement for occipital headache radiating to the temples

Rice. 15 b. Posture-movement for occipital headache radiating to the temples. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 2

Perform in a lying position, head in a neutral position. Place the thumbs of both hands on the corners of the lower jaw (the right hand - on the right corner of the jaw, the left hand - on the left corner of the jaw). Place your index fingers under your eyebrows. Then, during the “inhalation” phase, apply slight resistance to the upward movement of the head with your index fingers. In the “exhalation” phase, with the natural movement of the head down, applying downward pressure with the index fingers, we increase the amplitude of flexion of the head. On the next inhalation, try to keep your head in the achieved position. If the headache worsens, stop the therapeutic movement immediately. If well tolerated, repeat the therapeutic movement 3–6 times (Fig. 16 a, b).

Rice. 16 a. Posture-movement for occipital headache radiating to the temples

Rice. 16 b. Posture-movement for occipital headache radiating to the temples. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 3

Perform in a lying position, head in a neutral position. Place the tips of your middle fingers in your ears. Place your index fingers under the tops of the mastoid processes (the most prominent bony processes under the ears). Thumbs can be placed under lower jaw, or you may not need to use them when performing this therapeutic movement. Feeling the rhythm of the movement of the skull, during the “inhalation” phase, use your middle, index and thumb fingers to pull your head up. During the “exhalation” phase, maintain the head position achieved during inhalation. Repeat the therapeutic movement 3–6 times (Fig. 17 a, b).

Rice. 17 a. Posture-movement for occipital headache radiating to the temples

Rice. 17 b. Posture-movement for occipital headache radiating to the temples. Fragment

Therapeutic posture-movement for headaches starting from the back of the head

Position upper hand the same as in the previous exercise. It is not necessary to tilt your head down and turn it to the side as much as possible. With the middle finger of the hand clasping the head, find the pain point near the spine between the skull and the first vertebra and press on it for 1.5–2 minutes. Repeat 3-6 times until the pain completely disappears (Fig. 18).

Rice. 18. Posture-movement for headaches starting from the back of the head

Therapeutic postures and movements for occipital headaches of a shooting nature

We have already said above that under the skull on the occipital bone there are “runners” that articulate with the articular “cups” of the first cervical vertebra. With sudden uncoordinated movements (slipped and fell, jumped on the ball while playing volleyball or basketball), instead of the natural swing of the skull during flexion and extension, subluxation occurs in the cervico-occipital joint. The back of the head often becomes fixed (stuck) in this position. The result is a sharp occipito-frontal headache of a shooting nature, spreading from the back of the head through the crown to the forehead, often with a pronounced increase in sensitivity of the scalp on the side of the subluxation. A sharp shooting headache gradually turns into a diffuse headache with the addition of dizziness, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, which indicates edema and swelling of the brain tissue. To eliminate and reduce such headaches, the following therapeutic postures and movements are recommended.

Therapeutic postures and movements for occipital shooting pain on the right

Pose-Movement No. 1

Perform the exercise while lying on your back. Place the middle finger of your right hand in the area of ​​the pain point. Place the heel of the palm of your left hand horizontally in the middle of your forehead. Then, with rhythmic short movements of the middle finger of the right hand, we push the right transverse process of the first cervical vertebra up, and with the palm of the left hand we simultaneously push the head down to the right. Carry out slow rhythmic synchronous movements in the indicated directions for 1.5–2 minutes. Repeat 3–6 times at intervals of 2–3 minutes (Fig. 19 a, b).

Rice. 19 a. Posture-movement for occipital shooting pain on the right

Rice. 19 b. Posture-movement for occipital shooting pain on the right. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 2

Perform while lying on your back. Grasp the right transverse process of the first cervical vertebra with the “hook” of the index and middle fingers of the right hand. Place the heel of the palm of your left hand vertically in the middle of your forehead. Then carry out slow synchronized rhythmic movements, during which the index and middle fingers of the right hand lift the right transverse process of the first cervical vertebra upward, and the palm of the left hand simultaneously pushes the back of the head. Perform slow synchronous rhythmic movements for 1.5–2 minutes, repeat 3–6 times with an interval of 2–3 minutes (Fig. 20 a, b).

Rice. 20 a. Posture-movement for occipital shooting pain on the right

Rice. 20 b. Posture-movement for occipital shooting pain on the right. Fragment

Therapeutic postures and movements for occipital shooting pain on the left

Pose-Movement No. 1

Perform the exercise while lying on your back. Place the middle finger of your left hand in the area of ​​the pain point. Place the heel of the palm of your right hand horizontally in the middle of your forehead. Then, with rhythmic short movements of the middle finger of the left hand, we push the left transverse process of the first cervical vertebra up, and with the palm of the right hand we simultaneously push the head down to the left. Carry out slow rhythmic synchronous movements in the indicated directions for 1.5–2 minutes. Repeat 3-6 times at intervals of 2-3 minutes (Fig. 21 a, b).

Rice. 21 a. Posture-movement for occipital shooting pain on the left

Rice. 21 b. Posture-movement for occipital shooting pain on the left. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 2

Perform while lying on your back. Grasp the left transverse process of the first cervical vertebra with the “hook” of the index and middle fingers of the left hand. Place the base of the palm of your right hand vertically in the middle of your forehead. Then carry out slow synchronized rhythmic movements, during which the index and middle fingers of the left hand lift the left transverse process of the first cervical vertebra upward, and the palm of the right hand simultaneously pushes the back of the head. Perform slow synchronous rhythmic movements for 1.5–2 minutes, repeat 3–6 times with an interval of 2–3 minutes (Fig. 22 a, b).

Rice. 22 a. Posture-movement for occipital shooting pain on the left

Rice. 22 b. Posture-movement for occipital shooting pain on the left. Fragment

Therapeutic postures-movements for headaches in the temples (pulling dull nature)

Pose-Movement No. 1

Goal: improvement of venous outflow from the lateral venous sinuses. Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place your index fingers on the occipital protuberance, and place your middle fingers on top of your index fingers. Carry out smooth, slow rhythmic stroking massage movements in the direction from the occipital protuberance towards the ears. Perform slow synchronous rhythmic movements in the indicated direction for 1.5–2 minutes. Repeat 3-6 times with an interval of 2-3 minutes (Fig. 23 a, b).

Rice. 23 a. Pose-movement for headaches in the temples (pulling dull nature). The figure shows the position of the hands. The exercise should be performed lying down, head on the couch

Rice. 23 b. Pose-movement for headache in the temples (dull, dull type)

Pose-movement No. 2

Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place the pads of the middle fingers of both hands on the temples closer to the eyes, in a small hole formed by the joints of the frontal, parietal and temporal bones. Place your index fingers next to your middle fingers. Then apply pressure with your fingertips for 1–1.5 minutes, break for 1–2 minutes. Repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 24 a, b).

