Daily Headaches? 5 Of The Most Common Causes And What You Can Do
Daily Headaches? 5 Of The Most Common Causes And What You Can Do
Headaches are one of the most commonly suffered pain disorders in the world. Many people suffer from them on a daily basis, so it’s important to learn about the common causes of headaches and what you can do to prevent them.
Dietary Factors
If you suffer from daily headaches, you should pay attention to what you’re eating. Certain foods such as alcohol, caffeine, processed meats and cheeses, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and chocolate have been shown to trigger headaches. Many healthcare professionals recommend starting a food diary that can help you to keep track of what you eat.
Dehydration
When your body is dehydrated, it causes tissues to shrink due to lack of adequate water volume. The brain responds to dehydration by pulling away from the skull, which can trigger pain receptors to fire. Inadequate water intake also decreases blood volume, lessening the amount of oxygen and blood flow to the brain. To avoid brewing a perfect storm for a headache, be mindful of drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily.
Stress
Stress is just a part of life, but when it gets out hand it can cause severe headaches. Stress can cause headaches by increasing blood pressure, releasing damaging hormones and causing muscle tension. Since stress in nearly unavoidable, focus on practicing relaxation techniques to keep it at manageable levels.
RELATED ARTICLE: Which Finger Should You Massage To Get Rid Of Headaches
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
TMJ affects the proper functioning of the jaw joint and may cause headaches. Symptoms of TMJ include clicking sounds when moving the jaw, difficulty chewing, ear ache or facial pain and reduced ability to open the mouth. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to speak to a dentist who can treat TMJ disorders like Dr. Daniel Bade DDS. They can offer treatments to reduce strain on the joint. If the problem is very severe, surgery or implants may be recommended to help put a stop to chronic pain and headaches.
Overexertion
Although exercise is healthful, you can have too much of a good thing, at least where headaches are concerned. Exercising too intensely or for too long may trigger headaches. If you work out regularly but also suffer from headaches, speak to your doctor about switching up your routine in order to get adequate exercise and reduce your risk for headaches.
Taking care to avoid common triggers can help to reduce the incidence of headaches in your life. Instead of relying on pain relievers, simple changes can keep you happily pain-free.