We’ve found that the Allay lamp truly makes a difference in our daily lives, enabling us to read, write, cook, work, relax, and socialize without the discomfort caused by photophobia. Developed by neuroscientists after nearly a decade of research at Harvard Medical School, this therapy lamp is designed to ease stress and reduce anxiety, allowing you to sleep better and experience improved overall well-being.

One aspect that makes the Allay Light Therapy Lamp stand out is its patented band of wavelengths, which generates smaller electrical signals in the brain than regular light. This precision helps to prevent irritation in the eyes and brain that is commonly caused by blue and yellow wavelengths in other green lights. Plus, the portable design, one-touch controls, and long-lasting battery life make it an ideal choice for migraine sufferers on the go.

Bottom Line

For those in need of a natural, drug-free solution to migraines, the Allay Light Therapy Lamp is a promising option that we can confidently recommend.

Its soothing green light, ease of use, and portable design make it an invaluable tool in the battle against migraines and light sensitivity. Click here to buy the Allay Light Therapy Lamp now and take the first step toward improved well-being.

Allay Light Therapy Lamp Overview

Our experience with the Allay Light Therapy Lamp has shown its potential to help migraine sufferers regain some normalcy in their lives. The soothing light emitted from this device is designed to alleviate photophobia and tension, enabling users to perform daily tasks with greater ease during a migraine episode.

The precision of Allay’s patented narrow band green LEDs sets it apart from other green bulbs and screens on the market. This specific band of wavelengths generates smaller electrical signals in the brain, reducing irritation to both the eyes and brain.

As a result of nearly a decade of research at Harvard Medical School, neuroscientists have developed Allay’s natural glow to calm the brain, ease stress, and reduce anxiety while promoting better sleep. This makes it a drug-free alternative for migraine relief.

The portability and long-lasting features of the lamp are noteworthy, as it has one-touch controls for brightness and power, a rotating shade for light direction, and a switch for regular light. With up to 32 hours of battery life, a micro-USB charger, and a 10+ year LED lifespan, the Allay Light Therapy Lamp offers an accessible and lasting addition to migraine sufferers’ treatment strategies.

Precision Calming Light Feature

Our experience with the Allay Light Therapy Lamp has been nothing short of amazing. The unique soothing light feature helps lessen photophobia and tension, enabling us to dive into daily activities such as reading, writing, and cooking even during a migraine.

The precision of Allay’s patented narrow band green LEDs sets it apart from other products. It generates smaller electrical signals in the brain than regular light, catering specifically to the comfort of our eyes and brain. The lamp’s natural glow is designed based on research from Harvard Medical School, so we can trust its efficiency in calming the brain, easing stress, reducing anxiety, and promoting better sleep patterns.

What we particularly appreciate about the Allay Light Therapy Lamp is its drug-free approach to migraine relief. It’s portable and long-lasting, with one-touch controls for brightness and power, a rotating shade for customized light direction, and an up to 32-hour battery life.

While using the Allay Light Therapy Lamp, we found solace in a medicine-free solution and experienced relief from headache, stress, and anxiety. This truly innovative precision calming light feature has the potential to positively impact the lives of many migraine sufferers.

Neuroscientist-Created Feature

In our experience with the Allay Light Therapy Lamp, one aspect stood out to us and that was the Neuroscientist-Created Feature. Through extensive research and understanding of the brain’s reaction to lights, neuroscientists have specifically designed this lamp to utilize narrow band green LEDs. The green light produced helps to alleviate migraines and even aid in stress relief, anxiety reduction, nausea, insomnia, and light sensitivity.

We found this science-backed feature to be a game changer, as other therapy lamps may rely on a broader spectrum of light that can actually aggravate migraines instead of providing relief. The Allay Lamp’s portable design and touch controls make it incredibly user-friendly, perfect for those suffering from migraine attacks and needing quick relief.

While we enjoy the benefits of the Neuroscientist-Created Feature, we also want to remind potential users that this lamp is medicine free and should not be relied upon as the sole treatment method for chronic migraine sufferers. Nonetheless, it’s a valuable addition to a migraine management routine.

Drug-Free Alternative Benefit

It’s great that Allay Light Therapy Lamp provides a drug-free solution for migraine sufferers. We appreciate that it’s created by neuroscientists and based on extensive research at Harvard Medical School. This means we can confidently rely on its effectiveness in easing photophobia, tension, and even helping with reading, writing, and other activities during a migraine episode.

The Allay lamp uses a patented band of wavelengths, emitting only a narrow band of natural green light, which generates smaller electrical signals in the brain compared to regular light. This precision is what sets it apart from other green bulbs and screens that contain irritating blue and yellow wavelengths.

Not only is the lamp a non-pharmacological alternative for migraine relief, but it also proves to be calming, reducing anxiety, and even aiding better sleep. Additionally, the device is portable, with one-touch controls, a rotatable shade, and a long-lasting battery of up to 32 hours. It’s truly a lifesaver for those seeking a drug-free alternative to overcome migraines and light sensitivity.

Portable and Long-Lasting Benefit

We recently tried the Allay Light Therapy Lamp, and it truly impressed us with its portability and long-lasting battery life. The lamp is compact, making it easy to use in different environments, whether at the office or while relaxing at home. With just one touch, you can control the brightness and power of the lamp, making it user-friendly and convenient.

What we really appreciated was the rotating shade, allowing us to direct light where we needed it most. And in case you need regular lighting, simply flip the switch – it’s that easy! With a battery life of up to 32 hours, this lamp ensures you can use it for extended periods without charging frequently. To recharge, all you need is a Micro-USB cable.

Another fantastic aspect of this lamp is its 10+ year LED life, which means it’s a lasting companion for migraine sufferers seeking a natural, drug-free alternative. In conclusion, the Allay Light Therapy Lamp offers significant portability and long-lasting benefits, making it a valuable tool in any migraine sufferer’s arsenal.

Pros and Cons

Pros

We found that the Allay Light Therapy Lamp really helps in getting back to daily life activities during a migraine. Its unique, soothing light eases photophobia and tension, allowing users to perform various tasks like reading, writing, cooking, working, and more.

The product’s precision lies in its patented band of wavelengths that generates smaller electrical signals in the brain than regular light. This is because it uses a narrower spectrum, specifically green light, avoiding the irritating blue & yellow wavelengths.

Developed by neuroscientists after nearly a decade of research at Harvard Medical School, Allay’s natural glow is designed to calm the brain, ease stress, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. We appreciate that the lamp is a drug-free alternative for migraine sufferers, emitting only a narrow band of natural green light.

Portability and longevity are also strong suits for the Allay Light Therapy Lamp. The one-touch controls for brightness and power, rotating shade to direct light, and up to 32-hour battery life make it a convenient companion. With a 10+ year LED life and Micro-USB charging, we’ve found it to be a reliable device.

