Headaches: What They Say About Your Health
By Sara Butler
Headaches are no fun. From the types of headaches that make you feel as if your head is splitting open to the dull throbs that go on all day, headaches can wreak havoc. If you have frequent headaches, then it's time to try to figure out why. While headaches have different causes, there are some that signify that something deeper may be going on. Here's what your headaches may be trying to tell you about your health.
The Types of Headaches
There are three main types of headaches: cluster, migraine, and tension. Cluster headaches are normally felt on one side of the head and can last for weeks or even months, occurring in cycles. Migraines are incredibly painful headaches that can cause sensitivity to touch, smell, sound, and light, lasting from four hours to 72 hours. Tension headaches can strike anyone and lead to tightness in the neck, head, or scalp.
What Headaches Are Telling You
No matter what type of headache you suffer from, if you have a constant headache then it might be one of a few things:
- You're stressed out - Stress can lead to headaches, so make sure you're dealing with stress effectively in your life and using self-care techniques to nip it in the bud
- You need to drink more water - Dehydration can also be a cause of headaches, so make sure you're drinking enough water
- You have anemia - If your body doesn't have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body, then it can bring on symptoms that include headaches as well as fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness. Talk to a healthcare professional if you suspect you have anemia because it's a serious condition that needs treatment.
- You suffer from a chronic disease - Headaches can be common side effects of other chronic illnesses such as diabetes, fibromyalgia, and lupus. If you have chronic headaches, then talk to a healthcare professional, especially if you suspect a chronic disease is the root cause.
- You suffer from sinus infections - Sinus infections can cause headaches that feel like a migraine, so recurrent headaches that involve sinus symptoms need to be checked out and treated
- You drink too much coffee - Coffee, or any beverage with a lot of caffeine, may be to blame for your headaches. If you notice chronic headaches and can't think of any other cause, then maybe you should try cutting back on your daily caffeine intake to see if it helps.
You don't have to live with headaches. If you have them, then get to the bottom of their cause with the help of the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Katy, Tex.