Are you suffering from constant headaches? Headaches are a commonailment, but research has uncovered treatments that may help yourproblem almost disappear.
According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF) tensionheadaches affect nearly 78% of the adult population. 13% of thepopulation suffers from migraines. Because the causes ofmigraines varies greatly, what relieves a migraine in one personmay trigger an attack in another. The suggestions here areguidelines for those who suffer regularly from tension headacheswhich may have an identifiable physical cause.
WATCH WHAT YOU EAT
Some headache sufferers notice a connection with eating ordrinking foods with aspartame. For those who are sensitive to thechemical it may cause blood vessels to expand in the brain andtrigger a headache.
Caffeine is used to treat headaches. It’s proprieties can assistpain medication in providing relief and can be found inmedications to treat migraines. However, too much caffeine canhave a ‘rebound’ effect and actually cause headaches. If yousuffer from regular headaches you should avoid daily use ofcaffeinated beverages such as coffee and certain sodas.
According to the McKinley Health Center, avoiding tobacco canalso reduce headaches.
Skipping meals may cause headaches in some people, so eatingregular meals may prevent headaches in these individuals.
REDUCE THE STRESS
Getting enough sleep is important for everyone. If you sufferfrom tension headaches you may find getting your eight hoursevery night reduces the amount or intensity of your headaches. Onthe other hand, oversleeping can bring on a headache if you don’tget up at your regular time (such as on the weekend or duringholidays).
Some headaches also seem to be aggravated by too much sun.Excessive exercise outdoors and lack of hydration can lead toheadaches. Keep eyes shaded and be sure to drink plenty of waterwhen outdoors.
Not surprisingly it was recently found that women wearing tightponytails had an increased risk of tension headaches. Releasingor loosening the hair and performing a brief massage to the headcan bring almost immediate relief.
MEDICATE
What you may think is a sinus headache may actually be amigraine. A consultation with your doctor may determine if youshould switch to a migraine medication.
According to the NHF, tension headaches caused by stress shouldrespond to reducing the stress or use of over-the-counteranalgesics. However, if headaches occur almost daily you need tolook for ways of dealing with the stress and discuss otheroptions with your doctor.
As with caffeine, regular daily use of over the countermedications can actually cause headaches.
If headaches occur for long periods, are unusually intense or donot respond to pain medication after several days you should seektreatment and diagnosis from a health care professional.
Leading a healthy and active lifestyle has many health benefits,including a reduction of tension-type headaches. Combining ahealthy lifestyle with avoidance of triggers may help you findrelief from tension-type headaches.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