Rice. 24 a. Pose-movement for headache in the temples (dull, dull type)

Rice. 24 b. Pose-movement for headaches in the temples (pulling dull nature). Fragment

Therapeutic postures and movements for headaches in the parietal region

Pose-Movement No. 1

Purpose: drainage of the direct venous sinus. Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Determine the middle of the upper part of the skull as follows: draw a semicircle from the ears to the top of the head. A little forward from the crown is a point of great sensitivity. To the right and left of the found point, use the index fingers of both hands to feel the connection of the occipital and parietal bones. Then, from this place, use the index fingers and the middle fingers of both hands placed on top of them to carry out slow, smooth, rhythmic stroking massage movements down the scalp to the back of the head. Stroking should be carried out for 1.5–2 minutes, a break of 2–3 minutes, repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 25 a, b).

Rice. 25 a. Posture-movement for headaches in the parietal region

Rice. 25 b. Posture-movement for headaches in the parietal region. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 2

Purpose: drainage of the superior sagittal sinus. Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Determine the middle of the upper part of the skull as follows: draw a semicircle from the ears to the top of the head. A little forward from the crown is a point of great sensitivity. To the right and left of the found point, use the index fingers of both hands to feel the connection of the occipital and parietal bones. Then, from this place, use the index fingers and the middle fingers of both hands placed on top of them to carry out slow, smooth, rhythmic stroking massage movements along the scalp towards the forehead. Stroking should be carried out for 1.5–2 minutes, a break of 2–3 minutes, repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 26 a, b).

Rice. 26 a. Posture-movement for headaches in the parietal region

Rice. 26 b. Posture-movement for headaches in the parietal region. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 3

Purpose: drainage of the inferior sagittal sinus. Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Determine the middle of the upper part of the skull as follows: draw a semicircle from the ears to the top of the head. A little forward from the crown is a point of great sensitivity. Place your index fingers to the right and left of the found point so that the distance between the fingers is about 2 cm. Carry out slow, smooth, rhythmic stroking massage movements with your index fingers down the back of the head parallel to the midline of the head. Stroking should be carried out for 1.5–2 minutes, a break of 2–3 minutes, repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 27 a, b).

Rice. 27 a. Posture-movement for headaches in the parietal region

Rice. 27 b. Posture-movement for headaches in the parietal region. Fragment

Attention! The soft tissues of the human body stretch at a certain rhythm, individual for each person. The laws of physics are universal. The rhythm of traction depends on body weight. How more weight your body, the slower the stretching rhythm. The lighter your body weight, the faster the stretching rhythm.

Pose-movement No. 4

Perform in a lying position, head in a neutral position. Using the pad of the middle finger of your right hand, feel the junction of the frontal and parietal bones (a small depression). Then, with slow smooth rhythmic movements, rotate clockwise at this point like “screwing in a screw” for 1–1.5 minutes, gradually releasing the pressure. Break 1–2 minutes. Repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 28 a, b).

Rice. 28 a. Posture-movement for headaches in the parietal region

Rice. 28 b. Posture-movement for headaches in the parietal region. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 5

Perform in a lying position, head in a neutral position. Using the pad of the middle finger of your left hand, feel the connection of the frontal and parietal bones. Then use slow smooth rhythmic movements to rotate counterclockwise like “unscrewing a screw” for 1–1.5 minutes, gradually releasing the pressure. Break 1–2 minutes. Repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 29 a, b).

Rice. 29 a. Posture-movement for headaches in the parietal region

Rice. 29 b. Posture-movement for headaches in the parietal region. Fragment

Therapeutic postures and movements for parietal headaches in the middle of the head

Pose-Movement No. 1

Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place four fingers of the right hand and four fingers of the left hand parallel to the midline of the skull at the top of the scalp so that the fingers touch each other. Then apply pressure with your fingertips for 1–1.5 minutes, break 1–2 minutes. Repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 30 a, b).

Rice. 30 a. Posture-movement for parietal headache in the middle of the head

Rice. 30 b. Posture-movement for parietal headache in the middle of the head. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 2

Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place the pads of the thumbs of both hands on opposite halves of the head (crosswise - right finger on the left half, left finger on the right half) near the midline of the head, in the area of ​​projection of the most pronounced pain. Then apply pressure at the pain points with the pads of your thumbs for 1–1.5 minutes, break 1–2 minutes. Repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 31 a, b).

Rice. 31 a. Posture-movement for parietal headache in the middle of the head

Rice. 31 b. Posture-movement for parietal headache in the middle of the head. Fragment

Therapeutic posture-movement for occipital headache radiating to the crown

Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place four fingers of the right hand and four fingers of the left hand parallel to the midline of the skull on the back of the head above the occipital protuberance, so that the fingers touch. Then apply pressure with your fingertips for 1–1.5 minutes, break for 1–2 minutes. Repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 32 a, b).

Rice. 32 a. Posture-movement for occipital headache radiating to the crown

Rice. 32 b. Posture-movement for occipital headache radiating to the crown. Fragment

Therapeutic postures and movements for headaches in the forehead area

Therapeutic posture-movement for headaches in the forehead of a dull, pulling nature

Goal: correction of tension in the cerebellar falx.

Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place the index fingers of both hands, reinforced on top with the middle fingers, at the side of the outer corners of the eyes. Extension is very easy to do upwards, in a vertical direction (Japanese eyes). Traction is carried out only in the forehead and does not extend to the back of the head. During the “inhalation” phase, we pull the frontal bone upward with our fingers, and during the “exhalation” phase, we maintain the achieved position. At the same time, we relax the body and let it go down. On the next inhalation, we pull the frontal bone even higher, and on exhalation, we again maintain the achieved position. Repeat the therapeutic pose-movement 3-6 times (Fig. 33 a, b). Therapeutic posture-movement reduces headaches in the forehead and increases the outflow of fluid from the cranial cavity.

Rice. 33 a. Posture-movement for headaches in the forehead of a dull, pulling nature

Rice. 33 b. Pose-movement for headaches in the forehead of a dull, pulling nature. Fragment

Therapeutic posture-movement for headaches in the forehead of a pulsating nature

Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place the base of the palm of the right hand on the forehead so that the middle finger is on the midline of the head, and the little fingers and ring finger are at a distance of about 1 cm from the middle finger. Place the middle finger of the left hand in the hole under the occipital protuberance. After relaxing and closing your eyes, usually after 1-2 minutes, you will feel a rapid throbbing headache in your forehead. During the “inhale” phase, hold the throbbing headache for 9–11 seconds, lightly pressing the base of your right palm on the frontal bone. During the “exhalation” phase, hold the position achieved during inhalation for 6–8 seconds. Repeat the therapeutic movement 3–6 times (Fig. 34 a, b).

Rice. 34 a. Posture-movement for headaches in the forehead of a pulsating nature

Rice. 34 b. Pose-movement for headaches in the forehead of a pulsating nature. Fragment

Therapeutic postures and movements for diffuse headaches

A diffuse headache is pain spread throughout the entire head. This is the most threatening type of headache. This pain may be a symptom of an impending stroke. You cannot tolerate a headache; it must be relieved by any means necessary!

Pose-Movement No. 1

Goal: improving the outflow of fluid from the cranial cavity. Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place the thumbs of both hands under the tops of the mastoid processes (the most prominent bony processes under the ears). During the “inhale” phase, apply upward pressure with your thumbs on the mastoid processes, stretching the head and, as it were, separating it from the body. During the “exhalation” phase, when the body narrows and the torso goes down, hold the head in the position achieved during inhalation. Repeat the therapeutic pose-movement 3-6 times (Fig. 35 a, b).

Rice. 35 a. Posture and movement for diffuse headaches

Rice. 35 b. Posture and movement for diffuse headaches. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 2

Goal: improving the outflow of fluid from the cranial cavity. Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. When inhaling, the occipital bone performs a slight natural flexion with a simultaneous displacement downward, towards the legs. If this movement is limited, disturbances in the movement of the cerebellar tentorium may occur. Place the eminence of the thumb (soft spot on the hand) of the right hand under the occipital protuberance. Place the palm of your left hand vertically in the middle of your forehead. Feel the rhythm of the movement of the skull as you breathe. While inhaling, fix the occipital protuberance with the elevation of your thumb, and lightly press your forehead towards your feet with your palm. Repeat the therapeutic pose-movement 3-6 times (Fig. 36).

Rice. 36. Posture-movement for diffuse headaches

Pose-movement No. 3

Goal: improving the outflow of fluid from the cranial cavity. Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place the prominence of the thumb of the right hand under the occipital protuberance. Place the palm of your left hand in the middle of your forehead. The pads of the thumb and little finger should touch the joints frontal bone with the temporal ones. Feel the rhythm of the movements of the skull while breathing. During the inhalation phase, raise the thumb of your right hand to fix the occipital bone. With your left palm, during the “inhalation” phase, lightly press on your forehead towards your feet. Repeat the therapeutic pose-movement 3-6 times (Fig. 37 a, b).

Rice. 37 a. Posture and movement for diffuse headaches

Rice. 37 b. Posture and movement for diffuse headaches. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 4

You need to take two tennis balls, put them in a stocking and tie it tightly. Both balls should fit snugly against each other.

Perform the exercise while lying on your back, legs extended. Place tennis balls under your head so that they act as fulcrum points on which the back of your head is balanced. The head should not touch or lightly touch the couch.

The severity of the therapeutic effect is determined by the weight of your head. The soft tissues of the suboccipital region relax under the influence of pressure. There is a slow increase in the distance from the occipital bone to the first cervical vertebra. You feel the soft tissues of the suboccipital region relax. Perform the exercise for one minute, take a 1.5 minute break, repeat 3-6 times.

The exercise also has a general strengthening effect on the human body, so we recommend starting and ending therapeutic exercises with this exercise.

Pose-movement No. 5

Goal: improvement of venous outflow and outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity.

Perform in a supine position with your head resting on the couch. The tips of the thumbs of both hands are connected under the skull, at the level of the 2nd cervical vertebra (the most protruding vertebra of the upper cervical spine under the skull). Place your palms and other fingers on the occipital bone. When inhaling, when tissue expands, the occipital bone moves slightly forward; when exhaling, when tissue narrows, it moves slightly backward. At first, your hands remain motionless, following the expansion of the back of the head during the inhalation phase, and its narrowing during the exhalation phase. Then, having felt the phases of movement, you begin to prevent the expansion of the skull with your hands during the inhalation phase. The exercise is performed until you feel the occipital bone fading and stopping. The stop of movement of the occipital bone is called the “rest point.” It can last from a few seconds to several minutes. During your “rest point,” your breathing may change, you may experience slight sweating, and your entire body will begin to relax. After some time, you will again notice the movement of the occipital bone (Fig. 38 a, b).

Exercise reduces intracranial pressure, relieves diffuse headaches, and increases the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the skull.

Rice. 38 a. Posture and movement for diffuse headaches. The figure shows the position of the hands. The exercise should be performed lying down, head on the couch

Rice. 38 b. Posture and movement for diffuse headaches. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 6

Goal: improvement of venous outflow and outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity.

Relaxation of the soft tissues of the base of the skull is necessary to increase the flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity.

Perform in a lying position on the couch. Bend the tips of your fingers perpendicular to your palms and use them as fulcrum points on which to balance the back of your head. Place your fingertips under the back of your head so that your head does not touch or lightly touch the couch. The main thing is that the entire weight of your head is distributed evenly on your fingertips. The severity of the therapeutic effect is determined by the weight of your head. The soft tissues of the suboccipital region, under the influence of the pressure of the head on the tips of your fingers, gradually relax, and the head lowers. The fingertips must be in constant contact with the occipital bone. As you breathe, do not allow your fingertips to move downward with the soft tissue. After relaxing the tissues of the suboccipital region, your fingers will rest on the first cervical vertebra. There will be a slow increase in the distance from the occipital bone to the first cervical vertebra.

It is necessary to hold the first cervical vertebra with your fingertips and at the same time easily move the occipital bone backwards and upwards, as if expanding the gap between the occipital bone and cervical vertebra. Perform the exercise for 1 minute, break for 1.5 minutes, repeat 3–6 times (Fig. 39 a, b).

Exercise increases the outflow of fluid from the cranial cavity through jugular veins, sharply reducing diffuse headaches.

Rice. 39 a. Posture and movement for diffuse headaches

Rice. 39 b. Posture and movement for diffuse headaches. Position of the head and hands during a break

Therapeutic postures and movements for diffuse pain in the depths of the head

The balance of flexion and extension movements in the cervico-occipital joint is ensured by the connection of the main part of the occipital bone, located in front of the foramen magnum, and sphenoid bone. This connection is called the sphenoccipital junction (synchondrosis). If mobility in this joint is impaired, disturbances in the venous outflow from the cranial cavity and diffuse headaches may occur.

Pose-Movement No. 1

Goal: improvement of venous outflow from the cranial cavity. Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place the index and middle fingers of the right hand under the occipital protuberance. Big and index fingers Place your left hand in the middle of your forehead. During the “inhalation” phase, stretch the occipital protuberance with your right hand, slightly lifting your head by the occipital bone. At the same time, press down on your head with your left hand. Maintain the traction in the position achieved during inspiration throughout the entire “exhalation” phase. Repeat the exercise 3–6 times until you feel the tension in the connective tissue elements weaken (Fig. 40 a, b).

Rice. 40 a. Posture-movement for diffuse pain in the depths of the head

Rice. 40 b. Posture-movement for diffuse pain in the depths of the head. Fragment

Pose-movement No. 2

Purpose: drainage venous vessels occipital region. Perform while lying on your back, head in a neutral position. Place the middle fingers of both hands on the occipital protuberance. Feel the sensation of tissue tension. Then make slow, smooth, rhythmic movements with your middle fingers from the occipital protuberance to the occipital foramen. Smooth, slow rhythmic movements in the direction from the occipital protuberance to the occipital foramen improve venous outflow from the occipital sinus. Carry out slow synchronous rhythmic movements in the indicated direction for 1.5–2 minutes.

Attention! The last 2-3 movements are carried out in the opposite direction from the occipital foramen to the occipital protuberance. Repeat all elements of the therapeutic posture-movement 3-6 times with an interval of 2-3 minutes (Fig. 41 a, b).

Rice. 41 a. Posture-movement for diffuse pain in the depths of the head. The figure shows the position of the hands. The exercise should be performed lying down, head on the couch

Rice. 41 b. Posture-movement for diffuse pain in the depths of the head. The picture shows the position of the hands

Therapeutic posture-movement for headaches throughout the head of a pulsating nature

Perform in a lying or sitting position. Wrap your right thumb in a sterile gauze cloth and place it in your mouth in the middle of the hard palate. Place the middle finger of the left hand in the hole under the occipital protuberance. Relaxing and closing your eyes, you will feel a rapid pulsation in the area of ​​the hard palate. During the “inhale” phase, press upward on the hard palate with your right thumb for 9–11 seconds, holding the throbbing headache. During the “exhale” phase, leave your thumb in the achieved position for 6–8 seconds. Repeat the therapeutic movement 3–6 times (Fig. 42).

Rice. 42. Posture-movement for headaches throughout the head of a pulsating nature

All information on the site is provided for informational purposes. Before using any recommendations, be sure to consult your doctor. Self-medication can be dangerous to your health.

Often, when visiting a neurologist, patients, when asked in what position the pain intensifies, answer that when I lie down. Based on the combination of the headache and other symptoms, the doctor makes an appropriate diagnosis and explains why the headache (cephalgia) bothers the patient.

People do not always rush to diagnose the disease due to various reasons. So why does a person's headache get worse when they lie down?

Before guessing about the disease and making a non-existent diagnosis, you should learn to distinguish headaches. A throbbing type headache is characteristic of vascular diseases. Most often it is experienced by patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia, in whom it is bilateral. Unilateral headache is characteristic of migraine. This disease does not go away for a long time and intensifies in bright light, loud noise and other irritating factors. If a person has a headache that gets worse when lying down and his face swells, then he may have venous cephalgia.

Other causes of persistent headaches:

• protrusion of intervertebral discs, scoliosis;
• intracranial hypertension or hypotension;
• tumor of the base of the skull;
• brain;
• other neurosurgical diseases;
• gynecological diseases;
• neurological diseases;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• lack of vitamins or oxygen;
• increased fatigue;
• neurosis;
• incorrect sleeping position or working posture;
• The pillow is too hard or too high.

In fact, in addition to the above list of reasons why a headache can be chronic, there are many more provoking factors. Diseases of the kidneys, liver, eyes, ears, smoking, harmful work and other factors can always cause chronic headaches.

When a person consults a treating neurologist or a neurosurgeon, the doctor usually asks a question about when the pain is unbearable: when you are lying down or when you are in an upright position. In some cases, the patient reports that with such headaches it is better for him to lie down, then he begins to feel much better. Provided that this condition is caused by CSF effects, most likely the patient suffers from intracranial hypotension. If it intensifies in a supine position, then in this case there is pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid on the walls of the cranium, i.e. there is intracranial hypertension.

Normally, the uniform distribution of cerebrospinal fluid is carried out under a pressure of 7 to 17 mm Hg. Art. (although some experts believe that the maximum normal value is no more than 15 mm Hg). This ensures excellent brain function without headaches. If a person has hypertension, his high blood pressure provokes vascular changes in the brain, resulting in an increase in intracranial pressure and, as a result, a prolonged headache.

With hypotension, the lack of cerebrospinal fluid affects the brain in such a way that this organ performs not only nutritional, but also shock-absorbing functions. In this case, cephalgia, which intensifies when walking or simply being in an upright position, goes away only during rest, when the patient is lying down.

Danger of this disease is that the lack of cerebrospinal fluid has an extremely negative effect on the functioning of the brain and blood vessels of the head, which can ultimately result in death. This is due to the fact that hypotension severely damages blood vessels and can provoke hemorrhage, dislocation of the structures of the hemispheres and brain stem. As a result, the damaged substance of the brain stem and hemorrhage lead, at best, to a stroke, at worst, to death.

Often, headaches are eliminated with conservative therapy aimed at restoring water and electrolyte balance.

In this case, they often resort to therapy using isosmolar solutions. If a patient has liquorrhea, most often he requires hospital treatment.

Why do hypertension and tumors cause headaches and how to treat them?

In the case of hypertension, headaches are often caused by excess fluid in the brain's ventricles or fluid spaces. To prevent the patient from having a headache, he is prescribed therapy aimed at gradually normalizing fluid secretion. If the patient’s condition is severe, he is referred for a consultation with a neurosurgeon to prescribe surgery of this disease. Then, to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid, which causes not only headaches, but also weakness, unsteadiness, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms, an operation is performed to install a shunt.

However, if the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid is too fast, this also leads to multiple bad conditions. In this case, cerebral edema, lesions or hemorrhage may occur, which can seriously harm the patient’s health or even fatal. If it is impossible to perform a bypass operation, the neurosurgeon performs a puncture of the cerebrospinal fluid of the brain. If the patency of the tract is preserved, the headache may be temporarily eliminated after a spinal puncture; in this case, the main thing is to start treatment on time and correctly.

Vascular view

Liquorodynamic view

Why do you feel dizzy when you get up or lie down?

It's not very common for people to experience dizziness when standing up and when lying down. In such cases, a person has a clear feeling that the objects around him are moving, rotating, staggering. Severe attacks cause weakness, a feeling of nausea, loss of control over body position and orientation in space. A person may even fall. In medicine, dizziness is referred to as vertigo, and its treatment does not require special procedures unless it is a symptom of a serious illness.

Most cases of such dizziness occur from severe overwork, sleep disturbances, or a strict diet. They are not dangerous for humans and go away immediately after normalizing the daily routine and giving up the diet. Changes in weather can also make people with low blood pressure dizzy, so blood pressure treatment is prescribed. However, some cases of vertigo require increased attention, as they may cause primary symptoms any of the serious diseases. Severe and frequent dizziness requires timely seeking medical help and prescribing appropriate treatment.

If you stand up suddenly

It happens that sudden rises from bed or chair lead to short-term dizziness. Some of these attacks are accompanied by darkening, circles before the eyes, a feeling of nausea, and tinnitus. They usually do not last long, about a few seconds, but the frequency of their occurrence manifests itself differently in everyone. This may be one attack per month when standing up or several per day. Depending on the frequency of attacks and diagnosis of the disease, the doctor prescribes treatment.

Standing up suddenly can be caused by orthostatic hypotension. when blood pressure drops sharply and cerebral circulation decreases. This causes dizziness, even fainting, and darkening of the eyes. Common symptoms during attacks:

• severe weakness;
• feeling of nausea;
• blurred vision;
• hearing disorder;
• cardiopalmus;
• there is tinnitus;
• convulsions.

