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Nearly all people at some point in their life experience a headache. A headache can range from just a slight dull ache, to a pounding, sinus crushing, temple popping period of intense pain. Fortunately, there are several effective natural headache remedies for a variety of headache types.

The first thing to do before treating a headache is to determine what headache type you have.

There are two general types of headaches: Primary and Secondary.

Primary headaches are the typical type of headaches. This is when the headache itself is the underlying medical condition. Primary headaches include migraines, tension headaches, dehydration headaches, cluster headaches, etc. These are generally not dangerous, but can be extremely painful and even debilitating. But, the underlying medical condition is just the headache, not something more complicated. So if you treat the headache, you will eliminate the medical problem, so to speak.

Then we have our secondary headaches. These are more dangerous because they are a symptom of a (usually) major health problem. They are usually extremely dangerous, and cannot be cured or treated with normal natural OR synthetic remedies.   For example, a brain tumor can put pressure on the cranium, and result in extreme headaches. Also, a brain hemorrhage can do the same. A sharp blow to the head or other head trauma can cause water on the brain, or other inflammation that can cause a serious headache. All of these are very serious, and a little aspirin or a little lavender won’t do anything to solve these problems. It is necessary to seek immediate professional medical treatment for the underlying cause. Only this will stop a secondary headache.

So, once you determine you have a primary headache, here are several effective natural headache remedies :

Feverfew – This is probably one of the best herbs for eliminating migraines. Feverfew reduces the frequency of migraines, the time they last, and the amount of pain the cause. It is most effective if it is taken every day. This is because feverfew works as a preventative step… it won’t treat a migraine once it is throbbing.

Peppermint oil – Use a 10% peppermint essential oil solution, and gently apply it to the forehead. This can relieve the pain and possibly the duration of a tension or dehydration headache.

Tiger Balm – This is a mixture of essential oils, and it has a similar application and effect as peppermint oil. It is often sold O.T.C. in pharmacies and health food stores, or you can buy it on the internet. It has also proven effective to relieve headache pain.

Melatonin – It turns out this supplement has some studies that demonstrate it will decrease the amount of monthly migraines a person will have. It needs to be taken every day, but it can be a great natural migraine remedy.

Of course there are other   successful herbal headache remedies as well, but these are a few that are proven effective for eliminating migraines and other primary headaches.

Go to relieve headache for an updated version of chronic headache treatment and more advice about headache types.

Chronic headache can be a serious issue, offering a significant challenge to every day life. Don’t let chronic headache take away from the daily enjoyment of activities. Although medical science has not found the exact causes of chronic headache, it is widely known that there are some common triggers associated with the problem. Chronic headache can be a lifelong issue that makes daily functioning difficult. The medical community typically organizes the realm of headaches into three easily diagnosed categories. Primary headaches are how the majority of headaches can be categorized, with cluster and secondary headaches making up a far smaller segment of that number.

Primary headaches, although frequent and nonfatal, can range from mildly irritating to nearly debilitating on a pain scale. For this reason, patients suffering primary headaches must look for treatment options as they would any other medical issue. The causes of primary headaches are not definitively known, but the medical community has an approximate idea of what triggers their symptoms. It is widely believed that many primary headaches result from a contraction of the cranial muscles, introducing an increased level pressure. This contraction is believed to be tied to emotional and physical stress.

Chronic headache may be caused by emotional and physical stress. If chronic headache seems to happen almost regularly, examine the circumstances. Circumstances that bring about a great deal of emotional and physical stress may be at the root of chronic headache. Stress management can be an effective solution to chronic headache. If physical stress is believed to be involved, more frequent breaks must be taken to avoid triggering the condition.

Ibuprofen and Aleve are also powerful treatments for chronic headache. It should be noted, however, that if chronic headache remains in spite of treatment, a doctor should be seen promptly. Persistent headaches can sometimes be a sign of secondary headaches. A secondary headache occurs in reaction to another root cause, such as a deeper neurological problem. Internal bleeding, tumors, and chemical imbalances can cause secondary headaches. Consult a doctor promptly if chronic headache persists for a long period of time.

There are many types of headaches, but all fit into three basic categories.  The vast majority of headaches that patients suffer can be easily fit into the first category, or primary headache.  Primary headaches occur to almost everyone, and are not a serious or life threatening issue.  Primary headaches can occasionally become very painful, or can become a chronic problem.  Although this isn’t life threatening, it sometimes presents an obstacle to daily functioning.  Fixing these kinds of primary headaches can be very important to the daily life and functioning of a patient.  Correcting issues regarding primary headaches is usually possible with just over the counter medication.

