Headaches: Defined and Cured

Headache Symptoms

Typically, your head will feel like someone is squeezing it. Other symptoms include a sensation of cracks all over your skull, intense pounding, a stabbing sensation, and so on.

There are two main types of headaches: Tension and temperature.

Tension headaches can be externally caused by activities such as lifting weights above your head or over excerting yourself at work. However, there are some causes for tension headaches which are internal. Temperature headaches, however, are related to differential temperatures between the hands, feet, and head.

Cause 1

Poor circulation and temperature differences in different parts of the body are common contributors.

Solution 1

Before you reach for the Aspirin or Tylenol, try dipping your hands in warm water. This will draw the blood away from your head. Often, the difference between the temperature of your hands and your head are the real causes of headache pain. These types of headaches can also arise from blood pressure changes and poor circulation in the hands. In mystic teachings, the hands are associated with the heart center. In yoga there are some exercises for the hands to open the heart and circulate vitality. Although it is a bit beyond the scope of this article, yoga is an excellent alternative to over the counter drugs (Just be careful with your back when doing yoga, as some postures are not for everyone).

Cause 2

Tension! Yes, some headaches are tension headaches. You get tense at work, and sometimes around friends and family. This emotional stress results in muscle tension, and ultimately can cause additional stress on the body’s nervous system.

Solution 2

First, remove unnecessary emotional stress. If you don’t need to be doing something extraneous, then stop doing it. Secondly, rest your eyes (particularly if you work at a computer all day). Relax your neck and your hands. Breathe. You may notice that when you are stressed that you will tend to hold your breath. This is not good. Make a conscious effort to revitalize your blood with oxygen by breathing. Another cause of tension headaches is teeth grinding, for which you should see a dentist or purchase the Doctor’s Night Guard (a plastic mouth container to prevent teeth grinding). Teeth grinding may also be associated with TMJ, which is a tightening of the jaw. In any event, please see a dentist if you have jaw problems or teeth grinding.

Cause 3

The headaches come from exposure to the elements, such as cold or icy wind.

Solution 3

Wear something to cover your head. A beanie will keep your skull and ears warm. This will reduce most headaches.

Cause 4

Neck and back issues will eventually lead to painful headaches. If you played football in highschool or college, you are likely to feel the after effects later on in life. Any extreme sports or personal injuries, particularly to the head or spine, will result in headaches. Sometimes, the problem with nech and back pain causing headaches is due to genetics. Some people have back pains and headaches that come from no fault of their own, but have been passed down from generation to generation. A doctor may be able to prescribe something for the pain, but the headaches will likely continue for the rest of your life.  

Solution 4

Do less physical work. Watch your posture. See a doctor frequently. Have your back or neck X-rayed. Serious conditions in the neck may require an MRI scan at a hospital. Make sure that you take calcium supplements, because these types of injuries may lead to quicker deteriation of the bones.

Cause 5

Diet is often a cause of headaches and all kinds of pain. Too much salty food, such as soda, or coffee can cause mild to severe headaches. 

Solution 5

Find alternatives for the foods and beverages which cause you headaches. For example, eat a smaller hamburger.

When eating fast food, ask for less salt on your french fries (or make your own at home). Replace two out of three sodas with a couple of ice-teas (Not the canned or bottled iced tea. You need to make your own if you want to avoid the preservatives which cause headaches).

Measure your foods and beverages if your headaches are a problem right after eating. Too much food at one sitting is going to cause some people to feel dizzy, and headaches in others.

Headache cures and remedies are all about management of our daily activities. I know that it doesn’t sound like much fun to micro-manage your health, but headaches aren’t much fun either. You do not have to join a gym just because you have headaches, or become a vegetarian. Just use common sense when managing your diet.