Headaches of many types and causes

Many people suffer from the pain and disruption that headaches can cause. There
are many types of headaches a person can suffer from and here we note a few.
Also included are possible causes and some ways to help relieve you of their pain.
Be sure to contact your doctor or medical professional as needed.

Headache Types

• Tension headaches

  These are a steady, aching pain that wraps around your head. These headaches are nicknamed "hat band headaches" and are usually caused by stress. They originate in the muscles that run through the scalp and neck "

• Migraine headaches

  Migraines affect one side of the head. They have many causes, including hormones, foods, emotions, etc

• Sinus headaches

  Caused from sinus infection or hay fever

Measures to soothe headaches

• Massage

  Massage muscles at the back of the neck.

• Aromatherapy

  Peppermint oil has been proven to help fight headaches. Add a few drops to
  unscented skin and massage into back of neck. Peppermint oil is available at most health food stores and bath shops. Tiger balm is an Asian pain reliever,
  also available at health food stores. It contains menthol, which is a component
  of peppermint oil. Herbal Medicine Willow bark tea contains salicin, which is an ingredient in aspirin. Willow bark tea can be used for many types of pain that
  you would use aspirin for. To make willow bark tea, boil one cup of water, add
  1 teaspoon of powdered white willow bark, simmer for 10 minutes, and then strain. Wintergreen and Meadowsweet also contain salicin and can be made into a tea. To make a tea from either herb, boil one cup of water, add 1 teaspoon of herb, simmer for 10 minutes, and then strain.

• Acupuncture

  Acupuncture works well for chronic headaches, but should be administered by a
  professional.

• Cold Therapy
  
  Apply a cold pack to your forehead or neck for 10 - 15 minutes. Make sure to wrap the cold pack in a soft cloth so it doesn't directly touch your skin.

• Caffeine
  
  Drink a cup of caffeinated coffee. Caffeine constricts blood vessels in your head. Headaches are caused when the opposite happens - the blood vessels open or dilate. Some over the counter pain relievers, such as Excedrin and Midol contain caffeine.
  
  
• Keep a headache diary
  
  Some headaches are triggered by a variety of sources, such as: emotional upsets, sleep disturbances, certain foods, artificial sweeteners, drugs, and alcohol especially red wine. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep a "headache diary". Make note of the date and time of your headaches. Include psychological, physical, or environmental factors that might have contributed to the headache. Also, list foods or beverages you consumed within the previous
  12 hours.
  
  
• Nutrition
  
  Although caffeine can oftentimes help alleviate headaches, it can also be addictive. If you drink coffee on a regular basis, stopping abruptly can cause caffeine withdrawal headaches. These headaches can last for several days.
  To avoid the headaches, be sure to cut back on caffeine gradually, over several weeks. Try substituting a cup of green tea or herbal tea, for at least one cup of coffee per day. Gradually work your way up to replacing all your cups of coffee with tea or other beverages.
  
  
• Supplements
  
  Increase your magnesium intake. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to headaches. For chronic headaches, try 200 milligrams of magnesium three
  times per day. Be aware that too much magnesium can cause diarrhea. If this occurs, cut back slightly on your magnesium until diarrhea subsides.
  
  
• Sleep
  
  Be sure to go to bed and rise at the same time every day - including weekends and vacations. Do not "sleep in" on your day off. Varying your sleep schedule
  can cause headaches.
  
  
• Chiropractic
  
  Regular chiropractic adjustments can be extremely helpful in treating headaches.

Knowledge for a healthy life

 

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