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Most of us get headaches every now and again.
Some of us get headaches all the time. At least this is what the American
Headache Society says. To be exact, it is reported that 90% of men and 95% of
women get at least one headache over the course of a year. Out of this group,
approximately 12 million Americans get chronic headaches. The vast majority of
headache sufferers (over 75%) do so as a result of stress. 12% of headache
sufferers endure migraines, which really isn't that surprising because we all
probably know at least one person who chronically suffers from migraines. And
yes, migraines are primarily caused by stress and anxiety.
While nobody likes to
experience a headache, the fact of the matter is that headaches mean well - at
least most of the time. Warning signs, if you will, headaches let us know that
something else isn't right with the body. Whether it's dehydration,
constipation, sinus pressure, stress etc., headaches are manifestations
(symptoms) of underlying conditions. Granted, there are some people who seem to
suffer needlessly from chronic headaches. Whatever the case is, headaches are
crappy.
There are many things you can
do to rid yourself of a headache besides taking aspirin, with prevention being
the most effective. This is where stress management comes into the picture. More
often than not, stress can be transformed into positive energy through mental
and/or physical management. One of the best things you can do to melt away
stress is yoga and meditation. Oh, did I mention that headaches can be signs of
spiritual conditions as well? Yoga and meditation are especially excellent
remedies against headaches, for not only do they help take the stress away, they
teach us how to prevent stress from entering back into our lives. A true
holistic remedy.
In terms of physical treatment,
acupuncture and acupressure have shown to work well in both treating and
preventing headaches. A recent study actually showed that acupuncture had
similar results to a beta blocker medication called metoprolol. Studies also
show that electrically stimulated acupressure needles work especially well. If
the headache is tension related, besides yoga, getting regular massages is good
for treatment and prevention, while a good way to get to the ultimate source is
by getting electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback. In other words, becoming aware
of the tension. Portable electrode devices help to pinpoint when tension starts
and where it is being held, thus allowing a person to release the muscles
creating the tension. In a study of 36 adolescents who experienced tension
headaches, 86% of them experienced fewer headaches after receiving EMG
biofeedback.
Sometimes headaches do not come
from stress and tension at all. Food can be a major trigger. For people who
experience "mystery" headaches, it is advised to begin keeping a journal. This
can be an excellent tool to sniff out patterns and other unknowing things that
are causing the headaches. Perhaps you have a Magnesium deficiency? Perhaps you
are unknowing eating foods with MSG? A well kept journal will shed some light on
the subject.
In regards to taking medication
to treat migraines, if you feel you have to do so, please give vitamins and
herbs a chance first. Magnesium, Riboflavin, Feverfew herb and Butterbur herb
have all proven effective in clinical trials to prevent headaches. There is also
a coenzyme, Q10 (a vitamin like substance) that has proven very effective in
reducing migraine attacks. And remember, a headache is a warning sign. Be on the
lookout!
Author: Ry
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