Headaches: Migraines, Tension, or Sinus?

Headaches in any stage can be a real pain in the…head.  Millions of people experience headaches but knowing which type may help you better understand the triggers and ways to prevent them.  Three common ones include migraines, tension and sinus/allergy related.

Migraines are usually moderately to severely intense and can include an aura (pre-symptoms to let you know it is coming such as flashing lights, change in vision, tingling sensations) or no aura. The pain is often described as throbbing or pulsating in a particular area of the head as opposed to the entire head.  Many experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and light sensitivity due to the pain requiring medication, ice, cold wash cloths, or sleep in a dark room.  Migraines may follow a pattern such as onset with weather/barometric changes or ovulation and menses or they be sporadic which is why tracking them may be helpful.  Common triggers include stress, lack of sleep, wine, MSG, chocolate, diet sodas, tight muscles, food sensitivities, and skipping meals/hypoglycemia.  Common treatments include over-the-counter pain medications, prescription pain medications, migraine medications, avoiding triggers, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and the herbs feverfew and butterbur.

Tension headaches generally occur with stress, too little sleep, tight muscles and poor posture.  Unlike a migraine, tension headaches are generally described as milder pain that is dull and aching or squeezing like a band on the head and possibly extending into the neck and upper shoulders.  These headaches can occur sporadically or daily depending on the trigger.  Many people report tension headaches in certain situations, such as during long work days, after family events or other stressful situations.  Common treatments include over-the-counter pain medication, avoiding triggers, focusing on proper posture, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and finding ways to reduce stress.

Sinus and allergy type headaches are triggered by congestion and pressure build up in the sinuses which are the open cavities located behind your cheeks, nose, and forehead/eyes.   During allergy season, sinus infections or a cold, the sinuses can become inflamed leading to pain in the forehead, behind the eyes, at the bridge of the nose and the cheeks.  Common treatment includes allergy medications, nasal sprays, decongestants, antibiotics if necessary, and avoiding allergic triggers.

It is important to note that tension or sinus/allergy headaches can turn into a migraine therefore being proactive and knowing your triggers can help prevent this progression.  Talk with your health care provider for additional help and work-up especially if your headaches are changing or worsening.

 

Read more at www.empowher.com

References:

1)      A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia (2011).  Migraine.  Web. 7 April, 2013.

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001728/

2)      Barclay,L. (2009).  Sleep Disturbance Linked to Tension Headache.  Web.  7 April, 2013.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/588351

3)      Busko, M. (2009).  Migraines, Tension-Type Headaches Respond to Acupuncture.  Web.  7 April, 2013.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/587243

4)      Wells, R., Bertisch, S., Buettner, C., Phillips, R., McCarthy, E. (2011).  Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults with Migraines/Severe Headaches.  Web. 7 April, 2013.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/746815

Natural Remedies for the Allergy Season

Did you know it’s almost springtime? Here in Oregon we were lucky enough to have a weekend of sunshine and 70 degree weather. This meant that everyone was outside, in their yard, and on their bikes playing in the fresh air. This also means that allergy season is quickly upon us. If you are an allergy sufferer and are looking for a more natural way to support your nose then read on!

There are a variety of natural supplements that are useful for allergies and you may consider starting now so that your system is ready for that first bit of pollen to hit your nose.

The most common is Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica). Yes, this is the same plant that can cause major irritation when touched (hence ‘stinging’ nettle) however taken in freeze-dried capsule form, it acts like a natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory that can reduce your allergy symptoms. Side effects are rare but it is wise to start out with a low dose before increasing your amount.

The next most common are bioflavonoids such as quercetin and rutin. When an allergen enters your bloodstream, you have two types of immune cells that react – your mast cells and basophils. These cells leak histamine and serotonin out of their membranes causing you to feel sniffy, sneezing, itchy, and irritated. Bioflavonoids are cell membrane stabilizers meaning they come in and make sure the mast cells and basophils don’t leak out histamine so that you don’t get an allergic response. I commonly recommend quercetin be taken with bromelain for better absorption.

Vitamin C in higher doses is another great way to help your mast cells and basophils stabilize more and reduce histamine. Vitamin C is great for your immune system and can often be found mixed with quercetin or bioflavonoids for added benefit.

Improving your gastrointestinal health will also help your allergies. Just like the commercials say, 70-80% of your immune system lives in and around your intestines so let’s take care of it with probiotics that include lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus. Make sure you buy a high potency product that guarantees what is on the label is in the capsule and take them once or twice a day for your health.

If you are already feeling stuffed up and congested, try inhaling scents such as peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus. Commonly found in teas or as an essential oil, their aromas help clear nasal passage ways to help you breath again!

Finally, consider using apple cider vinegar. This old time trick works wonders to improve digestion and reduce histamine. Take 1-2 tablespoons in a little water just before meals everyday and you’ll notice a difference quickly. Please be cautious if you are prone to over-acidity and talk with your healthcare provider.

Allergy Season Is Coming: Are You Prepared?

In some parts of the country, this weekend was a real kick-off to spring. The weather was beautiful and warm enough for all of those trees and spring bulbs to pop out some color. Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, this means the start of itchy eyes and runny noses. Here are some tips to help you combat the sniffles and sneezing this year.

1)Rinse out your nose. Consider using a Netti pot or other similar device that rinses water up one nostril, into your sinuses and out the other. This amazing little tool removes all of that pollen, dust, and mold that has settled in for the season. If you are already somewhat inflamed, consider adding a tiny pinch of sea salt (not table salt) to reduce the redness and irritation.

2)Shower at night (or after you spend all day in the outdoors). Even doing a quick rinse off will help to remove any pollen or dust that your hair and skin has collected during the day. You will sleep much better because you won’t be rolling around in those allergens.

3)Regularly wash your sheets and blankets during allergy season. Like showering yourself off at night, this removes those allergens from the surface of your bed so you aren’t breathing it in all night long.

4) Consider running an air filter in your room. I have had multiple patients swear that because they are so sensitive during the spring, a filter in their bedroom helps reduce the load of allergens they breathe in while sleeping. If you don’t like white noise, run it for an hour or two with the door closed before you are actually ready to fall asleep.

5)Reduce your sugar and dairy intake during allergy time. Dairy doesn’t cause your body to produce more mucus but it does thicken what you already have causing you to be more congested – and who needs thicker mucus while you’re sneezing? Sugar can suppress your immune system and during this time you need all hands on deck to remove those pollen, dust, and mold spores.