8 Tips to Reduce Headaches

STRESS AND HEADACHES- 8 quick tips to reduce your headaches.

Dr. Brent Moyer BHSc., D.C.

 

Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints in the doctor’s office. The World Health Organization states that tension-type headache alone affects two-thirds of adult males and over 80% of females. This does not even take into account the prevalence of migraine headache, cluster headache, cervicogenic headache or medication-overuse headache (also know as rebound headache). There is not one simple cure for headaches, but the idea is to treat the cause of the headache and avoid common triggers and not just treat the head pain symptom. Stress is a very common trigger of tension-type, migraine and cluster headaches. Poor posture, lack of sleep, dehydration, history of previous neck injury, alcohol and excessive pain medication use are common headache triggers as well.

The key is to avoid these common triggers and to be proactive in managing chronic headaches.

Here are eight tips to reduce your headaches.

1. Deep breathing/relaxation- this can be really effective to relax during stressful events.
2. Stretching- take breaks if you spend a lot of time in fixed positions (at work, computer, studying etc.) Prescribed neck stretches can prevent the onset of a headache.
3. Exercise- aerobic exercise releases endorphins for pain relief and enhanced mood.
4. Avoid teeth clenching- TMJ problems can cause headaches.
5. Drink more water- dehydration is a common cause of headache. Stay hydrated.
6. Avoid excessive caffeine- too many stimulants can cause headaches.
7. Avoid high sugar foods- causes sharp spikes and declines in blood sugar levels leading to headaches.
8. Avoid alcohol- a common trigger in migraine and cluster headaches.

Headaches also respond well to chiropractic care. A Duke University study found chiropractic care resulted in almost immediate improvement of headaches originating from the neck and had fewer side effects and longer lasting relief of tension-type headaches than commonly prescribed medications. For more information Dr. Brent Moyer can be contacted at Brant Arts Chiropractic 905-637-6100. www.drbrentmoyer.com  Twitter: @brantartschiro