Headaches/Migraines

Headaches are another very familiar symptom, with more than 50% of people suffering regular bouts.  They can be mild or severe, and they are more typically muscle tension headaches or migraines – or a combination of the two.

 

Muscle tension headaches generally start in the muscles of the shoulders and upper back, spreading up into the base of the neck.  The pain will then travel up the back of the head and neck, working upwards and then spreading across the temples and the front of the head.  You may experience the sensation of a band tightening around the head.

 

Headaches may also be the result of problems in the jaw, typically referred to as TMJ disorder, or can be as a result of over-tiredness, disturbed sleeping patterns, hunger or stress, and can continue for several days without reason.

 

Migraine headaches can cause severe pain, nausea, dizziness, eye pain, distorted vision and an aversion to bright lights.  The more common migraine headache can be as a result of a period of fatigue, anxiety or depression, or may be triggered by a lot of noise and fluctuations in the weather.  They can also increase levels of fatigue and make pain much more difficult to tolerate, in turn adding to depression.

 

Low serotonin levels have been attributed to headaches, as well as low levels of magnesium.

 

Feverfew is a natural pain reliever which can be particularly helpful for migraine headaches or Butterbur is another alternative.  It’s also important to reduce caffeine intake as this can make headaches worse.

 

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol but obviously long-term use of any of these pain-relieving medications can have side effects.  In more severe cases, a doctor can prescribe stronger pain relief or migraine remedies including beta blockers.

 

Where headaches are caused by muscle tension, massage can be very effective in relieving the tightness.  A neck wheat bag can be soothing and there are also a number of essential oils that can naturally combat the pain of headaches and muscular aches including lavender, peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus.