Everyone suffers from headaches at some point in their lives. Many people endure the agony of severe headaches and migraines on a weekly or daily basis, and yet we know very little about headaches, or their causes. However we do know ways to prevent or relieve the symptoms of a headache.
Identify.
Headaches come in many forms so identifying your headache is the first step. Migraines and tension headaches are the most common, although there are over 200 different types of headache. Keep a journal or log that describes the symptoms of your headache and consult a specialist if necessary who will help determine the type of headaches you are suffering from.
Triggers.
Headaches are usually caused by a single or multiple set of triggers. Bright and flashing lights, anxiety and stress, or lack of sleep are all headache triggers, as are certain foods such as cheese, chocolate, red wine and coffee. All of these serve to alter the nerve impulses to the brain that may cause headaches Once again, keep a journal and note down the things that seem to trigger your headaches and migraines. If you understand what it is that is triggering your headaches, you can learn to avoid them and thus decrease the frequency and potency of your headaches.
Medicine.
Over the counter drugs and other common pain medications and anti-inflammatories such as Asprin and IBU Profen can bring short-term relief from headaches, but it is believed that their prolonged use can actually make headaches worse. Yes they are an option, but not a long-term one. Prescription drugs, primarily Triptans, can offer more thorough relief, however these drugs are not suitable for many headache sufferers and can also bring serious side effects such as dizziness and nausea. So these too are a viable option but perhaps not the best method to combat headaches.
Natural, Long-Term Solutions.
Several natural solutions for headaches exist, which for the chronic or repeat sufferer are far kinder to the body than endless drugs and chemicals. Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine that has been practiced for hundreds of years and uses tiny needles to stimulate the body’s energy flow and stimulate the brain to release natural pain-reducing chemicals.
A healthier diet and lifestyle has also been found to alleviate headaches and migraines. A body with a proper sleep pattern and in good working order thanks to steady exercise and a proper diet, is a harmonious body, and it will thank you with fewer headaches.
Chiropractic Care is another natural, non-invasive method that has been very successful at helping people with headaches. By correctly aligning the spine it helps to optimize the nervous system and reduce the risk of a headache.
