Headaches - The Great Productivity Killer

Headaches - The Great Productivity Killer

Headaches are one of the greatest productivity killers around. When you're trying to get something done, and a headache comes on, it's game over. Even if you try to make it through, you're not going to be nearly as productive and you're likely going to be more miserable than ever. While it's no fun, there are some natural and simple methods to cure your headache!

The Hidden Causes

In today’s pill-popping culture, drugs are often considered the first line of defense against headache pain. The problem? These drugs have a proven history of ineffectiveness. In addition, they’re loaded with potentially life threatening side effects.  All-natural alternatives, however —such as the type of chiropractic care we offer is safe, and an effective way to end many different types of headache pain.

As a provider of holistic health, we believe it’s important for patients and doctors to work together as a team. Because of our belief, today’s topic is on hidden headache triggers, and what our practice members can do to stop head pain in its tracks... all on your own.

1. Vertebral Subluxation

When spinal bones (vertebrae) are misaligned, the result is a common condition known as vertebral subluxation. This causes a restriction in movement affecting irritation of nerves and muscles to overwork: an underlying cause of headache complaints.   With safe, gentle manual maneuvers known as chiropractic adjustments the spine becomes balanced normalizing alignment and movement.

2. Neck Tension

Migraine and tension-type headaches are often present in patients reporting neck pain, according to researchers in Australia (Cephalalgia 2007;27:793- 802).

When neck muscles stiffen and contract —a chain of events frequently sparks poor posture the result is a tug-of-war with spinal bones: a scenario that often leads to the development of vertebral subluxations in the neck, mid back, and lower back.  That’s why medications often fail to alleviate headaches; they focus on symptoms sometimes without addressing the underlying root cause.

Chiropractic care, on the other hand, gets to the mechanical source of the matter if there is one. Numerous studies illustrate that chiropractic care successfully relieves neck pain and related muscle tension.  For instance, in one study of 119 patients, neck pain was reduced by a 54 percent after four weeks of chiropractic care, (approximately 12 visits). All without drugs, (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000;23:307).

 3. Jaw Problems 

Headache is commonly associated with temporomandibular disorder, (TMD).  This can be a possible trigger or perpetuating factor of headache complaints, (Dent Clin North Am 2007;51:129-44).  

TMD is an acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that connects the lower jaw to the skull.  A study of 1,940 children illustrated the TMD/headache link when it revealed that “the most common symptom of TMD was headache.” (J Oral Rehabil 2003;30:1200.)

 4. Eye Strain

Another well-known culprit of headache is eyestrain. Glaring computer monitors and vision difficulties (due to lack of corrective glasses or lenses) are two of the most common causes of eyestrain. Flickering fluorescent lights can also be a catalyst causing eye strain and headaches.  In the case of uncorrected hyperopia, (far-sightedness) and astigmatism, (irregularly shaped corneas), the eye’s muscles are forced to work harder to keep an image in clear focus —leading to tired or aching eyes, poor concentration, headaches and blurring of vision —especially with close-up work.

 5. Dehydration 

Dehydration —is another common cause of mid-day headaches, and is also one of the most simple to remedy.  To demonstrate this, researchers in the Netherlands enrolled 18 patients in a pilot study. All of the individuals suffered from migraine headache. In addition, two also had tension-type headache. Patients received either placebo, (fake) medication or the advice to drink 1.5 times more water than they typically consumed every day for 12 weeks.  There was no reported change in the placebo group.

However, those who increased their water intake “reduced the total hours of headache in two weeks time by 21 hours.”  Headache intensity also plummeted (Eur JNeurol 2005;12:715-8).

 6. Stress 

Emotional anxiety is one of the most common headache troublemakers.  Fortunately, you can diffuse this time bomb before it explodes.  To ward off a headache, practice at least one stress-busting technique on a daily basis. Winning techniques include:

Yoga, T’ai Chi or Pilates, Breathing Exercises, Meditation, 
Prayer, Hiking and Nature Walks, Laughter
, and Dancing.

 7. Obesity

Obesity is linked to an increased risk of severe headaches, according to research presented at the 57th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. The study indicated that “chronic daily headaches were more prevalent in obese and morbidly obese people than in those with normal body weight.” (Nutr Today 2005:40:118.)

Obese people also reported severe pain more often than the other groups. Those with morbid obesity reported that the pain was usually severe 40.2 percent of the time.  If you’re overweight, shedding a few pounds may do wonders to alleviate headaches. Healthy weight-reduction strategies, such as daily exercise and a nutritious diet, are also independent headache-prevention factors.

 8. Medication Overuse

The continual use of headache and pain medications, 
prescriptive or over-the-counter (OTC) —particularly those containing barbiturates and caffeine, amplifies the odds of developing what’s known as medication overuse headache (MOH).  According to scientists, “Medication overuse headache is a clinically important entity and it is now well documented.” (JHeadache Pain 2005;6:199.)

