Headache Relief

Modes of relief vary from person to person and what might work for one person may not work for others. To determine the headache relief that is most appropriate for you, you need to start by identifying what is causing the headache. More often than not, there's usually an underlying problem and the headache is your body's way of telling you that something is not right. And it is most likely to do with your lifestyle choices.

Because most headaches have clear-cut symptoms that fall into recognisable patterns, by keeping a diary of these and any preceding events, it may be possible to take corrective headache relief measures to ensure the headaches do not recur.

Most medications that are obtainable over-the-counter or through prescription are designed only as a temporary headache relief. They do not quite address the underlying cause of the pain.

Clinical studies have shown that most common headaches are actually caused by the loss of the natural neck curve (cervical lordosis). As the discs in your neck begin to compress, the nerves around the discs become irritated and the surrounding muscles are abnormally pulled, triggering the headache.

It is no coincedence that people who snore also tend to suffer from headaches - it merely emphasises the part played by the neck in both situations.

To obtain permanent headache relief, one should start by having the natural curve in their neck restored. Incorrect sleep posture or sitting and/or standing with your neck straight is what normally causes the loss of your natural neck curve.

Some say tension headache relief can be as simple as loosening the muscles in your neck, shoulders and upper back as well as correcting your posture.

Here are other things you can do to prevent and get relief from pain caused by headaches:

• Relax! Stress is the number one cause of headaches. Take time to unwind everyday - a relaxing walk outdoors and social time spent with close friends can help you relax after a long day. Deep breathing exercises can also help alleviate stress. And for the love of God, stop worrying about things you can't control.
• Eat Healthy and Maintain a Healthy Weight - Skipping meals, especially breakfast can trigger a headache. Don't go out for the day without eating something. But don't over eat. Maintain a healthy balanced diet and weight. Obesity has long been thought to increase the severity of headaches and migraines.
• Avoid Excess Caffeine - While caffeine has been advocated as a good headache relief, heavy daily caffeine use (4 to 7 cups of coffee) can actually cause headaches and irritability. Lower level caffeinated drinks such as green or black tea are good substitutes for caffeine.
• Keep a headache diary - Identify and keep note of when your headaches start, what preceded them, their duration, and what, if anything, provides relief from them.
• Ease Muscle Tension - A heating pad, hot water bottle, hot towel or warm compress can all help in headache relief by getting rid of muscle tension that causes headaches.
• Exercise Regularly - Physical activity such as walking, swimming and cycling can prompt your body to release certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain.
• Book an eye examination - Glaucoma, eye strain and other serious eye disorders can cause headaches. Always get your eyes checked every 1 - 2 years. It may actually be the only headache relief you will ever need if your eyes were the cause of your headaches in the first place.

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