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when a person has problems with the vascular system, atherosclerosis, the use of diuretic drugs, diabetes, and others.

Only a doctor identifies the true causes, after which he carries out necessary treatment. If you have hypotension, it is recommended not to get up suddenly, but to slowly move to a semi-vertical position and only after a few minutes get out of bed. Preventative treatment when not severe cases consists of walking in the air, morning exercises, changing your diet and taking various herbal infusions.

Why do you feel dizzy when you lie down?

Slight dizziness when taking a lying position appears due to abnormalities in the spinal region, namely in the neck. Changing the position of the body changes the position of the vertebrae of the neck, and this limits the flow of blood to the brain.

Useful information: Headache coupled with shortness of breath is a reason for examination

Often, when taking a horizontal position, ear diseases appear; they can also cause dizziness. When they are identified, treatment is carried out.

There are cases in which dizziness when taking a horizontal position can be the cause of old injuries, such as a concussion. Turning the head, osteochondrosis of the neck can also be accompanied by dizziness when lying down, slight nausea, pain in the cervical spine. Any such case requires special diagnostics (radiography, MRI). Only after identifying the causes and making the correct diagnosis is individual treatment prescribed.

Dizziness can occur with any movement. The main thing is to distinguish between symptoms and note in what situations an attack occurs. This will allow doctors to make a more accurate diagnosis. Read also:

Other triggers for vertigo

Dizziness in itself cannot be a diagnosis, only as a concomitant factor of another disease. Also not to be confused with visual disturbances, in cases of flashing midges or the appearance of fog before the eyes. True dizziness is caused by a disorder, not a disorder, of the vestibular system. During moments of dizziness, the patient feels unstable; it seems to him that not he, but everything around him is spinning and staggering.

The list of factors that provoke vertigo includes various aspects of life, abnormalities, and diseases. Here are some of them:

• stroke conditions;
• infections;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• multiple sclerosis;
• various tumors;
• cervical osteochondrosis;
• brain injuries;
• ear diseases;
• seasickness;
• severe stress;
• mental disorders;
• lack of nutrition;
• low hemoglobin;
• taking medications.

Possible attacks of dizziness, accompanied by nausea when work is disrupted brain activity, problems with blood pressure. When blood pressure drops, they often experience nausea and dizziness. When pressure jumps upward, nausea and dizziness are added sticky sweat vomit. When such symptoms occur, blood pressure examination and treatment is needed. Women experience frequent dizziness in early pregnancy, during menstruation, or during menopause.

Helpful information

Why do you feel dizzy when you lie down?

Very dizzy unpleasant symptom, the appearance of which should not be ignored, it develops as a result of a malfunction in the system responsible for the orientation of our body in space. Very often, patients at doctor’s appointments complain: “I feel dizzy when I lie on my back.”

Causes of dizziness

1. Diseases inner ear(various inflammatory processes, atherosclerosis, blood supply disorders, malfunctions of the vestibular organs).
2. Changes in the transmission of impulses to the brain as a result of alcohol or nicotine poisoning. And also as a result of injury.
3. Incorrect processing of incoming impulses by the central nervous system, provoked by ischemia, intoxication, the consequences of injury, failure of the delivery of nutrients to nerve cells.

The most common situations requiring medical examination

Dizziness is not an independent disease, but rather a precursor to it. You should immediately consult a doctor if you have:

• Dizziness combined with tinnitus.
• Severe headaches with partial or complete hearing loss.
• Against the background of dizziness, nausea and vomiting begin.
• If you experience a faint state when you turn your head sharply.
• Dizziness ends with loss of consciousness.
• Double vision, limb weakness, sensory disturbances.

Diseases accompanied by dizziness

The causes of dizziness in a supine position are very diverse, but the most common is circulatory failure in the brain. This violation provokes a number of neurological and internal diseases. Among them:

Osteochondrosis in the cervical spine leads to compression of the artery, and accordingly, blood circulation and nutrition to the brain suffer. Dizziness can be almost constant, leading to darkening of the eyes, loss of orientation in space, and sometimes to fainting. You can help in such a situation by placing the patient with his head down. Osteochondrosis is the most common cause of dizziness when lying down.

You need to contact a neurologist and undergo an examination. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, special gymnastics and diet.

Insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain as a result of hypotension (low blood pressure). It is necessary to consult a therapist, he will prescribe medications that normalize vascular tone and general strengthening therapy (vitamins).

Inflammatory diseases vestibular nerve characterized by sudden, severe dizziness that disappears after sleep. An otolaryngologist (ENT) deals with this problem. The examination must include computed tomography to exclude brainstem stroke, the manifestations of these diseases are very similar. Treatment is aimed at eliminating dizziness, stopping vomiting and nausea, and anti-inflammatory drugs are also used.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia with its inadequate reaction of blood vessels, they either narrow, raising the pressure, or expand, losing tone. Due to improper functioning, cerebral circulation suffers, and, accordingly, dizziness may appear. The neurologist will prescribe medications that normalize vascular tone and recommend following a daily routine, getting proper rest, spending more time in the fresh air and doing physical exercise.

Swelling of the canals of the labyrinth of the inner ear. caused inflammatory processes nasopharynx. You will need a visit to an ENT doctor and appropriate anti-inflammatory and blood circulation-improving treatment.

Spinal hernias. can be completely painless and will only be detected during a medical examination. Their treatment can be conservative (medicines, special exercises, physiotherapeutic procedures, etc.), as well as surgical. The principle of treatment is determined after a thorough medical examination and depends on the severity of the patient’s condition, location and number of hernias.

Tumor processes in the brain. Their symptom may be dizziness with hearing loss on the affected side. Tumors can be benign or malignant. The sooner a patient seeks medical help, the greater the chance of successful completion of treatment. You'll have to visit an oncologist.

Prevention of recurrence of dizziness

1. Learn to do without sudden movements. Make smooth turns in bed. Don't jump up suddenly in the morning, turn on your side and stand up smoothly.
2. Get quality deep sleep.
3. Spend more time outdoors.
4. Do sports (running, walking, swimming, morning exercises, etc.). Physical activity strengthens vascular tone, improves blood circulation, and forms a sufficient muscle corset.
5. Don't get carried away with diets with big restrictions. Deficiency in the body useful substances dangerous to health.
6. Cure inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx in a timely manner.

Be sure to undergo a medical examination. to find out the cause of dizziness when lying down. Be careful about your health.

Single episodes do not pose a danger to the human body, but if they are regularly repeated when turning or tilting the head, changing body position (turning in bed, getting up in the morning and going to bed in the evening), you cannot do without consulting a doctor, treatment will significantly improve the quality of life .

Headache when lying on side

Headache while lying down

Headache when lying down is a consequence of many different pathological conditions, ranging from banal overwork to a malignant brain tumor.

Depending on the characteristic symptoms and causes, doctors identify several genetic types of headaches, the identification of which is of primary importance for its drug therapy.

Vascular view

Occurs when the tone of cerebral vessels is disturbed. It is characterized by a dull, aching, throbbing pain, accompanied by darkening of the eyes, a feeling of heaviness in the head and flickering #171;goosebumps#187;.

