Headaches

Headaches are one of the leading causes of missed work and school. The absenteeism, lost productivity and medical expenses cost U.S. industry some $50 billion a year.

Doctors often don't spend the time necessary to assess the headache. It is often a very good idea to do a complete physical exam and assess the pain, its frequency and location, other symptoms and possible contributing factors which may include food allergies and toxic chemicals.

Aside from trauma and poisons, headaches can stem from numerous causes including stress, eyestrain, hunger, fever, underlying infections or illnesses, or blood vessel disturbances in the head. Also muscle tension in the neck, head, back or shoulders usually due to fatigue or stress. Infections of the ears, mouth or sinuses; high blood pressure; glaucoma; allergies; brain tumors or abscesses; some drugs and various foods; and QUITE often, bad breathing.

Most of the suspects such as MSG, an often allergenic food additive, chocolate, ripe cheeses, freshly baked yeast products, contain a naturally occurring chemical called tyramine, which may constrict blood vessels in the brain.

If you get a headache when you exercise, see your doctor to rule out heart problems or brain damage.

Blood vessel constriction from stress, muscle tension and a UDB (unbalanced deep breathing); high blood pressure causing headaches can often be offset actively by breathing in a specific way to stimulate a balanced deeper relaxation response. If the below mentioned exercise works, then we suggest you develop your breathing to make that calming action stronger and more dependable.

Some headaches are a sign of a serious medical condition. The headache council recommends you contract your doctor if:

• You have three or more headaches a week.
• You take a pain reliever daily or almost daily.
• You take more than recommended doses of over-the-counter medications.
• Your headaches are triggered by exertion, coughing, bending or sex.
• Your headache keeps worsening and won't go away.
• Your headaches began after age 50.
• Your headaches began after a head injury.
• Your headache is accompanied by a stiff neck, fever, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, severe vomiting, unsteadiness, weakness, slurred speech, numbness, tingling, or unexpected symptoms affecting your eyes, ears, nose or throat.