Troubled by headaches? Here are some remedies

At some time in our lives we’ve all experienced a headache. Whether it’s after something we ate or drank or for some unknown causes, a headache is something that stops us in our tracks.

The aching, pounding, vision problems or nausea can be debilitating.

For many of us the solution is taking Advil or another commercial product throughout the day until the pain is gone. Sometimes this strategy is very effective; but haven’t you ever wondered why you are actually getting the headache. Let me be the first to tell you, contrary to popular belief, headacheare not caused by an ibuprofen deficiency.

Tension headaches

There are numerous types of headaches, too many for this article, so we’ll take a look at the most common ones. The most prevalent type is a tension headache. This is the one that you feel perhaps in your shoulders and up your neck into your head.

Sinus headaches

The second type of headache that we see frequently is the sinus headache. These can be caused by an allergy or sickness that makes the sinus cavities fill with fluid. This fluid pushes on the sinus bones and eventually pushes hard enough to cause pain. These types of headaches are usually cured by avoiding sickness or by having a trained professional perform a painless sinus release technique. This technique helps release the sinus pressure causing the headache.

Migraines

A migraine headache is characterized by an intense throbbing with nausea and sensitivity to light. Many people experience an aura that is a visual symptom similar to seeing flashing lights or being in a dream-like state.

Migraines are usually caused by a constriction of the blood vessels in the brain, followed by an expansion of these vessels. This expansion causes more blood to flow into the brain and increases pressure there.

This increased pressure can also push on surrounding nerves; after all this, you experience a migraine.

Simple solutions

For all headaches, but for migraines especially, the first step is to avoid things that trigger them, such as alcohol, caffeine, foods containing nitrates (sandwich meats), the chemical MSG, and cheese, just to name a few.

Another way of decreasing headaches is to try a gluten-free diet. Some people are allergic to gluten (a protein found in wheat products) and don’t know it; this can be the cause of their headaches. I have seen simple dietary changes have a dramatic effect on headaches.

The vast majority of people who suffer from constant headaches are able to obtain relief from avoiding triggers and having relaxed muscles and proper joint function in the neck and shoulders.

If you have frequent headaches you should start a daily diary and keep track of when you get your headaches. Make sure to note time of day and food intake so that you can figure out what may be causing them. No one needs to live their life in a state of pain. There’s always something that can help.

For more information about headaches and treatment options, go to DrBodyBalance.com.