Headaches

We’ve talked about Migraines a couple of months ago. Now let’s discuss other types of headaches. According to Dr. Don Powell’s 365 Health Hints, there are three types of headaches:

Tension or Muscular  Headaches. These are the most common headaches. These can be caused by unconscious tensing of the face, neck, or scalp muscles, lack of sleep, or the stress of everyday hassles.

Migraine Headaches usually originate on one side of the head and throbs. For more information on migraines, kindly refer to our post last August 26, 2013.

Sinus Headaches are characterized by pain over the sinuses of the face, in the area of your upper cheekbones, forehead, and the bridge of your nose.  Inflammation and fluid buildup cause the pain. Colds, allergies, air pollution, and other respiratory problems can trigger a sinus headache.

For immediate headache relief:

• Rest in a quiet, dark room with your eyes closed.
• Massage the base of your skull with your thumbs.  Work from the ears toward the center of the back of your head.  Massage both temples regularly.
• Take a hot bath.
• Place cold washcloths over your eyes.
• Practice a relaxation technique (such as visualizing a serene setting, meditating, or deep breathing.

To prevent headaches from recurring: 

• Try to anticipate when pain will strike.  Keep a headache journal that records when, where, and why headaches seem to occur.
• Note early symptoms and try to abort a headache in its earliest stages.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid foods known to trigger headaches in sensitive people.

 Some foods that may cause headaches:

• Bananas
• Caffeine (from coffee, tea, cola softdrinks, or some medications)
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits
• Cured meats
• Food additives (such as monosodium glutamate or MSG)
• Hard cheeses
• Nuts
• Onions
• Red Wine
• Sour cream
• Vinegar

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com