What are the ten causes and treatments for headaches? We have all have had them. You know that twinge of pain right between the eyes, or behind the eyes, or the top of your head is abuzz with pain. Some get migraines that force you to lay in bed in a dark room. Some stick with you for hours or days, at varying levels of discomfort.
Ten Causes and Treatments for Headaches, According to SelfCareer and Tylenol
- Food Sensitivities – Food and drink release neurotransmitters, which can cause headaches in some people. Triggers include aspartame, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, cheese, and more.
- Hormones – When estrogen levels drop (especially right before your period), you may be more likely to get a headache. Keep track of your cycle and plan when you can.
- Posture – Your mom was right! Sit up straight to keep blood flowing (and move around when you can if you spend extended periods bent over a desk).
- Lack of Physical Activity – lack of exercise decreases blood flow to all areas of your body
- Too Much Physical Activity – Take it easy in the gym. Pushing too hard can result in an exertional headache from the swelling of blood vessels in your head, neck, and scalp.
- Medication – Some prescription medications may have the potential to trigger a headache. If you notice an increase, talk to your doctor.
- Eating + Sleeping Patterns – Eat when you are hungry. Sleep enough (not too much or too little), and don’t sleep in an odd position in a cold room – it can make your muscles spasm.
- Noise – It’s not just loud, repetitive sounds. Even a lower level of continuous noise can hurt. Calming music and headphones may help.
- Glare – Brightness from your computer screen, sunlight, or overhead lights can make things painful. Turn it down and try adding a desk lamp.
- Anxiety – Stress can take a toll on you. Breathe, relax and take a stroll.
What are the Different Types of Headaches?
Just what are the different types of headaches? Common types of headaches are tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches.
Tension-type headaches commonly present as band-like tension around the head.
In contrast, migraine headaches usually result in pain on one side of the head and are commonly accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
With cervicogenic headaches, the neck is the source of the problem, but you perceive the pain in one or more areas of the head and or face. The causes of headaches are not always well understood, but a family history of headaches, neck stiffness, and stress are common factors.
How Can Chiropractors Help with the Ten Causes and Treatments for Headaches?
Chiropractors can assess, diagnose, and manage headaches. Current evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including manual therapy, can effectively treat cervicogenic and tension headaches. In addition, chiropractic care can help decrease the intensity and frequency of migraines. The treatment options may include:
Treatment for cervicogenic headaches should target the cause of the pain in the neck. By working on soft tissues and cervical alignment, it can improve the root cause of the headaches.
Consult a South Austin Sports Chiropractor!
Take headaches seriously. If you take a pain reliever for your headaches daily, if your headache pattern changes, or if your headaches get worse, consider consulting a chiropractor like Elite Motion and Performance.