Not Now, I have a Headache
Headaches are the third most common complaint in a chiropractic office and in the top 5 reasons people see a medical doctor. Headaches are so common they occur in 50% of men and 76% of women in North America. It is estimated that migraine headaches alone account for $5.6 to $17.2 billion per year in costs for lost work and productivity in the United States.
There are many different kinds and classifications of headaches. I want to discuss some of the more common triggers and causes to migraine and tension type headaches.
Migraines are due to a vascular change in the brain and often brought on by different triggers such as certain foods, sleep depravation, stress, and hormonal changes. Foods that have been linked to migraines include: chocolate, cheese, MSG, food coloring, dairy products, wine and caffeine. When you suspect you have migraines, try eliminating one of these categories at a time to see if it changes your headache picture. You will soon find out what not to eat. Sleep and stress levels must also be managed on your own. Hormonal causes, such as a woman’s menstrual cycle, are usually best controlled by medication. Migraine headaches should always be presented to your health care provider when you first start getting them or if they seem to change.
Tension headaches are also very common. They are caused by muscular tension in the neck and shoulders and are usually brought on by repetitive strain to these areas or by stress. The best way to get rid of these is to go to Mexico for 3 weeks, however that can be tough to do. Using moist heat, stretching and relaxation are the less expensive methods. Massage and spinal manipulation have also been shown to be great relievers for these types of headaches. Try changing your workstation so that you do not stay in one position for more than 30 minutes. Do shoulder shrugs and forward neck rolls throughout the day to keep your muscles loose.
If you are one of the many people that suffer from chronic headaches, always consult your health care provider and get them fixed. There are many different treatments that can help or eliminate your “brain aches” and make your life much more enjoyable.
There are many different kinds and classifications of headaches. I want to discuss some of the more common triggers and causes to migraine and tension type headaches.
Migraines are due to a vascular change in the brain and often brought on by different triggers such as certain foods, sleep depravation, stress, and hormonal changes. Foods that have been linked to migraines include: chocolate, cheese, MSG, food coloring, dairy products, wine and caffeine. When you suspect you have migraines, try eliminating one of these categories at a time to see if it changes your headache picture. You will soon find out what not to eat. Sleep and stress levels must also be managed on your own. Hormonal causes, such as a woman’s menstrual cycle, are usually best controlled by medication. Migraine headaches should always be presented to your health care provider when you first start getting them or if they seem to change.
Tension headaches are also very common. They are caused by muscular tension in the neck and shoulders and are usually brought on by repetitive strain to these areas or by stress. The best way to get rid of these is to go to Mexico for 3 weeks, however that can be tough to do. Using moist heat, stretching and relaxation are the less expensive methods. Massage and spinal manipulation have also been shown to be great relievers for these types of headaches. Try changing your workstation so that you do not stay in one position for more than 30 minutes. Do shoulder shrugs and forward neck rolls throughout the day to keep your muscles loose.
If you are one of the many people that suffer from chronic headaches, always consult your health care provider and get them fixed. There are many different treatments that can help or eliminate your “brain aches” and make your life much more enjoyable.