Dr. Gil Bender, MD

• Migraines: one of the most prevalent types of headache, migraines typically last from two hours to three days, causing a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Nausea, sensitivity to bright lights, fatigue, and blurred vision all may accompany migraines. While migraines have no known cure, medications and lifestyle modifications may ease symptoms. Avoiding behaviors that may trigger migraines such as lack of sleep or loud, repetitive noises can improve headaches.
• Tension headaches: also known as stress headaches, these headaches are characterized by pain in the upper top part of the head and behind the eyes. Tension headaches are common and have no exact cause; however, certain practices may increase the likelihood of developing them. For example, wearing one's hair up in a tight hairstyle or wearing a restrictive hat can put pressure on the scalp, leading to a tension headache. Other causes of tension headaches may include alcohol or nicotine use, caffeine, teeth grinding, stress, overexertion, and eye strain. Some people find posture improvement, alternating sleeping positions, and neck exercise can alleviate tension headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motren) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may also reduce tension-headache pain.
• Sinus headaches: this type of headache causes pain in the sinuses, but may progress to pain and pressure in the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. These headaches are often accompanied by nasal congestion, fatigue, and ache in the upper teeth and may or may not be caused by sinus infections or sinusitis (sinus inflammation). Some sinus headaches are allergic headaches, which arise from allergic triggers such as seasonal allergies (pollen allergies) or hay fever, causing sinus pressure and facial pain. Other symptoms of allergic headaches include nasal congestion, irritated or watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Allergic headaches may be treated with antihistamine medications such as cetirizine (Zyrtec). Allergic headaches are common during pollen season, which is usually around springtime.
• Cluster headaches: these headaches occur suddenly and cause stabbing, sharp pain from one eye down to the one side of the neck. They are often referred to as the most aggravating and painful type of headaches. Other symptoms of cluster headaches include nasal congestion, droopy eyelid, and enlarged pupil on one side of the face. In the past, it was widely believed that cluster headaches were caused by a bevy or "cluster" of multiple types of headaches, such as a combination of an allergic headache and a tension headache. Medical experts now recognize that cluster headaches are a separate and unique form of headache. Cluster headaches last for around twenty minutes to two hours. They may recur throughout the period of a day or several weeks, but usually dissipate within a month. Treatment for cluster headaches includes over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motren) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Prescription Prednisone can help with swelling and Verapamil may reduce pain by relaxing the blood vessels.

Living with headaches is challenging; headaches can prevent people from fully enjoying life. Medical treatment and care in avoiding certain triggers can help those with headaches begin to feel normal once again.

It is important to note that having any of these conditions does not necessarily mean that a hysterectomy is necessary. There are other available treatment options in most cases.

Although the uterus is responsible for a period, it is the ovaries that control the hormonal changes that women go through every month. So if a woman has a hysterectomy but keeps her ovaries, she might still experience hormonal swings every month even if she no longer has a period. Alternately, if a younger woman has a hysterectomy where her ovaries as removed, she will essentially be in immediate menopause.

A hysterectomy can be performed traditionally through one large cut in the abdomen, laparoscopically using tiny incisions and small tools, or through the vagina. Full recovery may take four to six weeks. After a hysterectomy, patients might experience sexual changes such as vaginal dryness or a change in libido. It is common to experience strong emotions after a hysterectomy, including both grief and relief. If a patient's ovaries were removed, they may be at higher risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Taking hormonal birth control might reduce this risk.

Osteopathic manipulation is similar but distinct from chiropractic care. It involves physical contact and pressure to treat disease and improve health. Treatments may include stretching, spinal traction, 'cracking' joints, or applying pressure to painful or stiff areas. It works particularly well for problems affecting the muscles and joints, such as back or neck pain, some kinds of headaches, and sports injuries.

In the case of more serious illnesses, some patients combine conventional treatments with osteopathic manipulation. Manipulation can increase blood flow, relax muscles, and increase movement, as well as make patients feel better. In this way, osteopathic manipulation can be effective for a wide variety of ailments.