What Your Headache Might Be Trying to Tell You
By Genevieve Cunningham
Headaches can be so incredibly frustrating. Whether it's a tiny little nagging headache or one that knocks you down and puts you in the bed, there's absolutely no doubt that any sort of recurring headache gets in the way or your everyday life. But headaches are more than just an annoyance. If you listen carefully, they're usually trying to tell you something about your health that needs attention. If you're tired of dealing with pain in the head, take a look at these little things a headache might be trying to tell you.
You're Sick
A headache can be a sign of illness. When we're sick, it can cause a wide array of side effects including fever, night sweats, cough, body aches, and headaches. If a headache suddenly shows up and is persistent, take a close look at whether you have any other symptoms. If illness is the cause of your headache, your only options are to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, see a doctor for medication, or wait out a passing virus.
You're Stressed
We live in a stressful world. It seems like no matter which way we turn, we have a million things to worry about -- finances, job satisfaction, health matters, family situations. It never ends. And then we have social media that makes it all worse. Too much stress can cause headaches, muscle aches, and all kinds of pain and discomfort. The only cure? Get rid of some stress. Learn to prioritize and say no and unwind at the end of the day. With less daily stress, you may find that your headaches become a thing of the past.
You're Holding Tension
A lot of things can cause us to hold tension in our bodies. And when it comes to headaches, the tension is usually held in the back or neck. If you slept wrong, you might have some tension in the neck. If you lifted something with poor form, you might have some tension in the back. You can also have tension from sitting too much, desk work, or even exercise. If you have tension, you can do specific stretches, see a chiropractor, and make small changes to your daily routine to alleviate the tension and feel your best.
Headaches are common and even considered normal. But that doesn't mean we should just ignore them. Pay attention. Listen carefully. Headaches are your body's way of giving you information. Consider these options, make some necessary changes, and you may be able to beat the headaches once and for all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aiken, S.C.