Cons

While the green light didn’t make headaches worse, and some users found relief, it may not be a perfect remedy for everyone. For instance, some chronic complex migraine sufferers mentioned that the device didn’t provide a significant reduction in their pain levels.

Overall, the Allay Light Therapy Lamp has garnered great reviews and holds promise as an effective, drug-free alternative for migraine relief. However, it might not be a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone dealing with migraines.

Conclusion

After using the Allay Light Therapy Lamp, we found it to be quite beneficial for migraine sufferers. The narrow band green LEDs provided effective relief from headaches, stress, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia. Many users, ourselves included, appreciate the portable design and touch controls, making it convenient to use anytime and anywhere.

Although the lamp may not magically cure migraines, it certainly improves the overall quality of life for those who experience them. In our experience, the light did not worsen severe headaches, and consistent use led to feeling more refreshed and well-rested.

We did, however, come across a few individuals who did not find it helpful for their migraines. Results may vary, but overall, the Allay Light Therapy Lamp holds promise for a non-medication approach in managing migraines and promoting better sleep.

It’s a curious tale of pulsatile tinnitus and fibromyalgia.

Who knew they could possibly be connected?

But let’s roll back a bit and start from the basics.

The Ebb and Flow of Pulsatile Tinnitus

Ever heard a rhythmic beat in your ears, synchronized with your heartbeat?

That’s not just your heart trying to play a symphony in your ears.

It’s called pulsatile tinnitus.

In contrast to regular tinnitus (a persistent ringing sound in the ears), pulsatile tinnitus is more of a thumping beat.

And, it’s not a trivial annoyance either.

For some, it can be incredibly disruptive, impacting sleep, concentration, and even emotional wellbeing.

The Twisting Path of Fibromyalgia

Turning to the realm of fibromyalgia now, let’s discuss this often misunderstood condition.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder associated with widespread pain in the muscles and bones.

Symptoms include constant fatigue, sleep disturbances, and memory issues, amongst others.

It’s a tricky one to diagnose because it tends to mimic other conditions.

But, we’re not here to discuss fibromyalgia in isolation, are we?

Bridging the Gap Between Pulsatile Tinnitus and Fibromyalgia

So, what’s the connection between pulsatile tinnitus and fibromyalgia?

It’s quite intriguing.

There’s emerging research suggesting an overlap between these two conditions.

While it’s not completely understood yet, it seems that the neural pathways that control pain signals may have a role to play.

Consider Sally Y., a 45-year-old woman who’s been experiencing both pulsatile tinnitus and fibromyalgia symptoms for over a year.

Like many others in her situation, Sally initially thought she was dealing with two separate health issues.

However, her doctor suggested that these conditions might be related.

A deeper dive into her symptoms and their triggers hinted at a possible overlap between the two.

Research Findings: The Puzzle Pieces Start to Fit

Let’s get into some facts and figures now.

There’s research that has found a higher prevalence of tinnitus in individuals suffering from fibromyalgia.

In one study, for instance, 50% of fibromyalgia patients reported experiencing some form of tinnitus.

Moreover, the severity of tinnitus symptoms was found to be positively correlated with the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms.

It’s like they’re two sides of the same coin.

Dealing with Pulsatile Tinnitus and Fibromyalgia

It’s important to address both pulsatile tinnitus and fibromyalgia simultaneously.

For pulsatile tinnitus, treatments can range from sound therapy to medications, or in severe cases, even surgery.

Fibromyalgia, on the other hand, typically requires a comprehensive approach involving medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.

For our friend Sally Y., a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications helped manage her symptoms.

How are Pulsatile Tinnitus and Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

Understanding and diagnosing these two conditions can be quite the challenge.

For pulsatile tinnitus, it starts with an evaluation of medical history and a physical examination.

Often, doctors may use imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to determine if there’s an underlying cause, such as blood vessel abnormalities or tumors.

In the case of fibromyalgia, there are no specific laboratory tests available.

The diagnosis relies heavily on the patient’s symptoms and a physical examination.

Typically, if a person has widespread pain for more than three months with no underlying medical condition, fibromyalgia is considered.

The Psychological Impact of Pulsatile Tinnitus and Fibromyalgia

Living with pulsatile tinnitus and fibromyalgia isn’t just about managing physical symptoms.

There’s a psychological component to consider as well.

Many patients report feelings of anxiety and depression due to the persistent nature of these conditions.

Understanding this connection, some treatments now involve psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques.

The aim is to help patients better cope with their symptoms, reducing the mental strain these conditions can cause.

Can Lifestyle Changes Improve Pulsatile Tinnitus and Fibromyalgia?

It’s not all about medication and therapy.

Lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing both pulsatile tinnitus and fibromyalgia.

Regular physical activity, for example, can reduce fibromyalgia pain and improve sleep.

Similarly, reducing exposure to loud noises can lessen the severity of pulsatile tinnitus.

Dietary changes can also contribute. Some patients report symptom relief after eliminating caffeine or alcohol from their diet.

So, while these lifestyle changes may seem small, they can make a big difference in managing these conditions.

The Ongoing Dialogue: What Does the Future Hold?

While we’ve made strides in understanding the link between pulsatile tinnitus and fibromyalgia, there’s still much to learn.

The intersection of these two conditions offers a fascinating area for future research.

The hope is to not only deepen our understanding of these conditions but also to develop targeted treatments to help those like Sally lead a better quality of life.

Conclusion

We’ve walked the winding path of pulsatile tinnitus and fibromyalgia together.

We’ve explored their individual attributes and their intriguing connection.

In the end, it’s essential to keep the conversation going, encourage further research, and offer support to those dealing with these conditions.

Remember, health is a journey, and understanding is the first step.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8975424/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23700040/

Think about the last time that you had a headache. The pain was likely quite annoying, and in the worst cases, it was likely almost unbearable for you to deal with.

That being said, you have probably been trying to find the best way for you to deal with those headaches quickly so that you can go back to whatever it is that you’re trying to do on a regular basis.

In this article, we’re going to explore what headaches are, explain why natural remedies are best for them, and then give you some of the best ways for you to deal with them naturally.

What are Headaches?

Headaches are pains in your head. They can go from a dull ache to a horrible pain that feels like someone is banging a railroad tie into your ears.

These pains can be debilitating at times, and if you don’t get them taken care of, they can end up resulting in even bigger problems for you and your family.

The most common type of headache that you may have to deal with is the tension headache.

Tension headaches are all about the pressure – you feel that pressure on and around your skull, and you feel the pain all over your head, usually from temple to temple.

These headaches are usually related to stress, because those muscles have tightened up and are, essentially, cramped.

If you don’t sleep enough, you may also end up dealing with these sorts of headaches.

You may also experience what are known as cluster headaches, which are headaches that happen over time – usually related to cold weather.

Why Natural Remedies for Headaches?

One question that we often get is “why should you use natural remedies for headaches?” Natural remedies are often a lot better than other types of remedies that are out there.