Vascular pain increases significantly with the head down and in the supine position. The group of vascular headaches includes:

• pain due to arterial hypertension;
• for migraine and cerebral atherosclerosis;
• at acute disorder cerebrovascular accident (stroke);
• premenstrual and menstrual headaches;
• pain due to hypotension and seasonal headaches.

Liquorodynamic view

It is formed due to imbalances between the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid and secretion, as a result of which intracranial pressure either decreases or rises.

Typical symptoms of headaches of the liquor-dynamic type: confusion, bursting nature, a feeling of pressure from outside to inside, a sharp increase in intensity when lying down, while walking, when coughing and turning the head.

Diseases that provoke liquor-dynamic headaches:

• brain abscess, benign and malignant brain tumors;
• swelling of the brain due to inflammation or injury.

Muscle tension headaches

They arise against the background of painful pathological impulses during processes of local localization, as well as as a result of high tone of the nervous system.

They are distinguished by a feeling of a hoop squeezing the head, excessive sensitivity to bright light and loud sounds, irritability and tearfulness. Observed when:

• hormonal changes, neuroses, stress;
• infectious and toxic diseases;
• organic lesions of the paranasal sinuses and eyes.

Why do you feel dizzy when you lie down?

Dizziness #8212; one of the most common symptoms various reasons. Usually my head is spinning due to the weather, illness or hangover. But, as it turns out, dizziness comes in different forms. And it can arise at the most various circumstances. Why do you feel dizzy when you lie on your back or side? And what is this dizziness anyway?

What types of dizziness are there?

It is necessary to distinguish between dizziness of a healthy and unhealthy person.

Normally, your head may become dizzy from fast movement: carousels, dancing, riding something. This is due to the fact that the eyes have time to capture information about the movement of the body in space, but the vestibular apparatus, located in the inner ear, does not. Confusion arises between the eyes, balance organs and the brain, which cannot cope with the flow of unprocessed nerve impulses.

Stress and anxiety cause the release of adrenaline into the blood. Under the influence of this hormone, blood vessels contract, preparing to protect the body from possible danger, and the brain lacks oxygen. Hunger can also cause dizziness #8212; The brain is in dire need of glucose. During pregnancy, blood pressure fluctuations, fasting and dieting, the head may also periodically feel dizzy.

This is all a normal reaction of the body to external stimuli. You should take the problem more seriously when your head starts to feel dizzy in different body positions #8212; bending, rotating and raising the head, sudden movements and turns, while lying down. This can be observed in adolescents when the brain vessels grow rapidly, there is nothing to worry about. But in adults, this can mean some diseases and disorders of the vestibular apparatus and vascular system.

Visual disturbances are often mistaken for different types of dizziness. Veil or #171;flies#187; before your eyes, the surrounding space suddenly darkens or turns into some color #8212; It is not considered true dizziness. But if there is a feeling of instability, #171;floating#187;, it seems as if everything around is spinning, moving, constantly changing position, including your own body, #8212; here we can already assume a malfunction of the vestibular analyzer. Often these discomfort accompanied by nausea, sweating, blurred vision and hearing. Typically, a person with these symptoms complains that they appear when he is lying down or standing up.

Reasons why you feel dizzy when you lie down

If you experience such discomfort, it may mean:

• Vestibular neuritis. Dizziness begins suddenly and may be accompanied by vomiting. Usually the attack occurs after sleep.
• Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. When you try to lie down, stand up, turn or raise your head, the vertebral artery, compressed by salt deposits, is compressed even more, blocking blood access to the brain.
• Hypotension. Low pressure acts not only in blood vessels, depriving the brain of blood and, accordingly, required quantity nutrition. The fluid in the inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance and signaling body position, is also normally under a certain pressure. If this pressure is not enough, the fluid moves incorrectly, creating information confusion for the brain.
• Tumors and inflammation of brain tissue. Warning symptoms, along with increased dizziness when you lie down, may include headaches and one-sided hearing loss.
• Vegetovascular dystonia. From birth, vascular tone may be #171;irregular#187; #8212; react inappropriately to situations. Including changes in body position.
• Vertebral hernias. When changing position in a dream or simply when a person lies, dizziness occurs, similar to intoxication. In this case, the neck or back may not hurt.
• Diseases of the outer and inner ear, nasopharynx. When inflamed, the tissues fill with excess fluid, mucus and swell. This can cause pressure on other organs, which occurs not only when you hold your head upright, but also when you lie down and tilt it.

What to do if you feel dizzy when you lie down

Why does this happen and how can you help yourself? Finding the answer on your own is very difficult. First of all, of course, you should consult a doctor. Consultations with a neurologist, otolaryngologist, and in some cases a therapist and endocrinologist will help answer these questions.

As temporary self-help, you can try:

1. breathing exercises. We sit down or lie down, put right hand on the stomach. Slowly inhale through your mouth and at the same time inflate your stomach. When we exhale #8212; we pull in the stomach. Do it for 5-7 minutes. This helps stabilize vascular tone;
2. place your hand on a stationary object and look directly at it during an attack of dizziness;
3. press your finger on the point #171;third eye#187; on the forehead and hold for 10 seconds, you can massage it a little;
4. massage of the head, face and neck.

IN in case of emergency, especially if the dangerous symptoms described above appear, you should call an ambulance.

Also, if you feel dizzy when you lie down, experts recommend:

• Avoid making sudden movements or turning your head to avoid fainting. If you get out of bed, you should first do this by turning over on your side, and only then carefully stand up.
• Do not carry diseases, especially viral ones, #171;on your feet#187;. You need to rest for at least a couple of days, and after #8212; how to heal properly.
• Normalize the work and rest schedule. You should sleep 7-8 hours a day, with the bulk of your sleep occurring at night. This should definitely be taken into account by people with vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Spend at least an hour and a half a day in the fresh air, preferably in motion.
• Don't go on strict diets.
• Engage in physical therapy specifically tailored to your case.

So, if you are simply consumed by impatience, why do you feel dizzy when you lie down, do not rush to set yourself terrible diagnoses. But don’t put off going to a specialist by ignoring attacks. Head #8212; one of the most sensitive and delicately designed parts of the body by nature, which must be protected especially carefully.

