Statistically the most common types of headaches are tension headaches (up to 40-50% in some populations) and cervicogenic headaches (20-30%). We’ll share some headache relief tips below.
Tension headaches (now called Tension-type Headaches – TTH) are called primary headaches as they are not the result of another medical condition. A TTH usually causes pain on both sides of the head with mild-to-moderate intensity. The pain is often described as a pressing or dull ache, lasting between 30 mins or, at worst, even up to a week.
Cervicogenic headaches are any headache that originates in either the neck or the back of the head at different segmental levels in anatomical structures; as such it is classed as a secondary headache as it has an indirect causative factor. One or more structures in the neck may be involved, including nerves, the intervertebral disks and the facets joints that join the vertebra together.
Here’s are the headache relief tips you’ve been waiting for:
1. Drink water
Studies have demonstrated that chronic dehydration is a common cause of tension headaches and migraines. Thankfully, drinking water has been shown to relieve headache symptoms in most dehydrated individuals within 30 minutes to three hours. What’s more, being dehydrated can impair concentration and cause irritability, making your symptoms seem even worse.
2. Take a nap
Sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your health in many ways, and may even cause headaches in some people. For example, one study compared headache frequency and severity in those who got less than six hours of sleep per night and those who slept longer. It found that those who got less sleep had more frequent and severe headaches.
3. Take a magnesium supplement
Magnesium is an important mineral necessary for countless functions in the body, including blood sugar control and nerve transmission. Interestingly, magnesium has also been shown to be a safe, effective remedy for headaches. Evidence suggests that magnesium deficiency is more common in people who get frequent migraine headaches, compared to those who don’t.
4. Get adjusted
Evidence has shown that chiropractic adjustments improve migraine and cervicogenic headaches. When there is loss of movement, joint irritation and nerve pressure, you’re more likely to get neck pain and headaches. Adjusting the spine improves joint movement and decreases nerve irritation.
Check out this exercise you can do to relieve upper neck pressure that often causes headaches.
