Ouch! My Head Hurts!

Recently I have been noticing how many people talk about their headaches and migraines.  I have had my share of headaches too and found some ideas from WebMD and other sources to help with the pain. If you suffer from headaches maybe these ideas will help…

In order to learn how to relax, you need change your breathing patterns. Below are a few relaxation exercises. But first, be sure that you have a quiet location that is free of distractions. Try to block out worries and distracting thoughts. 

• Rhythmic breathing: If your breathing is short and hurried, slow it down by taking long, slow breaths. Inhale slowly then exhale slowly. Count slowly to five as you inhale, and then count slowly to five as you exhale. As you exhale slowly, pay attention to how your body naturally relaxes. 
• Deep breathing: Imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe into that spot, filling your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, then let it out, like deflating a balloon. With every long, slow exhalation, you should feel more relaxed. 
• Visualized breathing: Find a comfortable place where you can close your eyes, and combine slowed breathing with your imagination. Picture relaxation entering your body and tension leaving your body. Breathe deeply, but in a natural rhythm. Visualize your breath coming into your nostrils, going into your lungs and expanding your chest and abdomen. Then, visualize your breath going out the same way. Continue breathing, but each time you inhale, imagine that you are breathing in more relaxation. Each time you exhale imagine that you are getting rid of a little more tension. 
• Progressive muscle relaxation:. Take a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly. Mentally scan your body. Notice areas that feel tense or cramped. Quickly loosen up these areas. Let go of as much tension as you can. Rotate your head in a smooth, circular motion once or twice. (Stop any movements that cause pain!) Roll your shoulders forward and backward several times. Let all of your muscles completely relax. Take another deep breath and exhale slowly. You should feel relaxed. 
• Relax to music: Combine relaxation exercises with your favorite music in the background. Select the type of music that lifts your mood or that you find soothing or calming. 

Chiropractic adjustments are a natural treatment method for headache relief. Patients with migraine headaches have been visiting chiropractors for over 100 years, and with very good results. Studies have shown that over 80% of headache patients find relief with chiropractic care. I have found that having my chiropractor use acupuncture on me helps a lot!

Most people are unaware that too much salt can cause headaches. By simply lessening the salt intake headaches can sometimes be prevented.

Food allergies or sensitivities can also cause migraine headaches. Certain foods such as cheese, alcohol, monosodium glutamate (a food additive), nuts, beans, caffeine, chocolate and onions can cause migraines. People who experience migraine headaches because of food sensitivities can eliminate their pain by simply eliminating the foods causing the pain. It may take a few weeks or even a few months, but after experiencing a few migraine headaches, with the help of the food diary, you will be able to tell which foods cause headaches.

I know several people who cut back or cut out the soda they were drinking every day and that made a HUGE difference for them.

Hopefully if you suffer from headaches these tips might help with your pain.