Headache Awareness - what really helps?

Headaches are easily one of the most frustrating experiences one can have during their day. Even worse, migraines. June is Migraine Awareness Month. Hands On Wellness wants to highlight the ways to prevent both headaches and migraines, along with help the ones that may already occur for you on a regular basis. Headaches and migraines can be caused by various things. It may simply be that you are hungry or that you drank, ate, or smoked excessively the night prior. If you get headaches/migraines 3-4 times per week, it is wise to get checked by a physician and chiropractor immediately. This leads us to our list of how you begin helping yourself now with your headaches/migraines: 1. Magnesium Migraine headaches are painful and debilitating. Nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and noise often occur. Some researchers believe that people who suffer from migraines are more likely than others to be magnesium deficient. In fact, a few encouraging studies suggest that magnesium can prevent and even help treat migraines. One study, supplementing with one gram provided relief from a migraine more quickly and effectively than a common medication. Additionally, magnesium-rich foods may help reduce migraine symptoms. Bottom Line: People who suffer from migraines may have low magnesium levels, and some studies have shown that supplementing can provide relief from migraines.

2. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Because hyperbaric oxygen therapy sends pressurized oxygen so quickly to your cells, it is one of the easiest ways to rid of headaches & migraines. In a study by Dr. William Fife and Dr Caroline Fife MD, HBOT was given to 26 patients who had migraine headache Pain. Pressures between 1.3 and 2.4 atmospheres absolute were used. All but one patient obtained complete relief of Migraine symptoms within Minutes of Exposure, including two patients who had temporary paralysis on one side of the face before HBOT treatment.

3. Chiropractic Adjustments

The seven cervical vertebrae (spinal bones) become misaligned from excessive physical and emotional stress. This misalignment can irritate the nerve roots in the neck and may even cause minor constriction in some vessels which supply blood and minor constriction in some vessels which supply blood to the brain. When this happens, a headache can strike. If not cared for, more serious symptoms may develop. Getting regular adjustments could be the trick to rid yourself of your headaches! 4. Probiotics

This is a an interesting one. Taking probiotics could possibly cause headaches when first starting them. This can occur because probiotic bacteria causes the death of harmful microorganisms. Headaches for this reason usually disappear after a few days or a week, rarely longer. In such cases, symptoms are completely harmless. In the case of candida overgrowth or an infection, headaches might come and go over several weeks or longer. However, sticking to taking probiotics every day can balance your healthy gut bacteria and result in no headaches at all for the future!