Most adults experience headaches. Depending on the cause, they can be classified either primary or secondary. Primarily, a headache is caused externally by heat or smell. These can be treated with over-the-counter pain killers. Secondary headaches can be a sign of another condition. Stress, allergies and poor diet can all cause headaches. The result is a headache when stress causes the mind to be overwhelmed with thoughts and worries.
The Pain
The pain starts at the back of your head and moves to the sides. A light massage may be able to temporarily relieve the pain. Headaches can be caused by certain diets, particularly processed foods like cheese. You should avoid diet-triggered headaches if you are suffering from them. Avoid skipping meals and stick to a regular sleeping schedule. You can avoid allergies by identifying what you are allergic to.
You can relieve stress by seeking counseling, relaxation cues or medication. Sometimes headaches can be an extension of back or neck pain. The headache will disappear once these issues are addressed. A study on headache sufferers who received a 30 minute massage every day showed a dramatic reduction in headache frequency and intensity.
Massage Therapy
The massage was focused on the neck and shoulder muscles. A 30-minute treatment will usually bring relief. Massage therapy can provide great relief if your headache is caused by tension in the neck and spine.
Dehydration can also cause headaches. This can lead to a migraine or chronic headache. Headaches are often attributed to high temperatures and extreme physical activity. However, you may not realize that these two factors can cause significant fluid loss.
Dehydration is the most common cause of headaches. It can also cause dry lips, muscle cramps, and thirst. Keep hydrated by drinking at least 10 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Don’t make the mistake of replacing water by other beverages, especially ones that contain caffeine.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care treats headaches that are caused by structural problems in your neck or head. Pinching nerves can cause tightening of the neck muscles, which in turn pulls the spinal cord out-of-line. Headaches can also be caused by degenerated discs. The resulting tension can be relieved by chiropractors. Tension headaches can be reduced by keeping the spine in alignment.
