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MIGRAINE AND TENSION HEADACHES What are Migraine and Tension Headaches? Just about everyone has experienced occasional headaches. Headaches often reflect the kind of lifestyle a person maintains; not enough rest, too much stress, etc. Sometimes people experience headaches because of weather changes. There are some people whose daily routines are changed because of debilitating headaches. You may feel controlled by headaches. However, you can gain back that control through understanding how you are affected by headaches and making the changes necessary to gain back that control. Identify the type of headache you have. Your doctor can help with this. A medical history and tests can give the doctor important information so he can help you with your headaches. You will have a treatment plan that helps relieve headaches and prevent future headaches. Keeping a journal can be a big help in this regard. You should include:
There are several common triggers to be aware of if you wish to regain some control of your life. These triggers are the following: not eating regular meals, keeping inconsistent hours, not getting enough sleep, stress, minor illness, bright lights, loud noises and strong odours, eye strain, excessive amounts of caffeine. Migraine Headaches Does the pain clearly begin or stay on one side of your head? Do you see bright spots or flashes of light before your headaches start? Do you have a headache the same time every week or month? Do they begin after a specific event? Are your headaches accompanied by nausea or vomiting? Two or more 'yes' answers means you have Migraines. It may be associated with aura (changes in sight or sensation). The pain may last 8 to 24 hours. You may feel shaky for the next day or two. Tension Headaches: Does the pain feel like a tight band around your head? Do you also have pain in your shoulders or neck? Do you get a headache after doing one activity, like typing, for a long time? Can you continue your daily activity despite the headaches? Do you often clench your jaw or grind your teeth? Two or more 'yes' answers means you have Tension Headaches. It is often short-lived but some last for days, weeks or even years. When you have a headache, it is not your brain that is hurting. It is the nerves in bones, blood vessels and muscles in your head that are irritated. These nerves send pain messages to your brain. It judges where the pain is and how bad it is. Sometimes pain relayed by the nerve causes tingling, pain or numbness at other sites. This is called REFERRED PAIN. Relief for Migraines: Use cold to help numb the pain. Place a cold cloth or bag of frozen peas on the pain site for 10 minutes. Wait twenty minutes, then repeat. Shield your eyes from direct light. Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration if you are vomiting. Drinking flat pop can help the nausea. Relief for Tension Headaches: Massage will help reduce pain by increasing blood circulation. Moist heat can increase muscle relaxation. Brush your scalp with a soft hairbrush for relief. Reducing Headaches: Medication (conventional/alternative) can control, stop or prevent pain (i.e. feverfew). Examine your environment. There may be a light glare, poor air quality, etc. contributing to your headaches. Avoid foods that trigger pain. Changing little things (like hold the telephone to your ear for long periods) can decrease stress on the body. Have a regular sleep schedule. Headaches can be brought on by too little or too much sleep. Do exercise to reduce stress and raise the body's level of natural pain killers. Several times a day, mental check your body to locate areas of stress and relieve them. Relaxation exercises can help you relax, release tension, and control pain. It may take you a few tries before you are comfortable and see a difference in how you feel.
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