You aren’t putting foreign chemicals into your body and you aren’t going to have an issue with possibly getting addicted to said chemicals.

On top of that, you can also feel incredibly confident that the things that you’re doing in order to feel healthier are safe, above everything else – and that is something that we all deserve to have, no matter what we’re using in order to feel better.

What Natural Remedies Are There For Headaches?

This, of course, leads to the biggest question that you are probably considering when it comes to natural remedies for your headaches – what ones are out there for you to choose from and to try for yourself?

In this article, we’re going to point you toward some of the best natural remedies that are out there for headaches and why they will end up making a huge difference for you when you start using them for your headaches when they come along.

Using Essential Oils

Some people think that essential oils are just a trend, but they are actually quite a significant tool that plays a huge role in helping people to feel better in a lot of ways.

These essential oils are, in short, the oils that are extracted from different plants and other materials so that they can be used in particular ways.

Headaches are some of the most common uses for essential oils, and there are a few that you can try out in order to relieve the stress and aches that you get in and around your head.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common forms of treatment when it comes to using essential oils.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is inexpensive and it ends up helping you to relax. Not only does the scent of oil help your body to relax more, but the oil itself seeps into the skin and loosens up the muscles and tendons as well.

Many people recommend that you put this right around your hairline. It’s incredibly inexpensive, so it’s a good thing for you to try before you go ahead and try anything else.

Peppermint oil also smells good, so you get to enjoy the scent while your body is taking in all of the healing properties.

Ginger root

Ginger root and/or ginger tea is known for having a lot of healing properties. Because of that, many people have started to use it in various home remedies that are out there for their headaches.

You can drink it in a tea form, or you can make a solution that you can put on the area that hurts in order to help reduce the amount of inflammation that you have going on in a certain area of your head or neck.

Ginger can also be ingested safely (it’s often used in recipes), but there isn’t enough evidence available related to whether or not ingesting ginger can help reduce the headache(s) that you’re fighting off.

Cayenne pepper extract

Cayenne pepper extract is another tool that you can add to your arsenal. Some people recommend getting it in a cream form, which you put inside of your nostril on the side of your head that is hurting (or, in both if it’s your entire head).

The capsaicin inside of the cream actually helps your brain to turn off any of the pain receptors that may be causing the pain to be that much worse.

Hot foods will often have the same effect, so you may want to try eating something spicy to see if that helps to reduce your headache as well.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil is the last oil that we’re going to look at here. Lavender has a ton of healing properties, and we’ve even talked about it when we were talking about anxiety and other issues that were going on.

That being said, lavender oil can help in one of two ways. You can breathe it in (include it as part of a warm bath for the best effect), or you can apply it topically.

Don’t ever ingest it (it is toxic when ingested), but these other methods will help your body to relax and your muscles will let go of the vice grip that they have on your head.

Oils are not the only natural treatments out there, however. Let’s take a quick look at some other favorites that are out there when it comes to all natural ways for you to deal with the pain that comes with tension headaches and migraines.

Try Ice or Heat

The reason that you end up getting headaches is because of the muscles around your skull and the fact that they are contracted and tense. So, the best way to treat those muscles is in the same way that you would treat a sprained ankle or a twisted wrist – put ice or heat on it.

Go by the 10 minutes on, 30 minutes off rule. Which one works for you will depend on the pain that you’re in and where that pain is located, so you may have to try both before you start to see some relief.

Many people find that ice works better for them than heat. This is because many headaches are due to inflammation, which ice will help to reduce.

The less inflammation that you’re dealing with, the better your headache will get and the more comfortable that you will end up being in the long run.

Try out ice first, especially because it’s a lot easier (and it takes a lot less work) to throw together an ice pack than to find whatever it is that you may want to use for a heating pad or other heating source for your headache.

If you want to do heat, or you find that it works better, then try to take a warm shower or bath in order to sooth those muscles.

Some headaches are caused by back pain, so taking a warm bath can help to loosen and adjust those muscles, thus reducing the pain that you’re feeling in and around your head.

As we suggested above, a warm bath with lavender oil is probably the best of both worlds – you get the oil, which soothes, and you get the heat, which also soothes, in order to get the best two for one deal that you can.

If you have chronic headaches, then you may want to think about including this sort of bath as a part of your regular routine in order to prevent these headaches from being a constant problem for you.

Get Some More Sleep

Think about the last time that you got a full night of sleep. If you’re like some people, then you are probably dealing with a lot of problems related to it.

A lack of sleep leads to a lot of tension in your body as well, so if you aren’t doing anything to help increase the amount of sleep that you’re getting every night, then you’re going to start to notice that you are in a lot of pain when you’re trying to get through your day.

You’re also a lot more stressed out if you don’t get sleep, and as we explained above, stress is a big part of whether or not you’re going to end up getting headaches.

How can you make sure that you get more sleep? There are a few different things that you can do in order to get a better rest at night.

For example, you may want to make sure that you turn all of your screens off way before bedtime. The blue light from those screens makes it more difficult for you to get a restful sleep.

Also, if you’re using TV’s, phones, tablets, and other items before bed, it can actually make it a lot more likely for you to end up with a headache – your eyes may be straining, which makes it easier for a headache to come along.

Sleep is a huge thing that you want to do in order to make sure that your chances of having a headache are much less than they would have been otherwise.

Stretch out, take natural sleeping remedies, and do any other number of things in order to make it easier for you to get a full night’s sleep and you will likely start to notice that your headaches are a lot less frequent.

Consider Getting a Back Treatment or Massage

As you likely know, your whole body is connected, and your head, neck, and spine often affect each other when it comes to pain and strain.

If your back isn’t in the best condition that it can be in, then it’s going to be a lot more likely for you to have headaches because of the pressure that you feel in your neck and back.

So, if that’s the problem that you may be dealing with, then it may be time for you to see a natural care professional in order to deal with your back.

Chiropractic treatments are all natural and, because of that, we think it’s a good idea for you to consult with one if you have chronic headaches for any reason.

They know all sorts of natural treatments that can help you to regain flexibility and reduce the amount of pain that you’re feeling.

They rarely, if ever, prescribe medication unless it is absolutely necessary for you to be on it.

A chiropractor can help you to adjust your back so that it’s in the right position and that your spine is aligned as it should be – and that alone can make a huge difference when it comes to pain.

Another consideration that you can make is that you may want to think about getting a massage.

Many chiropractors have a massage therapist that works for them, and that means that you can kill two birds with one stone while you visit there.

These therapists can help to rub the “kinks” out of your back and ensure that there isn’t any pressure that will make the pain that you’re experiencing that much worse for you to deal with.

So, you may want to think about working with one of these professionals to get the best experience that you can.

Do Yoga or Physical Therapy

Relaxation is key when it comes to dealing with tension headaches, and yoga can play a huge role in helping your entire body to loosen up and relax, no matter how tense you may be.

