Treatments for Migraine and Tension Headaches
|
|
Treatments for Migraine and Tension Headaches
Do you suffer from chronic low back pain, headaches, spinal surgery, or want to lose weight? The Incorporation of Progressive Rehabilitation with latest in chiropractic care will help. For more info, go to http://HealthSourceChiro.com
Tension and migraine headaches are the two most common types of headaches. Tension headaches cause a tightening pressure around the head, and mild to moderate pain. Migraine headaches are more severe in nature and can cause pain so intense that you are unable to carry on with your day.
In addition to crippling pain, migraines cause sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, sound sensitivity, blurred vision, and circulation problems.
Causes of Migraine and Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the result of stress that is experienced in everyday life. The stress can be from something as simple as losing a favorite shoe to more complex issues such as getting fired from your job.
Migraines are caused by enlarged blood vessels that result in the release of chemicals into the nerve fibers. This type of headache is more common in women than men. Some of this due in part to the hormonal changes they experience during pregnancy, and also during the onset of their menstrual cycles.
People under the age of 40 and those with a family history of migraines are also more likely to get this type of headache. Other things that can trigger migraines include:
” red wine and beer
” aged cheeses
” caffeine
” artificial sweeteners that contain aspartame
” bright lights
” monosodium glutamate (MSG)
” poor sleep habits
” certain medications
” certain smells
” obesity
” overexertion
” stress
” loud noises
All people are different, so what triggers migraine or tension headaches in one individual may not cause them in others.
Common Treatments for Migraine and Tension Headaches
Tension headaches can be easily treated with stress management techniques such as getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and eating a nutritious diet. Over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to manage the pain of tension headaches, as well as placing a cool cloth across the forehead.
Migraine headaches are a bit harder to treat. In addition to stress management, and dietary changes, migraines may require the use of abortive medications that will stop the headaches after they start. If your migraines are frequent, your doctor may recommend medications to reduce the frequency of these headaches.
Over the counter pain relievers will sometimes help mild migraines if they are taken before the onset of pain, but if the migraines are severe, these types of pain relievers may not work. The pain of a migraine headache can also be managed by lying in a dark, quiet room with a cool compress on the forehead.
It is important to pinpoint the things that trigger migraine and tension headaches so you can take steps to avoid them. Keep a headache diary to write down everything that happens prior to the onset of a headache. This will allow you to identify patterns and enable you to determine the exact cause of your migraines.
In rare instances, headaches can be caused by serious conditions such as brain tumors, meningitis, and brain bleeding. So if your headaches are persistent and severe, contact a doctor.
Looking For More Information?
Make sure to explore other articles in the Health category or contact us to suggest a website or a service to review.
