Headaches are a common part of daily life. Headaches are more common than any other medical condition. Although many people are trained to take ibuprofen and migraine medication when they feel the headache coming on, there are other options that can be used. Knowing the type of headache we are experiencing will help us to determine how to treat it.
Common Types
Two common types of headaches can be treated with conservative methods, such as massage therapy or chiropractic medicine. The most common type is a tension or stress headache. These headaches are often chronic and cause pain in the temples and back of the head. The muscles in the jaws and neck, as well as the shoulders, can become tightened due to fatigue and stress.
The nerves at the base of your skull, known as the suboccipital muscle, can be irritated by tightening of these muscles.
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint headaches (TMJ) are headaches that occur when the jaw muscles are the main cause of headaches. To reduce stress and fatigue, it is important to get enough sleep and to do 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each day. If this fails to help, a chiropractor or massage therapist can help. The headaches can be reduced or eliminated by relaxing the muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are a common type of headache that is often misunderstood. Many people mistakenly believe that a migraine is a severe headache. A migraine headache is one-sided headaches. These headaches are caused by changes in the blood vessels that feed the brain. Stress, allergies, bright lights, smells, diet, and stress are all common triggers that can cause migraines.
Avoiding triggers that cause migraine headaches is the best way to prevent them from happening. Migraine headaches are less common if you avoid foods high in caffeine, sugar, spicy foods, fatty foods, and caffeine. A migraine can also be caused by hormone changes if the levels of serotonin in your nerves change too much.
Hormonal Factor
Hormone imbalances can often be caused by pregnancy, menopause, and irregular menstrual cycles. Migraine headaches can also be managed by the nerves in your neck. The spinal nerves can become too stimulated if the bones in the neck are not aligned properly.
Over stimulation can also affect the nerves that control dilation and constriction in blood vessels. The nervous system is not stimulated too much when the neck is allowed and adjusted in the correct way. This prevents migraine headaches from occurring as often. These two types of headaches are not uncommon, but they don’t have to be. There are options for patients who want to reduce the frequency and intensity of their headaches.