Cluster headaches present with a far greater pain level.  Although not life threatening in itself, the associated is very serious and often debilitating.  Cluster headaches are so called because they occur in chronological groupings, and can be very hard to predict.  This means that treatment over the course of a lifetime is difficult, resulting in attacks that usually cannot be avoided.  A cluster headache usually prevents any daily function.  Pain usually centers behind one or both eyes, and presents with visible symptoms like runny and watery eyes and nose.  Patients can become overwhelmed with the pain associated with cluster headaches.  Treatment of this pain should be the immediate and overriding concern.  Over the counter medications may do little to help under these circumstances.

Secondary headaches are the third and rarest form of headache types.  As the name implies, a secondary headache is actually a symptom of another problem.  Secondary headaches signify a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening.  In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumor.  Poor blood flow and internal bleeding can also trigger secondary headaches.  Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.

The vast majority of headaches suffered fit into the primary headache category. What are the causes of headaches?  As many as 90% of primary headaches result from the “tension” variety of headache.  A tension headache occurs when the muscles over the skull contract tightly, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head.  The pain usually centers around the temples.  Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.

For more tips about headache types and an updated version of frequent headaches causes visit relieve headache.

Frequent headaches are a serious issue for millions around the world, detracting significantly from quality of life. The medical community breaks headaches into a system of categories, with primary headaches making up the majority of cases. Cluster and secondary headaches are far rarer, but can present the patient with severe pain and more serious neurological issues. Although never life threatening, primary headaches can still cause a serious level of discomfort, infringing on quality of life in many cases. Frequent headaches, even milder primary headaches, can possibly hinder daily life.

How can frequent headaches be prevented? That depends on the source of the headaches. Primary headaches are frequently a symptom of tension, and can become frequent if the cirumstances that prompt them are a regular facet of daily life for the patient. Tension headaches can be triggered any time the patient undergoes physical or emotional stress. This kind of stress causes the muscles that cover the skull to contract, resulting in pain from the pressure. This can be difficult to prevent and treat. Over the counter medications typically do a good job in treating this kind of primary headache when it occurs.

Prevention is more about finding the situations that prompt headache and avoiding them. This kind of stress results directly in the contraction that is known to cause headache, subsequently causing sometimes serious headaches. Frequent headaches should be a signal that some life adjustments are needed. If emotional stress is thought to be behind the frequent headaches, consider visiting a doctor about this stress, or taking steps in personal life to reduce the stress.

Frequent headaches that strike at random can be a sign of a more serious secondary problem. In these situations, a structural or chemical problem in the brain is to blame for the pain. This can signify a serious issue, such as a tumor growing in the brain. Although this is rarely the cause, frequent headaches should be cause for a visit with the doctor.

Over the counter medications usually do a great deal to relieve a primary headache. Aleve and ibuprofen work very well to treat primary headaches. In more serious cases, therapeutic steps such as biofeedback may be needed in order to overcome the pain associated with frequent headaches. If none of these measures provide a remedy for the pain, consider seeing a specialist about the pain.

Introduction

Our pillow, bed, or sleep position is not always the reason for our stiff and painful neck when we wake up in the morning. We also make an effort to figure out what is happening when we move our neck suddenly and feel a sharp pain that feels as if something has suddenly slipped out of position or is pinching a “nerve.” Though it may seem so, one singular event is seldom the cause of most neck problems, but rather the cumulative effects of incorrect sitting posture, bad work and lifestyle habits, and lack of beneficial exercise for strength and flexibility. Obviously, some neck misalignments are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

Anatomy

To understand neck pain, it is important to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck are made up of posterior joints, called facets, that attach vertebrae to one another and serve to pilot the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, comprised of strong cartilage, connect the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This tough cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is situated between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and supply the energy to make the muscles and other organs of the body function. They also carry impulses from the body to the brain regarding pain, touch, position, temperature, as well as other senses.  The nerves that go out from the neck are in charge of the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and lessens stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Many people are now earning a wage sitting at a desk in front of a computer. The use of computers has risen astronomically, and many individuals spend eight to ten hours a day slumped over the keyboard and staring at the monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users assume), puts enormous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed producing more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. Unhealthy posture and repetitive stress can produce spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve pain. Besides general pain, spinal nerve pain in the neck can generate symptoms such as headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are commonly associated with misalignments of the cervical spine. When the cervical vertebrae lose their natural position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels that are connected with structures in the head are stretched or inflamed thus creating symptoms from a dull ache to throbbing pain. In many cases the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head.  Of course there are other factors related to headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Nevertheless one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when speculating the cause of headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to exceptionally helpful in the treatment of headaches. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such an accident, the passenger in the front vehicle gets his or her head powerfully jolted backward and then forward causing harm to the structures of the back and front of the neck. This kind of trauma is often called a whiplash. Even at low speeds, the amount of force generated by such an accident is very intense and can cause damage to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Besides neck pain and immobility, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and shoulder pain, tingling in the hands and fingers and weakness of the arm and hand are associated with whiplash injury. It is vital to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. More often than not in most cases, the injuries are mainly to the soft tissues and joints. Proper care is vital in rehabilitation from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is educated to understand whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from beginning to end.

