HEADACHES
The body is designed to warn us when something is not right with our system. However, we have learned to mask our pain and silence our bodies. Headaches are one of those symptoms that people have learned to mask by taking over the counter medicine and Botox injections. However, the problem persists and it’s become common among adults and children. The four most common headaches are tension headaches, migraine headaches, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches.
FOUR MOST COMMON TYPES OF HEADACHES
Tension Headaches
These types of headaches can recur daily and are progressive. They are very common among adults and adolescents. These headaches can cause mild to moderate pain and come and go over a prolonged period of time. It is sometimes located on either side of the head or simultaneously.
Migraine Headaches
These types of headaches can cause moderate to severe pain. The pain can last for hours or even days; it is described as a pounding or throbbing pain that gets worse with normal physical activity. The symptoms associated with migraine headaches are sensitivity to light, noise, odors; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; stomach upset; abdominal pain; dizziness; and blurred vision. Migraines are usually located on one side of the head with pressure behind an eye.
Cluster Headaches
These types of headaches are the most severe type of headache. The pain is intense and has been described as a piercing, constant throbbing pain. Cluster headaches are usually located on one side of the face, head or neck behind the eye region. The pain does not switch sides and it gets worse with lying down.
Sinus Headaches
These types of headaches are mostly associated to nasal congestion and sinus pressure. The pain is usually deep and constant, it will last or as long as the congestion persists. The pain is usually located in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. The pain can intensify with sudden head movement, leaning over and/or straining. Address sinus congestion with in the first signs of it to avoid getting a sinus infection.
No matter what type of headache you may get, we can all agree that head pain can be unbearable at times. Research shows that most headaches occur because of insufficient nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, which make you vulnerable to conditions which predispose you to headaches. Supplementation of vitamins is known to assist with headaches naturally, especially when we consume the right amounts of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), B6 (Pyridoxine), Calcium and Magnesium.
THINGS TO AVOID:
REASONS:
Slouching
Poor posture can cause frequent tension headaches. While sitting at your desk, do not slouch, hunch your shoulders or hold a phone between your ear and shoulder. Make sure your workstation is ergonomic and is set up to meet your physical needs.
Aged Foods
Avoid aged foods like; aged cheese, alcohol, cold cuts, etc. These foods are often processed and have tyramine and nitrites. Tyramine is an amino acid and nitrites are inorganic nitrogen ions. High levels of tyramine and nitrites in the body can trigger headaches in some people.
Skipping Meals
Skipping meals has an adverse effect on the body. One of those effects is hunger headaches which can cause a drop in blood sugar. If sweets are consumed to balance this out, blood sugar can spike and then drop even lower.
Smoking
Smoking and second hand smoke has been known to trigger headaches in some people. Eliminating and/or reducing exposure to cigarettes can be helpful to people who suffer from cluster headaches.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant and when it’s abused it can have an adverse effect on the nervous system, brain and it depletes the body of vitamin B & D. Once hooked, cutting back or maintaining high dosages will result in headaches.
GOOD PRACTICES:
REASONS:
Acupuncture
Studies suggest that acupuncture can ease migraine pain and reduce the consistency of headaches.
Massage
Massage often helps reduce stress, in turn it can help prevent headaches but once a migraine begins a massage will not provide much relieve.
Supplements
Research suggests that taking vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), B6 (Pyridoxine), Calcium and/or Magnesium may reduce the frequency of headaches.
Relaxation
Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can counteract the body's stress response and stop a migraine before it starts.
Proper Sleep
Studies show that is some cases migraines are connected to poor sleeping habits. Turn off the TV, radio and computer and get in the habit of sleeping during the body’s natural healing hours of 9:00pm to 6:00am.
Exercise
A good cardio routine reduces stress and improves blood circulation which in turn reduces the severity and frequency of headaches.
Chiropractor
Spinal manipulation helps maintain our bodies properly aligned. It has been known to help with migraine headaches and it’s great for preventive care.
Certain foods like alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, canned foods, cured or processed meats, aged cheeses, cultured dairy, MSG, and aspartame have been known to trigger headaches. If avoiding these foods feel like you might starve, consider participating in a well-balanced nutritional program.
Sources: WebMD, Health, Black Doctor, MedicineNet, FitDay