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What Kind of Headache Do I Have Part 2 | Olson Chiropratic Center | Yankton, SD

Last month, we discussed three types of headaches: Tension Headache (the most
common), Cluster Headaches (a vascular headache – less common, short duration
but REALLY painful), and Sinus Headaches. Migraine headaches were discussed the
month before last. In keeping with the theme, ONE more headache type will be
discussed: Rebound Headaches, followed by anti-inflammatory herbal remedies, and
finally, “Headache Triggers.”

Rebound headaches are the result of pain killer overuse. Of course, one would
think of pain killers like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc.) as well as many prescription drugs as being
“friendly” and commonly reached for when a headache or any other ache or pain
occurs. But, as the old saying goes, “…too much of a good thing can be bad!”
These culprits, instead of helping, can actually hurt you! One theory for the
cause of rebound headaches is that too much of these meds can cause the brain to
shift into an excited state that triggers the headache. Another theory is that
these headaches result from too sudden of a drop of the medicine in the
bloodstream, which would only occur if the medication was being taken at a high
dose for a relatively long period of time. According to the Migraine Research
Foundation, EVERY 10 SECONDS, someone in the United States goes to the emergency
room with a migraine or headache due to the intense pain, severe nausea or
dehydration, drug interactions, or side effects from headache medications! DON’T
BE ONE OF THEM!!!

As mentioned last month, PLEASE FIRST try an anti-inflammatory herb like ginger
(Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), Feverfew, passionflower
(Passiflora alata), Peppermint (menthe piperita), ginko (ginko biloba), caffeine
(Coffea Arabica), black or green tea, Valerian (Valeriana officinalis),
Coriander Seed (Coriandrum sativum), Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), Lavender Oil
(Lavandula angustifolia), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Lime or Linden
(Tilia spp.), horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), honeysuckle (Lonicera
japonica), and more!

So what triggers headaches? Here are a few of the more commonly researched
triggers: weight [in females, a BMI of 30 (mild obesity) = 35% greater risk, and
BMI of 40 (“severe obesity”) = 80%]; personality (traits such as rigidity,
reserve, and obsessivity); “let-down” or weekend headaches (breaking your
routine, like staying in bed until noon); odors and fumes (e.g., fresh paint);
dehydration (drink water AND eat fruits / veggies to get more water); skipping
meals (hunger is a common trigger); physical exertion (certain sports like
running, weight lifting); too much caffeine (small amounts help, but too much
can trigger headaches); inactivity (sedentary lifestyles trigger – 30 min./day
cardio, 5x/week is ideal); sleep deprivation (those averaging six hours have
more frequent & severe headaches); and certain foods like red wine, beer, MSG,
chocolate, aged cheese, sauerkraut, and processed meats like pepperoni, ham, and
salami. Foods that can reduce headaches include those high in magnesium—spinach,
tofu, oat bran, barely, fish oil, olive oil, white beans, sunflower, and pumpkin
seeds. In addition to GOOD CHIROPRACTIC CARE, headache management requires a
multidimensional approach for best results!

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for headaches, we would be
honored to render our services. Visit www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.