Yoga is a great way to start your day and, if you work on using it as a regular part of your schedule, you will start to find that your back is much looser and your headaches are much less frequent.

Even if you aren’t as flexible as you used to be, you will be able to find a level of yoga that makes it easier for you to move and bend, with as little impact on the rest of your body as possible.

Since there are emotional benefits to doing yoga as well, you’re basically knocking a lot of problems out at the same time.

Consider joining a class or find one of the many videos or technique training sessions that are out there in order to start incorporating yoga into your regular daily routine. Even if you don’t have time for a full session daily, at least try to do a couple of stretches.

Another consideration that is all natural is the use of physical therapy. Physical therapy will help you to find the cause of the pain that you’re dealing with and then, with that information, your physical therapist will be able to help you find the best ways for your body to deal with whatever it is that is causing you headaches on a regular basis.

You have to have a referral in order to go physical therapy, so you will want to talk to your doctor and make sure that they think that it is a good choice for you and your particular needs.

Conclusion

There are so many different headaches that we deal with on a regular basis that it can be difficult for us to find the right thing to do for a particular situation.

That’s why we have given you so many ideas related to natural remedies for headaches – you can explore them all for yourself and see which ones give you the relief and relaxation that you need and deserve after having dealt with a headache for any period of time.

Test these out and try them for yourself – you may find a remedy that works perfectly for you and your needs.

If you have found that you are dealing with constant chronic headaches on a regular basis, then you may want to consider talking to your doctor about the problem.

It could be a sign of a much larger issue that needs to be addressed and taken care of as soon as possible.

Always talk to your doctor about treatment plans that you have as well – they can help to point you in the right direction and make you feel comfortable with whatever you decide to do for your headaches.

References:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine-pictures/8-home-remedies-for-headaches-and-migraines.aspx

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20538298,00.html

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/treating-headaches-yourself

In fact, they are so commonly encountered that it is almost impossible not to have had a headache at least once in your life.

Headaches are indeed very commonly encountered – but not many people actually understand them.

The typical reaction to having a headache is simply taking an aspirin or ibuprofen and then forgetting about it.

And even if the vast majority of the headaches experienced by people are not actually dangerous, it is still worth trying to avoid them.

Headaches: What You Probably Don’t Know About Them

If you have experienced at least one migraine in your life, you know just how awful it feels. In fact, it feels as if your brain is ready to explode – and you would do anything just to make the pain go away.

However, did you know that it is not the brain itself that hurts? The brain has no pain receptors in it, so it is impossible to actually perceive pain in this very important organ of our body.

However, the membrane covering the body has certain sensitive spots – and it is precisely there where you will experience pain.

Also, did you know that specialists have counted no less than 200 types of headaches?

They all fall into several categories, but their large number can be absolutely staggering when it comes to actually putting a diagnosis solely based on the headache itself.

As you may probably know, headaches are a common symptom of a very large number of diseases and medical conditions and they are non-specific, which means that it is impossible to actually diagnose someone just based on their headache (no matter how accurate the description of a headache itself is).

Basically, there are two main types of headaches: primary and secondary. Migraines are an example of primary headaches and no less than 90% of all the types of headaches out there fall into the group of primary headaches.

Normally, primary headaches are not dangerous – but they can definitely be very painful.

It is secondary headaches that are most dangerous for people. These headaches are usually associated with brain bleeding, brain tumors and other severe conditions of the brain that can be life-threatening- especially if left untreated.

There are several risk factors and associated symptoms that come along with a headache that may show the fact that a headache is of the second type and therefore, dangerous.

These risk factors and symptoms come under the abbreviation “SNOOP”: systemic symptoms (weight loss, fever), systemic disease (HIV), neurologic symptoms (confusion, speech issues, loss of memory), onset (when it is sudden), age (when a new type of a headache is experienced at an age older than 40-50 years old) and previous history (when a headache appeared, how it develops, if it changed its pattern).

Can You Actually Prevent Headaches?

Up to a certain extent, yes, you can actually prevent headaches. While there may be conditions out there that come along with headaches that are fairly unknown, there are many others which we know a lot about, thanks to the advances made in the medical world.

Knowing about all the diseases and medical conditions that may show headaches as symptoms are, obviously, impossible – but what you can do is make sure that you try to avoid certain things that are very commonly associated with headaches of various types (tension headaches, migraines, and so on).

Read on and find out more about the prevention things you should start doing today to lower the chances of suffering from headaches.

1- Start by keeping a diary and record all your headache occurrences. You should be fairly familiar with the pattern your headaches have and you may even notice a lot of things you are doing are actually worsening the condition.

Make sure to write down every time you experience a headache and to write down what you were doing before the onset, as well as how long it lasts, how it feels, how severe it is and so on.

2- Avoid stress as much as possible. It can be difficult to do this given the fact that we live in very stressful times but try at least to take a break and relax every once in a while because it can really make the difference.

3- Don’t smoke (or quit smoking). Smoking is not connected only to lung cancer as some may think but to many, many types of medical conditions (some of which can also be associated with headaches).

For instance, smoking can increase your blood pressure – which can also lead to headaches.

4- Alcohol is also quite harmful to you. The occasional drink will probably not cause you headaches, but red wine and larger quantities of other types of alcohol can actually trigger headaches.

The sulfites contained by red wine, in particular, the fact that it increases the blood flow to the brain, the fact that it dehydrates your body – all these things can contribute to awful headaches.

5- Avoid eating old cheese. Gouda, parmesan, and cheddar may be delicious, but more recent studies have shown that a substance that occurs in old cheese, called tyramine can be a very common cause for headaches.

6- Eat enough. If you don’t eat, it is very likely that you will develop a headache.

7- Keep yourself hydrated. Lose the soda and have your 8 glasses of water every day because they are healthier than anything else you could drink.

8- Certain food additives (such as monosodium glutamate) that are found in products you probably use on a regular basis (soy sauce for example) can also lead to headaches.

9- Pay attention to your caffeine intake. Small amounts of caffeine are actually helpful in managing migraines, but once your coffee intake exceeds 200 mg/day, it is very likely that you will experience headaches when you don’t get this dose.

10- Sleep enough. Sleeping is more important than you probably think, so do make sure that you get the hours of sleep that your body needs (this can be calculated according to weight, age, and other factors).

Be aware though, too much sleep, as well as not enough sleep, can really cause terrible headaches.

Among all the symptoms and conditions that affect the human body, headaches are definitely very commonly encountered. Most people suffer from a headache at least once in their lifetime – but the truth is that few of us actually understand how headaches “function”.

Headaches can be caused by a wide variety of medical conditions and they can be treated in multiple ways. And yet, the most frequent way in which we choose to treat a headache is by popping a pain killer.

Is this the best option or is there something more that can be done to treat headaches? Even more than that, how can headaches be prevented and what is their relationship to what we eat?