Visit relieve headache for more info about headache types and an updated version of chronic tension headaches.

Chronic tension headaches can be a potentially debilitating condition that seriously deprives the patient of life enjoyment. Daily activities can be painfully interrupted by the sudden occurence of a tension headache. Chronic tension headaches can easily lead to depression and a general pain crisis. It is important that chronic tension headaches receive prompt attention and medical care. Fortunately, the medical community has a great deal of experience with the phenomenon of headache, and has several avenues of treatment available for sufferers. In fact, headaches are actually divided into three individual categories.

The majority of headaches suffered can fit into the primary category. A primary headache is frequently brought on by emotional or physical stress, and has the most frequent rate of occurence by far. Primary headaches are almost never life threatening, but are known to cause significant discomfort. This pain can hamper everyday enjoyment of life, making even basic functioning difficult. Although the actual causes of chronic tension headache are still unknown, it is widely held that the symptoms can be traced to a tightening of muscles around the skull. This tightening comes on as a sensation of tightness at first in the patient’s cranial area.

Cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far less frequent basis, but are much more serious. To treat this kind of headache, the attention of a specialist is most likely required. Cluster headaches are easily identified by the pain level that they induce. Patients frequently describe cluster headaches as like having an icepick driven into the eye. Treatment includes powerful sedatives and pain medications. Secondary headaches usually indicate some other issue that is at work.

Chronic tension headaches should be treated with an eye toward stress management. Physical and emotional stress are both known to trigger chronic tension headache. Circumstances that trigger significant emotional stress can prompt the occurence of chronic tension headaches. Prolonged physical stress can also be tied directly to chronic tension headaches. Steps to manage both kinds of stress are necessary to bring the problem under control. If these steps do not succeed, then further treatment via pain medications may be necessary. Chronic tension headaches that occur on a regular basis should be a signal to see a doctor.

Types of Headaches Video

There are several types of headaches, and the medical community has established a definite set of categories for each.  The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary category.  Primary headaches afflict millions every day, and are not a serious or life threatening issue.  That said, primary headaches can be quite painful on some occasions, or can become a chronic problem.  Although this isn’t life threatening, it can be a serious impediment to quality of life.  Fixing these kinds of primary headaches can be very important to the daily life and functioning of a patient.  Correcting issues regarding primary headaches can usually be done with the use of over the counter medications.

Cluster headaches are a far more serious kind of headache that can seriously debilitate a patient if not treated.  Although not life threatening in itself, the pain associated with a cluster headache can drive patients to take unreasonable measures.  Cluster headaches are so called because they occur in chronological groupings, and can be very hard to predict.  This results in treatment that is difficult to apply, resulting in first occurences that are hard to avoid.  A cluster headache can disable an individual, so great is the pain.  Pain usually centers behind one or both eyes, and presents with visible symptoms like runny and watery eyes and nose.  Patients can become overwhelmed with the pain associated with cluster headaches.  Treatment of this pain should be the immediate and overriding concern.  Over the counter medications are typically inadequate in these situations.

Secondary headaches are far rarer, and signify an underlying issue.  As the name implies, a secondary headache is actually a symptom of another problem.  Secondary headaches signify a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening.  In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumor.  Poor blood flow and internal bleeding can also trigger secondary headaches.  Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.

The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary categorization. What are the causes of headaches?  As many as 90% of primary headaches result from the “tension” variety of headache.  A tension headache takes place when cranial muscles contract, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head.  The pain can typically be felt around the temples and around the eyes.  Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.

Sinus Headache Video

Sinus headache can be an annoying problem that patients suffer from on an almost yearly basis.  The change in seasons, often times from warm to cold, can very easily bring about a sinus headache.  Sinus headache usually occurs as the sinus cavity fills with too much mucus.  This can present as a sensation of builtup pressure just above the eyes and behind the nose.  This pressure can become quite uncomfortable and even painful over time.  The prelude to a sinus headache is sometimes a stuffed up nose or severe congestion.  If a cold or congestion extends for a prolonged period, it can easily cause a sinus headache to follow.

Prompt treatment of congestion and colds can easily prevent a sinus headache.  Decongestants and nasal sprays are an effective way to prevent the attack of a sinus headache.  Whenever a cold or congestion initially strikes, try to treat the problem immediately in order to alleviate stronger symptoms.  A dry climate can also promote sinus headaches, so a humidifier can be a good solution as well.  Sinus headaches typically come about when pressure in the sinus cavity becomes too high. 