Cervical osteochondrosis and headache

Good afternoon. Please help me understand the cause of the strange sensations in my head, as well as clarify the diagnosis. About me: 1. 24 years old 2. Height 168, weight 48 3. Lifestyle completely sedentary (at the computer). I don't do sports. I go outside mainly for shopping. 4. Mine normal pressure 90/60. 5. Myopia (-5). 6. The type of diet is predominantly vegetarian (I have not eaten meat and meat products since childhood). 7. I don’t smoke, I never drink. Briefly, my medical history: 1. At the age of 12, the first complaints of tachycardia attacks and constant headaches. stabbing pain in the heart area, sleep disturbance, complete absence independent chair. 2. At the age of 15, she was examined in a hospital (cardiology). ECG: sinus tachycardia, grade 1 MVP. EEG: moderately pronounced diffuse changes, indirect signs intracranial hypertension, changes at the level of diencephalic-stem structures of the brain. REG: pulse filling in the system of internal carotid arteries is satisfactory, in the vertebrobasilar arteries it is reduced. Angiodystonia, normal tone, outflow is not impaired. Neurologist: cardiac type NCD. Endocrinologist: epidemic goiter of 0-1 degree. After hospital treatment special effect I did not notice. 3. At the age of 16, surgery for dolichosigma (resection of the distal colon). After the operation, my health improved significantly. Many of the symptoms of NCD have almost completely left me. All that was left were periodic headaches. 4. At the age of 17 (autumn), severe weakness, shortness of breath, and tachycardia appeared. I went to see a cardiologist - everything is fine. It was prescribed to calm down and take vitamins. Soon the symptoms went away. 5. For 7-8 years, practically nothing bothered me except headaches (I got used to them since childhood and paid almost no attention to them). 6. 4 years ago the death of a loved one. Since then, a depressed state, a feeling of hopelessness, progressive phobias, an inability to rest or relax. During the same period - a fall on the back from a height of 1.5 meters, pain in the lumbar region. 7. Within last year 2 or 3 episodes of lightheadedness, a feeling of blood draining from the head, combined with intense fear. The attacks lasted no more than 1-2 minutes. I successfully forgot about them. 8. 2 months ago first severe attack. Happened at the computer. A feeling of blood draining from the head, numbness in the arms and legs, a feeling of a sinking heart, a buzzing in the head, tachycardia, unbearable fear. The attack lasted more than an hour until the ambulance arrived. They took the blood pressure - 120/80, a tablet under the tongue. The doctor said that this is VSD and is not fatal at all. I calmed down significantly. In the following days - gradual fading of symptoms of the disease, weakness and fatigue in the evening, headache in evening time. But when sitting at the computer, I was bothered by severe tension in my neck and squeezing of my jaw. If you hold your neck in one position, you get the feeling of an electric shock from your neck to your head. 9. A month ago, I first visited a neurologist. An MRI was ordered with the words: Maybe something is growing in my head. I left the office in a semi-fainting state, after these words my condition worsened greatly. My face and head went numb, my palms turned blue, panic attacks happened every 2 hours. In a week I lost 3 kilograms. 10. I couldn’t do an MRI; there was a severe panic in the machine. 11. After this, I turned to an inpatient neurologist. The neurologist said that I didn’t need an MRI or anything else and reassured me. He prescribed a tranquilizer, Mexidol, bellataminal at night, and glycine. Indeed, after that, every day I felt better, the panic attacks almost went away, but in the evening I was constantly overcome by dizziness, weakness, constriction of blood vessels in the extremities, severe malaise, and a burning sensation in the top of my head. This condition was relieved with a Persen tablet in about 30 minutes. Surprisingly, I didn't have a headache for a month. 12. A week ago I had a severe headache for the first time. And 3 days ago a shooting headache appeared (in the temple, then at the crown, then above the eyes), a feeling of fullness in the head throughout the whole day, various vascular sensations in the head when moving. I also noticed an increase in noise in my head (like sand pouring in). It also became difficult to find a sleeping position. When lying on your back, your head begins to hurt (a feeling of strong squeezing), on your left side - it shoots in your temple and tingles right ear. Also on the left side the heart begins to skip a beat. Then there was pain in the neck itself, radiating to the head. And painful injections in different parts of the head when turning the neck. Also, when you turn your neck or move your shoulders, you hear a crunching sound. In addition, the top of my head burns and when I scratch it I feel pain on the surface of my head. I note memory deterioration, periodic dullness, slight deterioration in vision, ripples in the eyes. The neurologist sent me for an x-ray. In conclusion: the height of the vertebral bodies is not changed. The endplates are moderately compacted, the posterior edges of the C5-C6 bodies are sharpened. Initial manifestations of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Since I will see my neurologist in a few days, I really need your help and clarification of the diagnosis. I have several questions: 1. Can there be such sensations in the head and crunching during the initial stage of osteochondrosis? I'm very concerned about this because the Internet says that such symptoms are more characteristic of more severe stages. 2. Do I need to go additional examinations? 3. What motor regimen should I follow before starting treatment? Is it better to sit, lie down, or walk around the house? I am very afraid to move or bend over. I walk slowly. I wrapped a scarf around my neck (is it possible to do this?). It’s easier for me to sit with a scarf and only with a scarf can I sleep now. I'm afraid to do some household chores. My head constantly hurts and tingles. 4. Is it possible to do any exercises for the neck? 5. Is it possible to visit the pool before completing treatment? 6. Is it possible to relieve headaches with pills? I usually take ibuprofen based medications. Thank you in advance. Your consultation is very important to me.

Good afternoon So, in order, according to your questions. 1 The sensations may be associated with the manifestation of osteochondrosis 2. Get tested for thyroid hormones 3. Considering your sedentary lifestyle. you need to radically reconsider it, start taking care of yourself, take walks, exercise in the morning, yoga classes are very useful. 4. You can and should, it is also important to take massage courses and go to an osteopath 5. In the absence pain syndrome. You can go swimming, the main thing is not to catch a cold there if the water is not warm enough. 6. Headache. Just like you don’t have to endure pain at all, but constantly taking analgesics is also not right. It is necessary to find out the reason and accordingly direct efforts in the right direction. Sincerely, doctor-neurologist Dzampaev A.T.

Consultation is provided for informational purposes only. Based on the results of the consultation received, please consult a doctor.

Headache when lying down

Sudden headaches are caused by a variety of reasons: neurological, somatic problems, injuries, metabolic disorders, intoxication, medications. Providing qualified assistance is possible provided that you contact a specialist in a timely manner to conduct a competent examination. Anamnesis will help to get an answer to the questions asked; the determining factor is the study of the circumstances of the onset of attacks, the frequency, duration, intensity, and accompanying symptoms. It is important to know as much as possible about the patient’s behavior; only in this way will it be possible to establish a diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Types of headaches

Quite often, patients come to the doctor complaining that they have a headache when lying down. Such an appeal should be considered without delay, which sometimes can actually save a person’s life.

Let us immediately note that dizziness can be divided into:

• normal, arising under the influence of external factors - carousels, if you look down, suddenly change the position of the body; all this is a consequence of an imbalance of the visual analyzer, the vestibular apparatus;
• pathological, cause - internal violations systems or the whole organism.

It is worth highlighting the following signs:

• the ceiling seems to be rapidly approaching, the walls are falling;
• the feeling that the body is rotating, and it occurs even in sleep;
• objects “floating” around the room;
• restlessness increasing as night approaches;
• development of nausea, headache when lying down.

The listed symptoms resemble a state of intoxication, especially during exacerbation, when a person tries to change position. Sometimes severe vomiting occurs. After the attack, weakness is noted.