Believe it or not, the connection between the two of them may actually be stronger than many people would imagine.

Headaches: the Explanation

Not many people know the fact that the pain felt when experiencing a headache is not a “normal” kind of pain in the sense that it is not caused by the same things that cause pain in other areas of the body.

The brain itself does not “feel” pain because it has absolutely no pain receptors. But, when a headache occurs due to various reasons, the membrane covering the pain will show certain pain-sensitive spots that become painful.

There are 9 areas in the head and in the neck (certain types of neck pain fall under the “headache” category as well) and each of them can become painful under certain circumstances.

Classifying headaches is a tremendous job, as specialists have identified no less than 200 types of headaches. Some of them are not threatening in any way, but some of them can actually pose risks for one’s life.

Understanding headaches in general can prevent you from suffering from extended periods of pain and it can even save your life in certain cases.

There are two large groups of headaches: the primary ones and the secondary ones. The primary ones constitute for 90% of all the types of headaches there are and the secondary ones make up for the rest.

Most of the primary headaches are not dangerous and they do not pose life-threatening risks for those who experience them.

However, secondary headaches are usually more dangerous than that and they can be caused by brain bleeding, brain infection or even by brain tumors that have to be diagnosed as soon as possible.

There are certain “red flags” one should take into consideration when it comes to secondary headaches.

They are very frequently referred to as “SSNOOP”, which stands for the initial letters of the other symptoms that come along with the headaches and which could be the sign of a serious issue. Here is a list of these symptoms:

• Systemic symptoms (such as weight loss or fever for example)
• Secondary risk factors (such as a disease that may be underlying: HIV for example)
• Neurologic symptoms (such as confusion, loss of consciousness and so on)
• Onset (when it is abrupt and/or when it happens during a split-second)
• Older (people over the age of 50)
• Previous headaches (the history of the headache, when it appeared first, how the pattern changed and so on)

How Headaches Are Treated

According to the nature of the headache, there are many varying treatments: drugs, therapy or even surgery in the worst case scenarios.

However, as it was also mentioned before, most of the people simply take a pain killer and they do not start to investigate further into the nature of their pain until much later on (sometimes, too late).

In certain cases, people may need other types of drugs than the common aspirin or ibuprofen, but this kind of medication is not sold over the counter and it needs previous examinations and a prescription from a doctor.

Even more, massages, small amounts of caffeine (such as in the case of migraines), relaxation techniques, meditation, exercising – all these things can really make the difference for someone who is experiencing headaches.

So, What Is The Relationship Between Headaches and Diet?

It may be difficult to believe, but the truth is that there are certain types of food that can actually trigger headaches.

Avoiding the following foods for as much as possible (and even eliminating them completely from one’s diet) can be a very good choice if you believe that your headaches may be related to your diet:

Alcohol (particularly red wines). In most of the cases, red wines and many other types of alcohol contain sulfites that are used as preservatives, which can be a cause for headaches.

Even more, alcohol increases the blood flow to the brain and it can also lead to dehydration – which is also a cause of headaches.

This is actually an ambivalent drink when it comes to headaches. Many studies have shown that coffee can help with certain types of migraines. However, bear in mind that at the same time, coffee can be addictive and having more than 1-2 cups of coffee per day can lead to experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you are not having your “dose”.

Old cheese. This is probably one of the most surprising foods that can cause headaches. Not many of you may know this, but the older the cheese is, the higher the chance that you develop headaches as a result of eating it.

Apparently, when the cheese gets older, a substance called tyramine is formed and this is something that could lead to headaches. Cheddar cheese, gouda, parmesan, blue cheese – these are among the most commonly encountered types of old cheese.

Soy sauce. It is not the soy sauce itself that causes headaches, but the food additive called monosodium glutamate which is found in soy sauce and many other foods.

MSG (as it is sometimes referred to) can cause severe headaches, cramps and diarrhea and when it is combined with soy sauce, which is also very salty, the headaches can be even worse.

This type of a vascular headache is typically experienced most commonly by individuals between the ages of 15 and 55.

Approximately 70 to 80 percent of those who get migraines have a family history. Less than half of those who suffer from migraines have been given an official diagnosis from their physician.

Quite often, migraines can be diagnosed with sinus headaches or tension headaches.

There are many factors that can trigger a migraine, such as changing of sleep cycles, missing/delaying a meal, medications that cause blood vessels to swell, bright lights/sunlight/fluorescent lights, taking medication designed to relieve headaches daily or almost daily, some specific foods, excessive noise, and even viewing TV/movies.

Additionally, stress and depression are important triggers that must be diagnosed and treated as separate issues.

What Causes Migraines

The pain of a migraine is caused when the excited brain cells trigger the trigeminal nerve to release certain chemicals that actually cause the blood vessels on the surface of the brain to get irritated and swell.

The blood vessels that are now swollen send pain signals to your brainstem, which is the area of the brain that processes pain information.

The pain is actually a referred pain that is felt around your eye or temple area. Additionally, pain can occur on your face, jaw, neck, or sinuses.

Once a migraine attack is in full swing, you’re likely to be sensitive to anything touching your head- even brushing your hair or shaving could be painful/unpleasant.

Diagnosing Migraines

A migraine is diagnosed when the history of a migraine relates symptoms and other characteristics of headaches, as well as family history of similar headaches/symptoms, is established.

Physical examinations done in between the migraine attacks doesn’t show the organic causes of headaches.

CT scans and MRIs can be quite useful in confirming the lack of organic causes for the migraine headaches. There is not a test currently available to confirm the diagnosis of a migraine.

How Do You Know it’s a Migraine?

A migraine without Aura

If you’re experiencing a migraine without aura, you will have the following signs and symptoms: at least five attacks, each lasting four to seventy-two hours; pulsating pain ranging from moderate to severe on one-side; causes you to avoid or is aggravated by routine physical activity.

Additionally, you’ll have at least one of the following: nausea/vomiting; avoidance/hypersensitivity to light or sound.

A migraine with Aura

If you’re experiencing a migraine with aura, you will have the following signs and symptoms- which will resolve: vision loss/visual disturbances (spots, lines, or flickering lights); sensory disturbances (numbness, pins/needles feeling); or disturbances with speech (problems putting together words).

Symptoms Before/During Migraine Attacks

Before or during a migraine attack, you’re likely to have the following symptoms: a surge of energy or feeling of overall well-being; increase in appetite; restlessness/talkativeness; irritability or tension; and even drowsiness/depression.

Symptoms During a Migraine Attack

During the migraine attack, you’re likely to experience the following symptoms: nausea/diarrhea/vomiting; sensitivity to light/sounds; sweating/cold, clammy hands; tenderness/pressure on the scalp; pulsating pain; and pale coloring.

Amitriptyline for Migraines

As we already know, a migraine is a very common neurological condition that is characterized by throbbing and painful headaches.

