Step1
We all know the pain from headaches but there are several types of headaches to recognize. TENSION, Chronic Headaches, and Migraine headaches. But it is very hard to differentiate between them so diagnosis usually depends on the person's history and profile. So it is best to understand and recognize what habits and factors bring on your headaches so you can have a better control in managing , preventing and treating them.
Step2
TENSION headache affects over 45 million people each year according to the National Headache Foundation and is usually bought on by stress and anxiety and the type of Western lifestyle that we lead. about 90% of all headaches are classified into this category. The pain is usually generalized all over the head and you may feel a dull ache or a sense of tightness around the head. Most people describe the feeling of the headache as" a band wrapped tightly around the head".
Step3
Chronic headaches affects millions of people who regularly get them and their biological and genetic make-up outs them at a higher risk to being more susceptible to getting frequent bouts of headaches. For these people headaches are a chronic problem and it is even more important that they learn to recognize the signs and the factors t hat stimulates the onset of the symptoms. Additionally, approximately, over 29 million of these individuals experience migraines.
Step4
Migraines headaches are a common complaint and is part of the vascular headaches family. It affects millions of people especially from women. It can be a debilitating and crippling disease and has an even uglier reputation than tension headaches.. About seventy percent of sufferers are women. The condition usually starts as a one-sided throbbing pain but in about 24% of the cases it can affect both sides of the head. Symptoms of nausea and vomiting accompanies the pain along with tremors and dizziness. Some individuals experience an "early warning sign" that an migraine is starting and describe symptoms of blurry vision along with "floaters' in the vision and numbness in the arms or legs.
Step5
CLUSTER headaches affect the population usually men who describe the intense pain especially around or behind one eye. These headaches have a reputation for recurring often even after a long remission. Studies have shown a correlation of cluster headaches associated with the male testosterone hormone and also have some link to smoking since most individuals affected by cluster headaches usually have a smoking history. Cluster headaches can attach for many days or weeks and in the unfortunate few, for months.
Step6
Biofeedback methods are useful methods to counteract and reduce the frequency of headaches. It is effective for tension and migraine headaches. You can learn about many biofeedback methods at the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America at www.bcia.org.
Step7
Many headaches are caused by tension, stress and anxiety so there are various ways to reduce these factors in our lives to prevent and decreases the inset of headaches. Learning relaxation methods and techniques will help enormously. For example, Deep Breathing Techniques.
Step8
Exercising and healthy lifestyle will help reduce the occurrence of headaches It will help to relax the muscular tension in the head and body and also give you a sense of well-being to help decrease the anxiety and stress induced on the body and head. Exercising will also increase the blood flow of oxygen and circulation to eliminate toxic wastes from the body.
Step9
Don't oversleep because this can cause the onset of a headache so try to get the right amount of quality sleep each night but don't over do it. This also includes napping throughout the day.
Step10
When you spend a lot of hours in front of the computer and or television this puts you at more risk to getting headaches due to the constant muscular stress and contraction to the back of the neck and head muscles by the slouching. Sit up straight and stand up erect and tall. Also try not to lean or push the head on one direction as these movements can trigger head pain.
Step11
Noise pollution can trigger off headaches. So you can find ways to reduce the noise level in the surrounding environment. Try using headphones and play relaxing music or shut off the televisions and radio and learn to relax in the quietness and peaceful serenity just listening to nature's sounds.
Step12
Excessive sunlight or artificial light can trigger headaches especially if you are spending long hours in front of the computer or reading in dim lit rooms. Get prescription glasses if you find yourself squinting when trying to read because eyestrain is a common cause of headaches. wear sunglasses to reduce the intensity of bright sunlight and also to reduce the harmful UV light.
Step13
Go easy on salt intake since this can trigger headaches especially migraine in most people. It is also recommended to lower salt intake if you have high blood pressure and certain medical conditions .
Step14
Certain foods can stimulate headache. so learn the "trigger" foods since this varies considerable between individuals. Studies have shown a strong correlation between foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG) and stimulating headaches. The symptom of intense throbbing headaches are described by most people. Many products contain MSG so always read the labels before purchasing and eating foods in the local grocery stores. Additives like hydrolyzed protein or caseinate are MSG like compounds some be careful.
Step15
Don't chew gum sinc ethe repetitive chewing motion can tighten the muscles around the jaw and head and trigger a tension headache
Step16
Dehydration and drinking a lot of caffeinated beverages, like coffee, soft drinks and alcohol can cause headaches. also drink at least six glasses of water each day to prevent dehydration and to avoid or lower the intake of alcohol and coffee
Step17
Odors can stimulate headaches especially migraine. Perfumes and colognes are common odors that can cause the symptoms. Carbon monoixde pollution from car exhausts and smoke from cigarettes can induce headache,
Step18
Massage therapy or relaxing at the spa are ways to help decrease tension and relax muscular tension. Self massage can help. Two key points for reducing pain with acupressure is to squeeze the web between the thumb and and fore finger until you fell pain and also the bony ridges at the back of the neck using both thumbs to apply pressure.
Step19
Tyramine is a strong culprit which can trigger headaches. Tyramine can be found in foods like chocolate and in alcoholic beverages. try to avoid and reduce intake of these substances to help reduce the frequency of headaches and migraines.
Step20
Over-the-counter medication can give temporary relief from headaches and migraine. aspirin, tylenol, acetominophen are readily available in most drugstores. But be careful not to over-use any medication and always get medical advice before taking any medication or drugs.
Step21
Wear a headband because decreasing blood flow to the the scalp can help reduce the throbbing and pounding of migraines and headaches.. Tie a tight cloth around the head for a few hours.
Step22
Try a facial exercise routine. Facial and scalp calisthenics are exercises to help relax the muscles of that area and help to show you how to control these muscles whenever you feel the early warning signs of an impending episode of migraine and headache.
Lift both eyebrows up and down rapidly several times. Next, raise the left eyebrow followed by the right eyebrow up and down several times. Squint both eyes close and release. Repeat several times. Frown deeply and screw the face up tightly then release. Repeat several times. Next, give a big long yawn and inhale deeply and exhale deeply. Open the jaw and move the lower jaw left to right several times. Wrinkle nose and move nose upwards and inhale and exhale. Make funny faces and stick out the tongue several times.