It is also important to clearly distinguish between dizziness in healthy and sick people, paying special attention to pathological abnormalities.

The following are completely normal reactions from the body:

• release of a portion of adrenaline as a result of stressful circumstances, excitement; a narrowing of the cross-section of blood vessels occurs as protection from possible danger, after which the brain experiences a lack of oxygen;
• dizziness often occurs due to hunger, this is a glucose deficiency;
• pregnancy, with hormonal changes;
• Unfavorable weather conditions often lead to a headache even while lying down.

However, everything is much more serious if such disorders occur in adults, not only in a horizontal position, but also when bending, rotating, or simply raising the head. These are the first signs of many diseases, especially disorders associated with vestibular apparatus, vascular system.

Quite often dizziness is confused with visual disturbances when “flies” appear before your eyes, it gets dark or the space suddenly turns into the most unexpected colors. Typically, discomfort is accompanied by symptoms such as:

Moreover, this is most manifested when lying down or when a person tries to get up. Pathological conditions can be caused by a variety of reasons - banal overwork, malignant neoplasms.

Doctors, based on the information received from the results of the tests, have identified certain genetic types of “sick” head; correct identification is extremely important for prescribing the only correct therapeutic course.

Vascular

Causes a violation of the tone occurring in the vessels of the brain. Characteristic manifestations are aching, throbbing pain, accompanied by darkening of vision, heaviness in the back of the head (as if a stone is tied). It reaches its maximum values ​​when a person lies down or lowers his head. This group includes pain with:

• attacks of hypertension;
• atherosclerosis, migraines;
• strokes;
• pre- and menstrual state;
• hypotension, seasonal disorders.

Liquorodynamic

They are formed as a result of an imbalance in the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid, along with secretion, which leads to an increase or decrease in intracranial pressure.

Typical manifestations are:

• confusion;
• feeling of “expansion” or pressure “outside - inside”;
• the intensity of pain increases sharply when walking, lying down, standing, coughing, turning.

Among the diseases that can provoke such complications are:

• brain abscesses, neoplasms;
• swelling caused by inflammatory processes or injuries.

Muscle tension pain

They may arise as a consequence of pathological pulsations when processes that have local localization or due to increased tone of the nervous system. Distinctive feature: as if a hoop is squeezing the head, incredible sensitivity to flashes of light, any loud sound. A person’s irritability increases and tearfulness appears, which is typical for:

• neuroses, hormonal imbalance, stress;
• infectious, toxic diseases;
• lesions of the organic plan of the paranasal sinuses.

Possible causes and associated symptoms

The answer to the question of why your head hurts even when you lie down is often the presence of vascular diseases. Any sudden attack, intensive development of pain in diffuse or occipital areas should be a reason to consult a specialist, since the manifestation of subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a rupture of a cerebral artery aneurysm is possible.

If pain begins when vascular problems are detected, patients note that this is the most strong feeling experienced by them. Accompanying factors are usually vomiting, up to loss of consciousness. Symptoms of meningitis can significantly facilitate diagnosis, although timely detection is not always possible.

Manifestations of diffuse (local) acute headache, which is combined with depressed consciousness, focal neurological symptoms(weakness, numb limbs, impaired speech, coordination of movements), most often are a sign of:

• hemorrhages inside the brain;
• ischemia;
• thrombosis blocking the cerebral veins.

Dissection of the internal carotid artery, which occurred as a consequence neck injuries, causes persistent intense pain eyes on one side, pain in the head of the periorbital area, Horner's syndrome (pupils narrow, moderately drooping upper eyelid), on the affected side, while hemiparesis increases on the opposite side.

Diagnostics

If patients receive complaints of the following content - headache while lying down, it becomes mandatory to undergo a full examination, and, most likely, you will need to contact several specialists of different profiles. Problems of the inner ear are more difficult to determine, which requires a complex of procedures.

In the course of research and preparation of anamnesis, the doctor must know exactly the nature of the attack, when the following parameters are subject to assessment:

• the actual beginning; especially since the consequences of lightheadedness, nausea, and fainting conditions are often dizziness when a person just lies down;
• frequency of occurrence, duration;
• how do provoking factors influence, i.e., how much does it increase with changes in body position;
• does it become stronger if you lie on your back, right/left side;
• the presence of accompanying symptoms - noise in the ears, headache, stomach ache, decreased hearing, nausea, vomiting, uncertainty of movements.

Staging final diagnosis is possible only after completion of all necessary manipulations, after which it becomes easier to select adequate treatment.

It is all the more important to know the procedure, the observance of which helps a person relieve an attack of dizziness, returning his state of health to normal:

• first, thoroughly ventilate the room, especially when you are forced to stay in a stuffy room for a long time;
• quickly remove tight clothes;
• measure blood pressure, diabetics should check their sugar levels.

Often, strict adherence to a diet rich in iron and vitamins is sufficient. A great way is to go for walks to sleep in the fresh air, for example, it’s worth visiting a park or any quiet place. If you don't overexert yourself, they help a lot physical exercise, a set of relaxation exercises.

The choice of treatment methods directly depends on the root cause of a particular condition. There are a number of serious diseases when achieved full recovery becomes possible only through surgery.

How can you help if a person complains that when I lie down, his head hurts?

First of all, it is strictly prohibited for a long time If you tolerate this condition, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Information regarding the nature of the manifestations and emerging disorders will become irreplaceable, which will help to control your own condition, followed by an accurate and correct description of everything that is happening to a specialist who will tell you why complications arise.

Sometimes the problem can be solved very simply, especially if the reasons are common:

• be in the wrong position, which leads to overstrain of the neck muscles and impaired blood supply to the brain;
• the notorious physical inactivity, the easiest way to cope with the consequences is by changing the rhythm and lifestyle;
• the eyes are under too much strain, which can cause headaches;
• osteochondrosis.

Preventive measures are:

• sudden movements should be avoided, it is better to turn your head smoothly, you should not jump up immediately in the morning, slowly turn to your side, then get up as carefully as possible;
• You need to go to bed only in a clean, well-ventilated room, on a comfortable bed and pillow;
• increasing time spent in fresh air;
• playing sports, this includes: walking, running, morning exercises, swimming; thanks to physical activity, blood vessels are strengthened, blood circulation is improved, a corset of muscles is formed, sufficient to support internal organs;
• avoid strict diets, since a deficiency of even one element is fraught with serious complications;
• it is important to eliminate any inflammation of the nasopharynx as quickly as possible;
• say no to alcohol.

Required condition get well soon undergoing a full medical examination. Why and why is this extremely important if dizziness begins to intensify while lying down? First of all, for the reason that it will allow you to quickly select treatment.

Once again, it’s worth remembering that when it hurts once, it may not mean anything serious. But the regular repetition of unpleasant attacks becomes a signal to think about your own health.

Regardless of the situation, you should not expect that everything will go away on its own. It’s better to start by taking tests and visiting a medical facility where they can provide qualified assistance. It is important to get to the right specialist, whose experience is sufficient to establish true reasons a malfunction of the body system that has occurred.