Additionally, they cause some people to experience a change in perception. As you see above, the symptoms can be quite stressful and debilitating and can last for hours or even days.

One of the drugs that are commonly prescribed to alleviate migraine headache symptoms is amitriptyline.

Amitriptyline, the generic name for Elavil, is a tricyclic antidepressant and typically is prescribed to treat depression.

However, according to the September 26, 2000, issue of “Neurology,” it is also used to help treat and prevent migraines.

Side Effects of Amitriptyline

There are some side effects that come with amitriptyline. These include dizziness, an increase in heart rate, nausea, difficulties with vision, dry mouth, constipation, changes in weight. An overdose of amitriptyline could result in death.

In some cases, individuals who start taking this drug could experience an increase in suicidal thoughts.

If an individual has been taking amitriptyline and suddenly stops, they could experience nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Reducing the dose could bring restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and even irritability.

Drug Interactions

Combining amitriptyline and epinephrine could cause an increase in blood pressure. Those individuals who have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or MAOI- which is a type of antidepressant, should not be given amitriptyline.

The above side effects could be increased if Tagamet- an anti-heartburn drug- is taken with it.

Do Not Take Amitriptyline

If you have experienced seizures, you could have an increased risk of repeated seizures when taking amitriptyline.

Additionally, individuals with glaucoma could experience an increase in eye pressure while taking the drug.

Due to the stress levels, more and more people are beginning to experience migraine headaches. Over thirty-seven million Americans are affected by them- and most of that number are women.

Family history and a variety of other factors contribute to migraine headaches. If you are experiencing headaches and you suspect that it may be migraines, take the time to visit your physician to receive a proper diagnosis- most people never do that.

He/she may be able to prescribe you something to help control/prevent your migraines. Though amitriptyline is commonly used as an antidepressant, it is being used more and more to treat migraine headaches.

If your physician has diagnosed you with migraines- no matter what type- you should speak with him/her about using amitriptyline to control and prevent them.

However, if the drugs either aren’t working or you’d just like to explore other ways to relieve your pain, there are nondrug remedies that can help.

1) Feverfew

This herb has been used since ancient Greek physicians used it to reduce inflammation. It was originally used to reduce fevers, as the name suggests, but it isn’t really that good at it.

However, lately it’s been used to help with migraine pains. The plant can be taken in many different ways, from eating fresh leaves, tea or pills of the dried herb.

It contains a chemical called parthenolide, which is responsible for its ability to prevent migraines and reduce inflammation.

However, researchers still aren’t clear on what the chemical does or why. What is well understood is that feverfew does generally work.

Nonetheless, as with any supplement, it’s best to discuss it with a health care professional before you start taking them.

2) Butterbur

This herb is poisonous taken in any form other than the processed supplement. So, unlike feverfew, you have fewer choices about how you take butterbur.

You want to ensure that the supplement you take is labelled “PA-free” to ensure you are getting a version of the herb that is safe.

However, the herb’s abilities to help prevent migraines are equally impressive. Again, it’s not clear how the herb works, but the speculation is that it reduces swelling and inflammation.

3) Caffeine

You need to be careful with caffeine, since while a small amount can help, too much caffeine can trigger headaches, or create dependency, which can lead to rebound headaches when the caffeine wears off.

This dependency can develop from too much coffee, pop or even from headache medications that use caffeine. So while caffeine can be helpful for some people to relieve pain, be cautious with it.

4) Peppermint

Certain smells can trigger migraines. But certain smells, particularly peppermint, can also reduce pain.

This may not work for everyone, however, though there isn’t any risk in trying it. And if all the peppermint is able to do for you is mask unpleasant smells, it’s helpful.

5) Acupuncture

This is based on ancient Chinese concepts of medicine. The goal is to open and realign the flow of essential energy called qi.

This is done by inserting thin needles under the skin into “meridians” or channels in the body to improve the flow of energy.

While this may seem like a radical solution for some people, it is not necessary to completely alter your beliefs about medicine in order to gain benefit from this treatment.

A Cochrane review, which is an analysis and amalgamation of research, found that acupuncture was as helpful to prevent migraines as drug treatments. In addition, acupuncture has far fewer of the side effects that often come with medication.

6) Massage

It sounds like it’s barely worth mentioning, but just the more casual measure of rubbing your head—something you might be doing anyway—can help provide temporary pain relief.

More formal kinds of massage will also help, and some research has found that regular massages help prevent migraines.

What needs to be noted about this though is that it needs to be ongoing. You’ll experience relief or be able to manage your migraines better, but the massage needs to become a regular part of your regimen.

7) Aerobic exercise

Exercise is also something to be careful with. Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, biking, or swimming, can reduce migraine intensity and frequency.

However, exercise can also be a trigger for a headache, and so caution is necessary. It depends on the person, but regular exercise improves quality of life and can also lessen both the frequency and severity of pain. If you know that exercise can be a trigger for you, ease into it.

Don’t go straight into intense exercise and make sure you warm up and cool down after. Also, make sure you keep yourself well hydrated, since dehydration can often cause headaches.

Obviously you need to be more careful about this than other people, but these are good measures to take for anyone getting exercise.

8) Relaxation

This kind of goes along with massage, but you can do this on your own at home or wherever. You can use deep breathing, music, or using relaxing mental imagery to help you unwind and help with headache pain.

There hasn’t been a great deal of research on this, but stress can often be a trigger for pain, and being more relaxed is never a bad thing.

9) Yoga

Yoga combines the relaxation benefits of massage and meditation, with the beneficial effects of regular exercise. The exercise combines different physical positions and postures with breathing exercises and meditation.

Again, there hasn’t been a great deal of research, but in a small study in Headache, patients who engaged in three months of yoga therapy and had less frequent attacks and less severity of pain.

Also, like massage, this is an approach that will need to be part of an ongoing system of management. It is unlikely to be helpful as a one off or short lived measure.

10) Temperature

One of the easiest and least risky therapies for headache is simply to apply heat or cold to the affected area.

Because this approach doesn’t have any side effects, it can be used by anyone including folks who may have been warned off of other measures, like pregnant women.

For other kinds of pain, heat is helpful, but for a migraine, cold is best. During a migraine, the lining of the brain gets irritated and inflamed. Cooling down the blood that flows through the temples can definitely help.

11) Ginger

While you may be more familiar with the use of ginger for stomach upset, it can also help to relieve pain. Ginger has some anti-inflammatory properties, which help it to calm pain in your head.

It can also help provide relief for migraine-induced nausea. Just be sure you’re getting the genuine article in an appropriate dose to help you. Ginger ale won’t be enough.

12) Biofeedback

This treatment uses electronic sensors to monitor bodily functions. The information is funneled back to the patient using sounds or computer images.

Through this information it is hoped that the patient will be able to control responses, including pain responses in the head.

