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10 Types of Headaches and What to do About Them
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At one time or another in your life, you are going to have a headache that will cause you some serious pain. Although most people simply reach for one of those over the counter pain killers, it really doesn’t do anything to address the real problem or keep it from happening to you again.
Headaches are caused by a variety of problems, so it can be tricky trying to sort it out and pin it down. However, if you take a look at these 10 common headaches you just might find a good place to start.
1. Exertion headaches
Believe it or not, these are caused by physical exertion or excessive exercise. High altitudes can sometimes cause these, but for most people they are due to some sort of prolonged physical exertion. Those with migraines often find that doing too much brings on migraine headaches. If this happens to you when you exercise, try changing or modifying what you are doing. For some people, taking a break for just 5 or 10 minutes during their routine is enough to keep these at bay.
2. Food allergies
Some doctors believe that most migraine headaches are linked to some type of food allergy or reactions to the preservatives, artificial colors or artificial flavors that are added to many foods. One study showed that, when allergenic foods were removed from migraine sufferer’s diets, 93 percent found relief. This is according to a study published in The Lancet. The most common offenders were cheese, cow’s milk, eggs, and wheat. Eliminate food allergies as possible triggers by eliminating them one at a time or see your doctor for tests.
3. Stress headaches
Stress is a huge source of many headaches. Most people tend to hold their stress in their neck, shoulders, jaws, and face, which means that those muscles contract and hold that position for hours. This can lead to terrible headaches. Stress is sometimes also caused by emotional or mental issues that are related to feelings like regret and anger. Your mind and body work together, so find ways to alleviate your stress. Consider trying things like yoga, massage, therapy, or meditation.
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4. Hangovers
Although there are many theories behind why this type of headache happens, it’s believed that it comes from dehydration combined with inflammation from the effects of alcohol. Whatever the reason, the root cause is clear. Don’t indulge in excessive drinking. Alternating every other drink with ice water sometimes helps as well. If you wake up with a hangover, try to eat something greasy and fatty as this helps the body to recover by absorbing some of the alcohol that might still be in the body.
5. Migraine headaches
If you have ever had one of these, you know what killers they can be. It’s interesting to note that the hallmark of a migraine, those flashing lights, typically happen immediately after a stressful event. Some scientists believe that this might have something to do with the stress hormone cortisol. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done for migraines since doctors don’t know the real cause but try noticing if you get migraine headaches soon after a stressful event. This might clue you in as to at least when and how you get them.
6. Environmental sensitivities
With more than 12,000 pollutants and various chemicals and substances floating around us at any given time, headaches that are caused by these factors are on the rise. It doesn’t really matter if its mold, smoke, pollen, perfume, deodorizers, plastics, carbon monoxide or chlorine, any or all of these toxic substances can lead to headaches.
Although it’s virtually impossible to eliminate all environmental hazards, unless you live in a glass bubble, you can protect yourself by adding living plants into your home and workspace. These can help clean the immediate air surrounding you. Also, spend more time in nature, with the trees and other plants, and perform regular detox schedules.
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7. The OMG I need coffee headache
You know how these go. If you have ever had to make an emergency trip somewhere late at night or early in the morning, and you didn’t get to drink your usual 2.5 cups of coffee, right about lunchtime, you are going to have one heck of a headache. If for some reason you are somewhere that doesn’t have or sell coffee, try sodas. Not a great choice, but it beats the heck out of that killer lack of caffeine headaches. You could also try some tea, but check the label as many teas are decaffeinated.
8. Digestive disturbances
Chinese medicine will tell you that the head is a smaller version of the digestive system so when you have a headache; this actually means that there is something wrong with the overall health of your digestive system.
Some doctors believe that nutritional deficiencies, constipation, leaky gut, or hypoglycemia are all problems in the digestive system that can bring on headaches. Try eating high fiber foods, such as organic vegetables and fruits, and taking some probiotics and see if these help to eliminate your headaches.
9. Dental headaches
Sometimes it’s what’s going on inside our mouths that cause us to have headaches. Tooth decay, gum disease, infections, even loose fillings can all cause stress in the lower jaw that reduces the flow of blood to your brain. When you restrict the flow of blood, you cause blood vessels to constrict, which causes your pounding headache.
Some people have also found that the buildup of mercury in their bodies from their silver fillings causes a toxic reaction that result in headaches,
If you think dental problems might be your root cause, or if you have quite a few silver fillings, check with a biological dentist and have a full assessment.
10. Structural imbalances
When we lack a healthy musculoskeletal foundation, our body’s become susceptible to many different health factors including headaches, Things such as poor posture, wearing improper shoes, or traumatic injury to the body, such as from car accidents, can all lead to headaches.
Visit a chiropractor for a full evaluation if you feel that this might be the cause of your headache problems.
