Headaches, stress and digital device abuse among the triggers

Stress, excessive use of digital devices and seasonal changes are just some of the most common triggers of headaches : a disorder known to 90% of Italians but which, in the absence of direct experience, tends to be minimized. This is what emerges from a survey commissioned by Assosalute - National Association of Self-Medication Drugs , part of Federchimica - to the Human Highway research institute.

According to Piero Barbanti , a neurologist at the Italian Neurological Association for Headache Research (Anircef), many Italians, despite suffering from them, do not receive a correct diagnosis . "The survey - he explains - shows a clear overestimation of rare (cluster headache) or very rare (occipital neuralgia) pathological headaches, and this overestimation leads to errors in diagnosing the type of headache and, therefore, erroneous and ineffective treatments. Furthermore, the survey highlights how for the majority of interviewees the impact in terms of frequency is considered low".

"In Italy, tension headache affects approximately 45% of the population - Barbanti emphasizes - Migraine is decidedly more disabling, affecting 25% of Italians . A particularly significant fact is that a third of migraine patients have at least 1 episode per week. This translates into over 5 million people who suffer from at least 4 attacks per month.

Headaches - the expert specifies - have a clear prevalence in the female sex , with an average ratio of about 3 to 1 compared to men. In chronic forms the disparity is further accentuated: in chronic migraine, which involves about 3% of Italians, the female/male ratio exceeds 7 to 1". From the data that emerged from the survey commissioned by Assosalute, 11% of Italians suffer from headaches on a weekly basis and over 70% believe that it is an occasional disorder. Among the subjects interviewed suffering from headaches, 33% say they suffer from them at least monthly, while 37% with less frequency.

" Headaches in all their forms - Barbanti points out - are the most widespread disease of the human race : more than 2 billion individuals are affected. It is a disorder that, especially in severe and chronic forms, must necessarily be classified and treated not only to alleviate suffering, but so that the subject can live freely and not make fallback choices in personal, social and work life; it has been shown that those who suffer from headaches tend to take fewer risks in life, giving up various activities and opportunities, mistakenly feeling more fragile and vulnerable". Among those who suffer from headaches, the main trigger is stress or emotional tension (49.9%), followed by prolonged use of screens (29.6%) and disorders related to the change of season or the menstrual cycle (20.7%). However, an incorrect lifestyle also plays a very important role. Women are more likely to suffer from recurrent headaches (27.5% vs 13.6% for men) and associate the onset of headaches with stress more than men (52.5% vs 47.3%). Instead, people under 45 report a greater correlation between headaches and prolonged use of video terminals, as well as performance anxiety related to deadlines and commitments of various types.

To alleviate and resolve the disorder, even if occasional, most Italians resort to self-medication drugs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory action (56.8%). Natural remedies follow, at a great distance (16.1%) such as herbal teas, massages or relaxation techniques, particularly appreciated by the younger ones. Only a minority turns to the doctor or pharmacist (8.9% respectively). 21.7% wait for the pain to pass without taking anything. And again: more than 1 in 2 Italians, especially women over 45, consider self-medication as the most obvious remedy. "One is shocked - observes Barbanti - to learn that 21% of those interviewed do nothing for the pain, waiting for it to pass. This can only be explained by a lack of awareness of the effectiveness of the treatments, or by inadequate fears or prejudices".

To prevent headaches, the neurologist emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle: sleep at least 7 hours a night, eat 3 regular meals with a substantial breakfast, stay hydrated and dedicate at least 6 hours a week to aerobic activity.

"All types of headaches can be treated - concludes Barbanti - Over-the-counter medications are a valid ally, but they must be used with awareness. Anti-inflammatories can be effective in blocking attacks, if used correctly". But "if use exceeds 4 times a month, it is essential to combine them with preventive therapies, to be evaluated together with the doctor".