HeadACHES – What are your Triggers and Treatment Options?
Don’t suffer with a headache
Headaches are a common complaint seen in the office and one that can often be a signal that something else is going on in the body. They can be the result of dehydration, medication induced nutrient depletion, stress, tense muscles, joint movement restrictions or a combination of things.
Due to the variety in causes, there are also different types of headaches that someone can experience. Determining the type of headache you are experiencing, can help your health care provider determine the necessary treatment plan.
Treatment options can include:
- nutritional counseling, including a reminder to drink more water, eat more healthy fat, or modifying your supplements to counteract your medication induced depletions
- chiropractic adjustments
- acupuncture
- massage therapy
- stretches or strengthening exercises to correct posture and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to your headaches
- assessing your TMJ joint for any dysfunctions that may trigger your headaches
- referral to an optometrist to evaluate your eye health and need for an updated prescription, vision therapy or other necessary recommendations
For more information on which treatment option may benefit your case, please contact Dr. Shruti Sharma at the clinic closest to you.
Do you often have headaches at least once a day?
Have you tried medication, pain killers or home remedies to manage your symptoms with no relief?
If you’re not sure how often they occur, start a headache journal and track when your headaches occur, how long they last, what you tried to help them stop, and if it helped or not. Don’t forget to track the intensity of your symptoms and what you may believe to have triggered the symptoms.This journal will help you and your health care provider estabilsh a pattern, cause, or need to refer to a headache specalist for nerve blocks or other aggressive options.
In the meantime, try some of the following tips to see which you respond to:
- Apply a warm or hot pack to the back of the neck (try a ‘magic bag’)
The heat will boost the circulation in the area, encourage the muscles to relax and ease the muscle tension that may contribute to your headache.
- Get Moving! – Use gentle neck stretches
Gentle neck stretches will reduce tension headaches, also by reducing muscle tension into the neck and shoulders. This can be done after the hot pack, while the muscles are pliable and able to move easily. This is because stretches help the muscles relax, which reduces joint movement restrictions in the neck and any related nerve irritation from said restrictions.
- Drink More – water, green tea, or herbal tea of your choice
As dehydration can lead to headaches, why not drink more water at the first sign of a headache? Herbal teas, such as green tea can support circulation, relaxation, and anti-oxidants to reduce inflammation in the brain and muscles of the neck. For herbal tea suggestions specific to your headache, talk to a naturopathic doctor.
4. Book an appointment at the clinic
Dr. Shruti Sharma would be more than happy to help you figure out what type of treatment would best benefit your headache type and how to prevent them in the future. Leave a comment below, email drsharma@drshrutisharma.com or call the clinic closest to you to book your appointment.
Have a healthy day,
Dr Shruti Sharma
Elite Back Care