 Pain relieving medications also tend to lower blood levels of serotonin: the “feel good” chemical affecting emotion, behavior and cognitive processing. “The principal approach to management of MOH is built around cessation of overused medication,” note researchers. “Without discontinuation of the offending medication, improvement is almost impossible to attain.” (JHeadache Pain 2005;6:199.)

This is particularly true in the case of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs because of their ease of accessibility.  It’s estimated that six out of every 10 patients with migraine treat their headaches exclusively with OTC products: ranging from acetaminophen and aspirin to ibuprofen and aspirin-acetaminophen-caffeine combinations.  This excessive reliance “contributes to preventable morbidity [ill health] and drug-induced headaches.” (Pharmacotherapy 2003;23:494-505.)

When it comes to OTC options, non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may pose the greatest threat. In addition to contributing to MOH, these drugs increase the risk and likelihood of stomach ulcers, and double the risk of developing heart failure (Arch Intern Med 2000;160:777-84).

 9. Hormones

According to a study published earlier this year, migraine headache is three times more common in women than men, “occurring in 18.2 percent of women and 6.5 percent of men. The prevalence significantly increases during the peak reproductive years of women (aged 20-50 years), which represents a period of cyclic fluctuations in ovarian hormones as a result of the menstrual cycle.” (J Fam Pract 2007;56:13.)

 The researchers noted how pregnancy and menopause can also alter the frequency and disability of preexisting migraine attacks “or may lead to the new onset of migraine in some women.” Instead of resorting to drugs —many of which have potentially serious side effects —talk about adding a good magnesium supplement to your diet.  In a study of 20 patients with menstrual migraine, sufferers received magnesium (360 mg daily) or placebo beginning on the 15th day of their menstrual cycle and continuing until the next menses for two months. “The patients who received magnesium had a significant reduction in pain scores, number of days with headache, and other menstrual complaints.” (J Fam Pract 2007;56:13.)

 10. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning  

Although rare, one of the most preventable, and deadly causes of headache is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.  According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, “Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by all internal combustion engines including diesel and propane-powered engines.  It’s also produced by burning wood, paper or plastic products and from welding when carbon dioxide shielding gas is used.”  Fortunately, specially designed detectors can monitor your home’s air for the presence of this deadly gas.  If you don’t already own a CO detector make sure to pick one up today.  Other common fumes and odorless gasses may also cause headaches.

 Rely on All-Natural Relief

Periodic chiropractic care is the key to preventing pain and illness. The focus of the chiropractic approach is warding off health complaints before they occur.  However, if headache does strike, don’t just reach for drugs… because the 5- most dangerous words are: Maybe. It. Will. Go. Away.  Instead, consider the all-natural relief options that we offer below. 

The Quick and Natural Way to Cure Headaches

The idea behind relieving a headache is to do it naturally and quickly. There are plenty of over-the-counter medications, but they have their own side effects that just create a new problem. If taken too frequently, headache medicines may even lose their effectiveness. Here are some natural headache remedies that you can use to quickly eliminate your headache:

If you're at home, take a warm bath. Many headaches are caused by contracted muscles and a hot bath will relax those muscles. This is especially great for tension headaches.

If it is a stress headache, exercising can relieve it. Taking a walk to increase blood circulation can help dramatically.

If the headache is caused by dehydration, drinking water can help, but it may take several glasses until the problem is solved.

To relieve a tension headache, massage the shoulders and neck can.  This is because the tightened muscles causing the headache are loosened.

For a caffeine, sinus, or allergy headache, a cold or hot compress can make the headache go away.

Too little or too much sleep can cause headaches. Try to sleep the same hours every night. You also want to try to keep a consistent bedtime.

Try not to sit, stand, or work in the same position for long periods of time. This can put strain on your back, shoulders, and neck. This strain can lead to a tension headache, so change position frequently to keep this from occurring.

If bright lights make your head hurt, avoid them. If you already have a headache, try to sit in a room with minimal light. People with migraines tend to benefit from this technique.

Reduce your intake of caffeine in order to avoid caffeine headaches. This can be one of the worst types of headaches. Unfortunately, there are many people who attempt to solve this headache by taking in more caffeine. The problem is that this type of headache tends to be caused by caffeine withdrawal, so it's a catch 22.

Avoid foods that trigger headaches. If you notice a pattern that your head hurts after eating a certain food, that is your sign to avoid it. Try eating organic fruits and vegetables because of their nutritional value and health benefits. 
Since everyone is different, different remedies will work for different people. You may need to experiment to find out which one is going to work best for you. Once you find your remedy, stick to it. 


So there you have it.  Ten things that cause headaches, and tens ways to get rid of them.  
You can prevent headaches by controlling your stress levels, exercising, eating balanced meals and getting adjusted periodically. All of these go hand-in-hand because stress can be relieved by more than exercising and eating healthy foods. It may require a lifestyle change as well, but you'll not only feel better but you'll relieve the majority of your headaches in the process! 
By implementing these changes and eliminating your headaches, you'll boost your quality of life and get more done more productively.

 Bless and Be Blessed... ALWAYS

 

Lewis Meltz