Biofeedback has shown some effectiveness for controlling migraines. The treatment isn’t cheap, but over the long-term, biofeedback can be more cost effective than drug treatments.

13) Omega-3s

You’ve probably heard of these healthy fats for a wide variety of other ailments as well as general health. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, so they can help with headache pain.

However, they have so many other benefits, even if you find that they aren’t able to do much for your migraines, taking them is likely beneficial in any case.

You can get omega-3s through cold water fish, flax seeds and fish oil supplements.

14) Water

Dehydration is often a cause of plenty of headaches, so much so that sometimes drinking a few glasses when you feel a migraine coming on might serve to head it off so that you won’t have to suffer with it.

If you’re not a fan of plain water, there are many ways to spice it up so that you can get the H2O regardless. Just make sure to avoid caffeinated drinks, since caffeine dehydrates much quicker than the drink can rehydrate you.

15) Magnesium

This is an essential mineral in the body that is often overlooked for other minerals like potassium or iron. It plays a role in 300 different functions, but because of its background status in the public eye, it is often deficient in the developed world. People with migraines often have a magnesium deficiency.

Like all nutrients, you can get magnesium from your food, especially beans, whole grains and nuts. It is also possible to take a magnesium supplement in pill form.

Some individuals have a condition that makes it difficult for them to absorb the mineral, and for these individuals, supplementation can cause diarrhea.

However, while definitely unpleasant, this shouldn’t be dangerous and magnesium is safe in 200 mg doses.

Combinations

One of the benefits of these approaches is that they can be easy to combine. In most cases, it is probably worthwhile to pursue different techniques at the same time. Easy enough to take an herbal supplement before you go for a massage.

However, especially when you’re actually taking something, whether an herbal supplement, a vitamin or a drug, make sure that it will be all right in combination with other drugs or supplements that you might be taking at the same time.

Further Reading

“Migraine Relief: 15 Natural Ways To Ease The Pain.” The Huffington Post. by Sarah Klein. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/12/natural-migraine-relief_n_1666726.html.

“13 Surprising Ways to Fight Headache Pain.” Health.com. by Karen Pallarito. http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20538298,00.html.

“Feverfew.” Migraine.com. http://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies/feverfew.

“Find a Vitamin or Supplement: BUTTERBUR.” WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-649-BUTTERBUR.aspx?activeIngredientId=649&activeIngredientName=BUTTERBUR

They’re also known to radiate across the head from a single starting point or pressurized ‘vise-like’ feeling from both sides of the head at the same time.

Headaches also manifest as sharp, sudden pains, though they also throb constantly or feel dulling on any part of the head.

They also appear gradually in some cases. Headaches often last less than an hour (especially when treated with medication) or for several days, if severe.

What causes a headache?

A primary headache usually happens after problems with pain-sensitive structures within the head occur.

The brain’s chemical activity, the head’s nerves and blood vessels or the head and neck’s muscles might play a role in causing headaches.

Primary headaches typically include cluster headaches, tension headaches, and migraines.

A migraine headache is generally a more intense version of a standard headache. It’s mainly defined by an intense throbbing or pulsating sensation in one area of the head.

It’s typically accompanied by sound and light sensitivities, nausea and vomiting.

Migraine headache attacks cause people significant pain for hours on end. In rare cases, this pain lasts for days and fast becomes debilitating for most people.

In most migraine episodes, people experience what’s known as sensory warning symptoms. These symptoms warn them of an impending migraine attack. These sensory symptoms generally include blind spots, light flashes and/or tingling in the arms and legs.

Migraines don’t have a concrete cause. Although as much as 10 percent of the population experiences migraines in some form, many medical researchers don’t understand what exactly causes them.

On an interesting note, gluten consumption may play a role in causing migraines in some people. Though, does that link really hold some truth?

Gluten and migraines

Nowadays, gluten seemingly plays a large role in causing various negative symptoms, such as depression and food intolerance.

Gluten has also been linked to playing a role in causing migraines, too. That role mainly involves how gluten causes inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract, especially in people with an intolerance to the protein composite.

The presence of gluten in the digestive tract causes an autoimmune response releases cytokines. Those cytokines enter the brain and, as a result, produce brain inflammation eventually leading to anxiety or depression.

The same brain inflammation may play a role in causing migraines. However, those cases directly involve people who have celiac disease.

In fact, people with celiac disease experience many symptoms causes by gluten, and it’s usually eating a gluten-free diet that prevents them from experiencing those same symptoms any longer.

Interestingly enough, migraine sufferers are said to have a higher risk of having celiac disease than most of the general population.

So, in order to learn more about the link between gluten and migraines, let’s take a closer look at the link between migraines and celiac disease.

Migraines and migraine triggers

As mentioned, migraines don’t have a concrete cause. They are, however, triggered by various genetics-related and environmental factors.

One of the suspected causes of migraines is caused by an imbalance in brain chemicals (specifical neurotransmitters), such as serotonin.

Serotonin plays a role in helping regulate pain throughout the body. Gluten consumption also has an assumed link in reducing serotonin production within the brain, especially when its autoimmune cytokine response is in action.

Serotonin levels are said to drop significantly during a migraine attack. When this happens, the trigeminal system releases substances known as neuropeptides, which travels to the brain’s outer covering (meninges), resulting in characteristic headache pain.

When it comes to linking migraines and gluten, we have to briefly look at how food causes people to suffer migraine attacks.

Foods and other food additives are known to trigger some instances of migraine attacks.

Those foods generally include salty foods, processed foods and food preservatives like monosodium glutamate (MSG).

These foods and food additives ‘trigger’ migraine attacks about 20 to 25 minutes after they’re consumed, typically causing symptoms like dizziness, abdominal discomfort, bodily burning sensations, the pressure within the chest, facial flushing and headache pain at the front or sides of the head.

So, how do we link migraines to people with celiac disease? Well, people with celiac disease are known to have migraines more than the general public, we can show you a reason behind that: gluten.

The link between migraines, gluten and celiac disease

Gluten is a known trigger of celiac disease. Many sources linking gluten to celiac disease don’t immediately assume gluten has any connection to causing migraines in people with the disease.

What they do know, however, is that people with celiac disease get migraines more than people without the disease.

Migraines in people with celiac disease may be treated with a gluten-free diet, which is something suggesting that gluten causes migraines in the first place.

A small study, conducted on a group of four patients with celiac disease, found that only one person within the group had ‘complete relief’ from their migraine attacks, in addition to ‘an improvement in blood flow to their brain.

‘ The other three had varying results, which mostly amounted to ‘an improvement in their symptoms.’

Another preliminary study (with 14 patients) found migraines were ‘completely to partially relieved after each patient shifted to a gluten-free diet.

‘ Even though both studies provide an example of gluten-free diets relieving some symptoms in patients with celiac disease, it doesn’t entirely suggest a connection between migraines, gluten, and celiac disease.

