I count myself very lucky when it comes to headaches, I must have one or two a year, however, some of my clients come to me with one or two a week, others even daily. It is sad to see how much effect they have on us, our work, our social life and even our loved ones.
My mum was a headache sufferer, I remember as a child helping cook dinner, she was going to bed before I did, seeing her the next day at breakfast with the same headache, it’s mad to think they can last that long, let alone the admiration I had for her later in life to just get on with it.
But that is what we all do right, we get on with it? Pain can then become our normal, the more you see or experience something the more you accept that it is your new normal. Say your friend gets a headache, how common is the response, “oh yeah I get them as well”.
If I may, I would like to redefine that understanding, being in any type of pain is not normal, there is always a reason behind it. In 2020 the office for national statistics released data that put headaches in the top 10 for reasons for having time off work. Featured at number 7 in a pandemic shows me that we are still not understanding how we can help ourselves. Please allow me to share some of my knowledge and tips on headaches to help you and your loved ones.
1. Hydration, it’s one of the easiest things you can do. Tension headaches are one of the top 3 we all suffer from. You may note tension in your neck or shoulders, you’ve possibly had a stressful day, you feel pressure either at the back of the head or forehead. Drinking more water will help support the muscles to stay loose. Less water equals dehydration and tighter muscles, think of a sponge, the less water in it, the stiffer it becomes. Our muscles are identical.
2. Movement and fresh air. Little walks help regulate hormones and will also help release the good endorphins into your bloodstream, which contribute to better regulation and balance.
3. Stay away from inflammatory foods and stimulants that can contribute to headaches. Wheat fact – eating wheat will always cause inflammation, whether you feel bloated or not. Some of us just get it worse than others.
If your head is pounding, try to avoid wheat, sugar, caffeine and for some of you, dairy. If your body is working hard to put the fire out and you add petrol, then it’s going to get worse. Eat less processed foods, instead turn to nice whole foods the body can easily digest.
4. Screen breaks. Do you ever work for more than 45mins at a screen? I do! Take breaks, when I mean a break, I mean from screens. It is all too common when patients say they have breaks at lunch and sit in front of the TV or go on their phone to catch up on social media. Come away from screens…..Rest those eyes.
5. Get adjusted. As a chiropractor, I cannot write this and not inform you of how amazing Chiropractic is for certain types of headaches. It’s incredible how improving joint function and mobility in the neck can often help in reducing the intensity and frequency of a headache.
If you suffer from headaches, please do call us. We are happy to help in any way we can, don’t let pain be your normal, we all deserve better than that.
With love,
John
