The migraine and headache awareness week “Commit to Care” is this year being held from the 19th – 23rd September.
Most of us will experience a headache at some stage of our life. Infact, headaches are one of the most common symptoms experienced by humans. Migraines, (a more severe form of a headache) is more common than you may think. It is estimated that 4.9 million Australia’s are currently suffering from migraines. Whilst it’s obvious that a migraine has a massive impact on the individual suffering from it, it also has a significant economic impact. “The total economic cost of migraine in Australia is $35.7 billion. This consists of $14.3 billion of health system costs; $16.3 billion of productivity costs; and $5.1 billion of other costs.” (Source: Deloitte Access Economics – 2018)
What is a headache?
A headache is a very common condition that causes pain and discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Headaches can sometimes be mild, but in many cases, they can cause severe pain that makes it difficult to concentrate at work and perform other daily activities.
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a severe or intense pain in the head that is usually longer lasting than a headache. Migraine sufferers frequently report throbbing pain that worsens with normal activity.”
What is the difference between a headache and a migraine?
Whilst some people use both terms interchangeably, there are noticeable difference between a headache and a migraine. The main one being the severity of the pain. There are also some other significant differences.
Headache
- Mild, dull pressure/tightness
- Distracting pain (not debilitating)
- Steady ache
- Mild to moderate pain
- Short lived
- Treatable with medicine, rest & water
Migraine
- Pain on one side of the head (can be on both sides)
- Moderate to severe pain
- Intense pounding or throbbing pain
- Steady ache
- Nausea and dizziness
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Aura before onset
- Can last for days
What can cause a headache in the workplace?
There are many factors in the workplace that that trigger a headache. Some may require easy fixes while other factors make require long term changes. Having a headache can significantly affect your productivity at work so it’s important you get them under control.
- Workplace stress
- Dehydration and/or caffeine withdrawal
- Prolonged exposure to computer screens
- Eye Strain
- Poor posture. Poor posture strains your muscles and can cause tension headaches
- Poor Nutrition
- Lack of sleep
- Exposure to odors and fragrances.
How to deal with a headache in the workplace
Usually, a headache does not require time off work. Headache sufferers can help themselves by practicing the following:
- Identify the cause of the stress and then take steps to help reduce it
- Regular breaks especially if work repetitive or using computers
- Relaxation techniques to rid the body of tension and stress
- Making the work environment as comfortable as possible. (Seating, lighting, fresh air, reduce screen glare, etc.)
- Varying position to avoid stiffness and tension
- Communicating and keeping work informed so a colleague could stand in the event of a headache
- Explaining their headaches to colleagues so they understand the necessity of time off from work