General Description
Pain associated with headaches can be felt in the front or back of the head, behind the eyes, on the sides, or engulf the entire head area. Headaches can come in the form of tension, migraine, and present chronically on a daily basis. They can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, light and noise sensitivity, dizziness, and visual disturbances.
Sources of Discomfort
Common headaches are typically caused by dehydration, lack of timely nourishment (hypoglycemia), sinus and allergy issues, hormone and circulation changes, or eyes strain due normal fluid retention during pregnancy. Low iron can also play a role, as oxygen availability within the brain is reduced.
Other triggers:
– Being in the presence of smoke or strong odors, the body becoming overheated,
sleep deprivation, and caffeine withdrawal. Migraines may appear for both genetic
predispositions and environmental exposure.
Methods of Relief
Prevention
- Avoid exposure to environmental toxins, caffeine, and limit sugar in-take.
- Remain well hydrated, consuming small, frequent meals every two to three hours which
include adequate amounts of protein (80 g daily) and salt (1500 mg daily) which helps
with water absorption.
- Balanced amount of rest and physical activity. Promoting moments of relaxation
through yoga, meditation, chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, massage, or
hydrotherapy.
Supplementation
- Magnesium: 600 mg orally once daily – Coenzyme Q: 150 mg orally once daily – Riboflavin: 400 mg orally once daily
- Butterbur root extract (Petadolex): 75 mg orally twice daily
Remedies When Headaches Present
- Sleep, in a quiet and dark place
- Relaxing teas such as hops, skullcap, and chamomile, as well as a warm lavender-infused rice bag applied to the neck.
- Simultaneously soaking the hands in hot lemon water
Over the Counter Options
- Aspirin: between 250 – 1000 mg orally, not to exceed 1500 mg daily
- Ibuprofen: 200-800 mg orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 3200 mg daily
- Acetaminophen: 1,000 mg orally
Persistent headaches should be brought to the attention of your care provider immediately, as it can be a sign of an underlying and more serious issue.