Headaches are one of the most common ailments reported among people. In fact, 9 out of 10 people will experience a headache at some point in their life. A headache is more than just an ailment. It’s an indication that something in your body is off.
Headaches are triggered by many different things. For some, it’s the weather. For others, it’s stress, fatigue, allergies, lack of sleep, poor posture, hormones, nutritional deficiencies, spinal subluxations, or more. A medical expert, such as a doctor or chiropractic, can help identify the underlying causes of your headaches! Contact Healing Hands Chiropractic today for your appointment. Dr. Dee can help make headaches a thing of your past! 615.203.3505
Types of Headaches
Technically there are more than 150 different types of headaches. However, four types are the most common.
Cluster: Cluster headaches are very severe. The pain is intense and often feels like piercing pain behind the eyes, or a burning sensation. These headaches tend to occur in groups over a period of time. They can last anywhere from a couple of weeks, to a few months.
Tension: Tension headaches are, unfortunately, fairly common among adults and teenagers. These headaches are also known as stress induced headaches. They tend to cause mild to moderate pain, and come and go over time.
Sinus: Inflamed or irritated sinuses create pain throughout the cheeks, forehead, and nose. These types of headaches are usually, but not always, accompanied by other symptoms. Symptoms may include runny nose, fever, ear pressure, or swelling in the face.
Migraine: Migraine headaches can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. They can be incredibly debilitating. People who suffer from migraines usually experience them one or more times each month. Other symptoms that typically come with migraines are: light sensitivity, nausea, poor appetite, dizziness, or blurred vision.
Causes and Risk Factors of Headaches
Scientifically, the pain from headaches occurs when a combination of nerve signals are sent from the blood vessels and muscles in the head. Headaches are often caused by:
- Subluxations in the spine
- Stress
- Illness
- Eye strain
- Back strain
- Allergies
- Hormonal imbalance
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Environmental causes
Natural Treatment Options for Headache Pain
There are several natural treatment options available to treat headache pain! Here are a few options:
1. Chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractic care is a safe, natural, and effective way to treat headache pain at its source. Dr. Dee at Healing Hands Chiropractic, located in Murfreesboro, TN, can identify the source of your headache pain. She then can help correct and treat your headaches at their source.
Often, headaches are caused by subluxations in the spine. By identifying these subluxations and correcting them, chiropractic helps not only treat current headache pain, but prevent headaches from returning! Contact Healing Hands Chiropractic today at 615.203.3505 to schedule your appointment.
2. Magnesium.
Studies show that people who often suffer from headaches tend to be magnesium deficient. By increasing magnesium intake, patients have been able to reduce the frequency of migraines, as well as the severity.
Try taking between 200-600mg of magnesium each day to supplement your diet. This can help reduce the amount of headaches. You can also increase your magnesium intake by simply upping your intake of high fiber foods such as beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
3. Essential oils.
Lavender and peppermint essential oils are great, natural treatment options for headaches. Lavender oil is known for its ability to calm the mind and relax the body. Peppermint oil helps create a cooling effect on the area where it’s applied. This cooling effect is due to the oil’s ability to increase blood flow to the area. This helps soothe the muscles as well.
To use lavender and peppermint oil to treat a headache, apply 1-2 drops of each oil to your temples, forehead, and back of the neck. Allow yourself to sit down and breathe in the oils as you apply them. You can also dilute the potency of the oils by using a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil.
4. Hydration.
Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to combat headaches. In this day and age, we are all guilting of drinking things that are known to dehydrated us: coffee, sodas, alcohol. Being dehydrated can easily trigger headaches.
By making sure you drink plenty of water (at least half your body weight in ounces), you will help keep headaches at bay, improve your skin tone, and stay fuller, longer.
5. Detox bath.
A detox bath is a great way to treat not only headaches, but other ailments you may be experiencing. Draw up a hot bath, get in the tub, and allow the water to cool around you. This will help pull toxins out of your body. To step it up a notch, try adding some Epsom salts to your bath, or even some essential oils!
6. Stretching.
Sometimes treating a headache is as easy as getting up and moving around and stretching. When you sit in one position for too long, your body becomes stiff and stressed. By taking scheduled breaks every 30 minutes, you release tension in your body. Get up and walk around, stretch your neck, move your head, and change positions!
7. Cayenne muscle rub.
Cayenne pepper is a powerful spice that has been used to treat headaches for thousands of years. It can stimulate circulation throughout the body, while treating inflammation and pain. Try applying cayenne pepper mixed with coconut oil or another natural oil and using it as a muscle rub along the neck and shoulders to treat your next headache!
8. Rest.
While getting adequate rest is easier said than done for most of us, it is a powerful and effective way to treat headache pain. Try sitting and resting in a darkened room when you feel a headache coming on. This will help relax your mind and muscles, relieving tension in the neck and back.
Healing Hands Chiropractic Can Help Treat Your Headaches
Do not accept headaches as part of your life! Through chiropractic treatment, headaches can become a thing of your past. Contact Healing Hands Chiropractic today at 615.203.3505 in order to schedule your consultation or appointment!
