People burdened with chronic headaches often live hyper-aware of triggers that can bring them on. In many cases, once a headache starts, it’s difficult to get them under control. Because they range from complete day-destroyers to annoying inconveniences, managing headache pain is a top priority for those who get them.
While you can’t control your headaches, you may be able to use safe, natural chiropractic care to minimize their frequency and intensity. This, along with tips that can help reduce the probability of a headache in the first place, can be a considerable help.
This post discusses:
- The most common kinds of headaches
- How to avoid headaches
- Chiropractic care to end your headaches
- And more
Don’t let your headaches get in the way of your lifestyle. Read on to learn how to help safely and effectively manage them.
Types of Headaches
There are various kinds of headaches that commonly affect us; we’re giving you the basics on the leading three.
Migraine Headaches
You’ve probably heard someone say that they have a migraine at one point. The truth about migraines is that they’re incredibly intense and bring with them telling signs. Once those signs start, the best thing to do is find a dark, quiet place to rest.
Migraine headache duration: Between a couple of hours to several days.
Migraine headache triggers often include:
- Sensory disruptions, such as bright light, strong smells, and loud sounds
- Mental stress
- Vision problems
- Excessive screen time
- Hormonal changes
Common migraine symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Debilitating sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
- Throbbing pain in one area on one side of the head
- Worsening pain throughout the day
Tips for treating a migraine:
- Rest, relax, and avoid stressful situations
- Get in a dark room
- Avoid noise
- Stop looking at a screen
- Don’t strain the eyes
- Apply a cold cloth to the head or forehead
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are arguably the worst kind of headache due to their finicky nature and lack of understanding. Many who get cluster headaches have a hard time determining triggers. These headaches come with no warning and start strong. They appear in patterns, often causing mental stress and anxiety.
Cluster headache duration: The headaches last minutes to hours, stop for a time, then restart again, forming a pattern or cluster. This can go on for weeks or months. After the full cycle has ended, they may not appear again for several years.
Common cluster headache triggers may include:
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Illicit drug use
- High altitude
- Exposure to intense heat
- Sleeping without a regular schedule
Common cluster headache symptoms include:
- Sharp, sometimes jarring pain on one side of the head
- Red, tearing, and puffy eyes and drooping eyelid
- Pain behind the eye
- Runny nose
- Sweating
Tips for treating a cluster headache:
- Fresh air and good oxygen intake, combined with deep breathing exercises
- Rest and relax
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common and can be incredibly painful or very mild. It’s estimated that two out of three US adults suffer from tension headaches at some point. Stress is the leading cause, so avoiding stressful situations, staying organized, and getting rest are key to preventing them.
Tension headache duration: Usually around 30 minutes but up to a week.
Common tension headache triggers include:
- Computer work or long periods on a device
- Eye strain
- Mental or emotional stress
- Neck injury
- Too much alcohol
- Not enough sleep
Common tension headache symptoms include:
- Dull and ongoing pressure around the head, as if wearing a tight band
- Pain starting in the head and radiating into the neck and shoulders
- Pain all over the head
- Insomnia
Tips for treating a tension headache:
- Massage scalp, neck, and temples
- Avoid stress
- Ensure you have good posture
- Stretch the neck muscles
- Apply heat or ice to the neck and head
Tips to Avoid Chronic and Everyday Headaches
Headaches can happen to anyone, at any stage in life, and involved with any kind of lifestyle. While some types of headaches are more difficult to understand or predict, you may find that making simple changes to your routine is effective at warding them off.
Common tips to help avoid headaches include:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid stressful situations
- Massage head, neck, and scalp
- Listen to your body
- Avoid neck strain
- Get annual vision tests
- Stay hydrated
- Don’t skip meals
- Exercise
- Use good posture and ergonomics
- Ensure your workstation is correctly set up
- Take screen breaks
With these tips and the right preventative care and guidance, you may be surprised at how quickly your headaches are controlled.
Chiropractic to Help End Headaches in Golden Valley
We know your headaches are taking a toll on your body both physically and mentally. Getting a comprehensive assessment will tell you if they stem from imbalances within the musculoskeletal system or outside factors.
Chiropractic care is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, ensure your neck and spine are properly supporting you, and guide you with advice on healthy lifestyle choices that can reduce your headaches.
Common chiropractic solutions for headaches include:
Contact our Golden Valley chiropractic clinic today; we’re ready to get your headaches under control.
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