Roughly 10% of the Canadian population suffer from one type of headache or migraine. This is a very high number, and what most people do not realize the cure for most is as simple as a glass of water.
The most common type is the tension headache. This is caused by tight muscles usually in the shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. They are often related to stress, insomnia, missed meals and dehydration. They are described as mild to moderate pain and feels like your head is being squeezed.
A migraine headaches is usually caused by a trigger such as certain foods, stress, anxiety, insomnia, light, hormones. It is often described as moderate to intense throbbing pain on one side of the head. It can also be accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and visual disturbances.
Treatment options:
Acupuncture can be one of the most helpful for both acute headaches and prevention. Acupuncture can help relive pain by causing the release of endorphins and increasing circulation.
Supplements can also help relieve a headache and also prevent them. Butterbur, riboflavin and magnesium can all help reduce the frequency of headaches. Other supplements such as feverfew, omegas, CoQ10 and melatonin have also been shown to help. Which supplement you go with depends on the root cause of your headaches, therefore consulting with a Naturopathic Doctor is key to your success.
When you see our Naturopathic Doctor a full medical history and relevant physical exam will be performed. He may then recommend blood work to rule out certain root cause such as diabetes, thyroid issues, and infection. Some imaging may also be suggested.
If you suffer from migraines or headaches book a consultation with Dr. Pace, Natururopathic Doctor.