Headaches, Migraines Easily Handled

At times we all get those annoyingly pounding headaches. Sometimes we even know what had brought them on. Other times they take us by complete surprise. Headaches or migraines whether incapacitating or less excruciating but still that bothersome headache, are most of the times are set off or made worse by triggers.

Here are some of the most usual pain agitators:

Stress and according to the journal of Cephalagia accounts for 80% of migraines. That is because that flight hormone keeps going up and down which can result in pain and nausea. Stress can also have you clenching your jaw bringing on neck pain. Meditation and yoga can greatly reduce the stress levels.

The weather can cause those who endure migraines to suffer more when the weather is hotter. Do your best to avoid hot weather by using fans, air conditioning, going out when it is cooler and the sun is coming down

A bad nights rest. Insomnia is linked with low levels of hormone serotonin. Blood vessels in the brain dilate and activate the trigeminal nerve, the main nerve involved with migraines. Cut down on caffeine, exercise and try going to bed and getting up at the same time each day

Overpower scents can do it. The trigeminal nerve has projections in the lining of the nose. When you encounter a menacing odor, the nerve releases substances that are involved in producing headaches.

Avoid using those strong smells that simply reek

As Gizmo said "bright light". Bright light from the computer, florescent bulbs and even the sun can set off that nerve. Try soft incandescent bulbs, place a non-glare screen over your computer.

Daily food consumption. The foods you eat can cause a headache to come on. Foods that have amino acid tyramine like aged cheese, nitrates like hot dogs and amino acid phenylalanin like chocolate. All three can make the blood vessels to tighten and then expand causing that awful headache and even migraine. Drink water on a regular basis, eat regularly and attempt to find out which foods bother you if possible.

Over 29.5 million Americans endure migraines and most are women. Women have migraines three times more than men.

Some alternative treatments to rid yourself of that migraine

Biofeedback

Biofeedback practitioners use special equipment that monitors physical tension in order to teach the patient to control the physical processes that are associated to the stress. Once the patient learns the technique the equipment is no longer required and the patient will be able to use the technique

Chiropractic

There have been several clinical trials in which have shown that spinal manipulation therapy may aide in the treatments of migraines

In one study of people who endure migraines. After chiropractic care 22% had reported more than a 90% decrease of attacks and 49% had a significant decrease of severity.

In another study it was shown that spinal manipulation was just as effective as the prescription medicine as Elavil to decrease migraines. Researchers also located nine more studies which had indicated spinal manipulative therapy for tension and migraine headaches was just as effective as medications for them.

Acupuncture

A study from 2003 does suggest that acupuncture can be effective for migraines if it is done when migraine first begins and then it is as effective as migraine medications like Imitrex.

Herbs

Although there is no scientific studies to prove the effectiveness, these herbs are at times suggested to relieve migraines. If you take blood thinning medications or have bleeding disorders do not take these herbs

Dong Quai

Devils Claw

Ginger

Ginkgo biloba

Willow bark Sources:

Health

National Headache Foundation

University of Maryland Medical Center