Though, the evidence that is there suggests some sort of relationship between gluten and migraines, especially considering gluten’s role as a potential migraine trigger.

Even though there’s no concrete evidence supporting gluten as a migraine trigger (or even a headache trigger), people with celiac disease somehow have found ways to relieve themselves from migraine symptoms—and that has everything to do with cutting gluten from their diet.

Entrapped or pinched nerves can often result in underlying issues such as back and abdominal pain but also chronic headaches.

These headaches aren’t your typical run of the mill ibuprofen and walk it off type of headaches, they’re migraines that cease to exist and cause you crippling pain.

There’s strong evidence to suggest that these two are strongly linked, although nothing is set out in stone.

Unlike the lumbar and lower spine nerves, the cervical spine has a grand total of 8 nerves that can cause you physical pain if they get entrapped. An example of this would be the C7 root exits the C6/7 disc space and then it branches out.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an entrapped nerve can, of course, be a chronic headache which limits the way that you can interact with the world.

An example of this would be the inability to go into direct sun light due to the sensitivity of your eyes from the headache, making you more susceptible to high pain from the sun.

Although a skin condition is not a problem as many do come about from problems with sunlight, headaches are common which means that they’re the most consistent symptom of an entrapped nerve.

If you’re a sufferer of chronic headaches whilst experiencing horrendous back pain, it may be worth seeking medical advice as to whether or not you have a trapped nerve in your spine or lower back which could be causing the problem.

Diagnosis

A physical exam is the usual port of call when trying to figure out whether or not an entrapped nerve is the cause of your chronic headaches.

A common way of diagnosis through a physical exam is with a primary care physician which will use a Spurling manoeuvre, which is done by the physician putting pressure on your head through force in the hand and then see whether or not the pain is caused from that.

What this indicates is that a nerve on your spine, hence the pressure on your head, is causing the physical pain.

If you’re worried about this test causing you additional pain, they won’t be using something similar to a sledgehammer to push down your head; it’s a case of light pressure being applied to test whether or not a nerve in direct relation to your spine is the cause of your pain.

This test will also bring about any potential numbness which makes a nerve problem obvious by the fact that the spine and nerves will crease up underneath the pressure, regardless of how minimal it is.

Treatment

Pain management is often the best way to help you cope with the pain that an entrapped nerve can bring about.

Although contradictory to the previous statement made, certain over-the-counter pain killers such as ibuprofen can be used in small doses to help with minor pains, but it’s always best to consult your doctor and physician before taking any medication to help out with your pain.

Please make sure that if the hospital or doctor provides medicine to help with the pain that you prioritize that medicine over any home remedies or other form of pain relief.

If you intend to take multiple sources of medicine to help with your trapped nerve, please take a list of the names (medical, anything with a trademark [™] sign over the name is not a medical name) to the doctor to ensure that you’re able to take that medicine alongside the prescribed meds as well.

This will prevent any side effects that can come about from crossing the medication and stop you from falling ill, causing abdominal pain on top of your headaches and potential back pain caused by the entrapped nerve.

If you’re having the slightest doubt as to whether you can take 2 medicines together, ask your doctor.

What should I do?

If you’re concerned with any pain that you may be having, such as a headache that never leaves or back pain that’s more than just a minor prick type of pain, it’s best to consult your physician or doctor to get a diagnosis on your condition.

If the doctor then confirms that you’re suffering from a trapped nerve, you’ll have to follow the guidelines that the medical providers give you in regardless to your condition.

Please ensure that you refer back to the previous points mentioned in regards to crossing medication just to ensure that you’re not limiting your progress towards a healthy life again, this is of vital important.

Headaches are not fun. Anytime you experienced one, you just can’t focus or can’t seem to have anything done. All you wish to do is to shut yourself off from the globe around you until the pain goes away.

During season changes, unfortunately headaches become rather common. There are several different kinds of headaches, and many different bodies will respond differently to treatments.

Therefore, doctors recommend trying various natural remedies for chronic headaches as listed below until you get the ones that are ideal for you.

1. Water

Dehydration is believed to be among the main reasons for headaches. We all understand that we should be taking a certain quantity of water each day, but most of the times it is easier said than done.

Whenever you feel like you have developed a chronic headache, it’s helpful to stop and think of how much water you have had on that day, and then drink accordingly.

As a preventive measure, it is great to try and drink sufficient amount of water each day. You will reap a lot of other benefits, as well, from removal of toxins from your body to emergence of healthy skin and a lot more.

2. Tea

Drinking some types of tea such as chamomile, ginger or peppermint can help relieve chronic headaches.

Ginger is ideal for migraines since it inhibits the synthesis of the prostaglandin that helps convey pain signals to your brain, and also soothes the feelings of nausea that normally accompany migraines.

In addition, peppermint is thought to aid reduce spasms in one’s stomach, which can actually help in relieving headaches.

Since peppermint is also known to help relieve nausea, it may be a good option as well for alleviating migraines.

Chamomile may also be used to prevent and treat headaches, since it relaxes one’s muscles and helps ease stress, which is a common cause of headache.

3. Essential Oil

Aromatherapy has actually been used for long as a way of relieving pain. Among the most effectual types for easing headaches are eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint.

To use them, simply mix some few drops of the essential oil with coconut oil or water and rub on your neck, shoulders and temples.

An additional way of using aromatherapy is to add some few drops of essential oil to warm bath. This combination of beautiful scent and warm water will be extremely relaxing while your headache goes away..

4. Acupressure

Acupressure can aid relieve headaches by releasing endorphins and reducing muscle tension, which are natural painkillers of the body. The ideal acupressure points for the headache are:

• The forehead
•  The temples
•  The back of the neck
• The top of the head
• The hand
•  The top of the foot

Use the thumbs for applying pressure or pads of your fingers for massaging the place in a circular motion. Hold these points for roughly 1-2 minutes or until the region begin to feel warm.

Keep in mind that acupressure can trigger lightheadedness or dizziness, therefore use caution if you start to feel that way

5. Relaxation

Relaxation seems to be a great a cure for many ailments and chronic headaches are an additional to put to the list.

A lot of headaches are brought about by anxiety and stress, thus finding best ways to relax can highly help in treating them without delay and prevent them to come up in the future!

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

The apple cider vinegar remedy was actually a recommendation by a variety of doctors as a great chronic headache natural remedy.

They did their comprehensive research, and were able to find out that this apple cider vinegar has, in actual fact helped offer many individuals relief from chronic headaches.

There are two major ways to do it: the vaporization method and the injection method.

To ingest, try to dilute two tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and drink all of it at once.

This encourages blood flow throughout the body, as well as assists in balancing the PH level of body. You can as well inhale the vapor of the apple cider vinegar.

To do this, put two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a pan with two cups of distilled water and put them to boil.

When the vapor begins to rise, put off the heat. Put a towel over the head and lean over the steam carefully, taking deep and slow breaths until you feel the head pain dissipate.