About 90% of people have experienced headaches or migraines before!
Many people are quick to get aspirin or ibuprofen when this occurs. However, headaches just like any symptom we may have, are due to a deeper issue.
Check out my recent #MedicalMonday video to learn about the most common types of headaches and the symptoms one may experience.
What causes headaches?
There are a number of different reasons one may experience a headache; this is why many people who suffer from chronic migraines feel little to no relief with migraine medications like Sumatriptan. These medications only address one potential cause, and even then only mask the symptoms.
The main causes of headaches include stress, muscle tension, eyestrain, hormonal imbalances, sinus infections, aspartame, food sensitivities, toxins from tobacco smoke, chemicals, and/or perfumes, heavy metal toxicity, mold toxicity, and vitamin/mineral deficiencies.
What can you do if you have an acute headache?
- Hydration: General rule of thumb is that we should be drinking about half of our body weight in ounces of water daily. This amount increases with consumption of dehydrating drinks like coffee, alcohol, and soda.
- Magnesium Supplementation: Many people today are deficient in magnesium and this deficiency often leads to migraines. But remember! Supplements are NOT regulated therefore it is crucial to know the quality of your supplement. Thankfully, I work with a dispensary that has only medical-grade supplements where you can purchase your magnesium supplement! Another great way of getting magnesium is by taking Epsom salt baths. Putting about 4-6 cups of Epsom salt in your bath will help relieve muscle tension throughout your body and increase magnesium levels. Plus it feels absolutely amazing!
- Peppermint and Lavender essential oils: Dilute a few drops of these oils in coconut, almond, or sesame oil. Rub these oils on your forehead, temples, and back of neck. Both of these are calming and can soothe muscles.
- Stress management: Be proactive about your stressors! When you’re not experiencing a headache, start doing breathing exercises, meditation, journaling to prevent stress exacerbation and headaches.
Are you doing all of these things already and still experiencing headaches or migraines? Then, it may time to see a Naturopathic Doctor to do some additional testing and/or investigating to find out the underlying cause of your headaches/migraines.
Migraines can be extremely tricky. There are times where my patients have felt immediately better after a single treatment. Then there are times where we have to keep investigating deeper and deeper to understand the underlying cause!
If you’d like to work with me to reduce your migraines or completely get rid of them, schedule a complimentary consult to see if I’d be a good fit for you!
References:
Anderson, N.; Borlak, J. Hepatobiliary Events in Migraine Therapy with Herbs—The Case of Petadolex, A Petasites Hybridus Extract. J. Clin. Med. 2019, 8, 652.
Yablon LA, Mauskop A. Magnesium in headache. In: Vink R, Nechifor M, editors. Magnesium in the Central Nervous System [Internet]. Adelaide (AU): University of Adelaide Press; 2011. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507271/