The problem can become painful if the mucus in the nasal cavity becomes infected by bacteria or a virus.  Prolonged colds and congestion can easily lead to an infection.  When bacteria infects the nasal cavity, it can prompt increased swelling.  Significant pain when sneezing or blowing, in addition to a fever, are strong signs of an infection.  It is important to treat such infections promptly.  Sinus headache can reach painful proportions if left untreated for a significant period of time.  See a doctor promptly, and they will typically prescribe both antibiotics and decongestants to treat the issue.

It is vital that infections be promptly dealt with.  If left alone, sinus headache can actually become life threatening when the infection spreads out of control.  Sinus headache can be easily controlled with a combination of decongestants and antihistamines.  The earlier the problem is caught, the more effective the treatment can be.  Ignored sinus headache can develop into serious infections that threaten permanent damage to the sinus cavity.  In severe cases, blocking off the sinus cavity completely may be necessary.

Headache medicine is commonly prescribed to treat the pain frequently attributed to tension and stress headaches.  These headaches can become a daily nuisance for patients, striking daily and detracting from quality of life.  In some cases, headaches can become serious enough to cause an obstacle to daily functioning.  It is important to treat these headaches promptly, in order to bring quality of life back up to normal levels.

Over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, aleve, and acetaminaphen can all be effective treatments for headache.  In some situations, more powerful headache medicine could be required to cure the issue.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can typically help in a significant fashion to reduce headache pain, but sometimes more serious measures must be taken.  Triptans are a family of medications prescribed for serious pain, and are usually prescribed to sufferers of migraine headaches.  Hormonal headaches can potentially be a cause of severe headache pain.  This kind of headache can be attributed to fluctuating hormone levels.  Ibuprofen and Aleve are oftentimes effective in these cases.

Sinus problems can also be a significant source of headache pain.  Under these circumstances, sinus pressure building behind the nasal cavity can trigger intense pain.  In severe cases, the excess mucus that has built up behind the nasal cavity can become infected.  When this happens, the pain can be quite severe.  A dull ache behind the eyes or nose is a good sign of such an infection, as is any swelling or blood discharge from the nose.  Decongestants, nasal sprays, and antibiotics can all act as effective treatments of are all good treatments for sinus infections, and may be necessary headache medicine.

In addition to headache medicine, prevention is an important part of treating frequent headaches.  Primary headaches are the most common kind of headache, and occur due to added tension or stress, either physical or emotional.  Stress management can be an effective way to treat headaches, thereby preventing them from occuring.  Stress and tension headaches commonly begin as a feeling of tightness behind the eyes.  This can be a good sign that headache medicine should be taken promptly to avoid further pain.  Regular anti-inflammatories can be an effective headache medicine for the common primary headache.  Further treatment can include biofeedback, or massage therapy.

Headache Treatments Video

Headaches have occured to the vast majority of people at one point or another in their lives.  These headaches can range from mild irritations to a debilitating pain crisis that demands immediate treatment.  Headaches are widely researched and treated in the medical community, but the exact causes remain a mystery.  The medical community has broken headaches into a few easily classified categories.  Primary headaches are what the majority of people experience, while cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far rarer basis.  Most headaches have no life threatening significance, although secondary headaches can be a sign of a more serious neurological disorder.  

Most headaches fall into the category of primary headaches, and are typically treatable with simple over the counter medications.  Ibuprofen and Aleve can do wonders to alleviate problems associated with primary headaches.  More serious headaches, such as those seen in clusters, may require prescription pain killers in order to prevent serious daily impairment.  Other effective Headache Treatments include lifestyle alterations as well as therapeutic options.  These are good ways to prevent headaches prior to their onset.  The majority of headaches begin with stress related causes, such as emotional or physical strains.  

Several hours of physical exertion can easily bring on a stress related headache.  The muscles in the skull can contract under pressure, causing discomfort.  Treatment is fairly simple, but prevention should be focused on as the most effective treatment.  Preventing headache pain usually means finding the cause of the onset in the first place.  If emotionally stressful situations are seen as the root of the problem, some sort of stress management should be undertaken.  Hours of physical labor should be broken up by regular breaks to prevent the outbreak of stress related headaches.

Frequent headaches that do not abate, or occur on a seemingly random basis may be a sign of a more serious condition.  Headache treatment under these circumstances may revolve around diagnosing a more serious issue.  Headaches that occur frequently and seemingly without provocation can be a sign of more serious neurological issues.  This kind of headache, known as a secondary headache, can signify a variety of possible neurological issues.  It is important to see a specialist whenever problems of this kind present in the patient.  Prompt care can prevent the root cause of secondary headaches from becoming more serious.