No headache is 'normal'

Headaches and migraines are so pervasive in society today that many people refer to headaches as a “normal headache”. There is no such thing as a “normal headache”. No headache is normal. All headaches are red flags signaling that something is wrong. To ignore it or to take a medication for it is like putting a piece of duct tape over the warning indicator light in your car. True, you can no longer see the light/feel the headache, but the problem is still there. Without correction, things can get worse.

Obviously, if you have a headache that is so consuming that you can’t function, use your medications, but don’t stop there. So much can be done to identify the causative factors underlying the headache. After identifying it, there are many options to eliminating them, not just covering them up.

One major cause of headaches is stress. Stress is part of the “fight or flight” mechanism. Many chemical changes occur during this response causing changes in the blood vessels that can cause headaches. Some people experience them as adrenaline skyrockets in a sudden stressful event. In addition to migraines, stress can cause chronic “tension” headaches that can interfere with the ability to concentrate, remember important details or simply cause fatigue.

Environmental factors can have an impact on head pain. Bright lights, flickering of fluorescent lights, televisions or computer monitors can trigger a headache. Noxious fumes such as turpentine, benzene, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide and even many perfumes can trigger a migraine. Extremes of any sense — sound, light, smells, etc can trigger a headache.

Headaches can be triggered by exertion such as straining, lifting or even bending. Weather changes are common triggers especially when there is a barometric change due to a weather front.

Those who suffer from headaches and migraines are familiar with most of the triggers. What is more important is to differentiate between causes and triggers. Most causes fall into 3 general categories:

Nutrition. Poor diet (junk food, processed foods, chemicalized foods) and diets low in quality nutrients underlie most of the causes of headaches and migraines. Vitamin, mineral and protein deficiencies predominate.

Toxicity. There are a multitude of environmental factors that can add up and stress the system, leading to a myriad of health conditions, and headaches are no exception.

Structural changes: Tight muscles, inflammation, swelling, spinal misalignment and pinched nerves all can contribute to headaches and migraines.

Just as there are many things that can trigger a migraine or headache, there are many effective, natural remedies that can reach deep into the causative factors. I’ve been successfully helping people eliminate their headaches and migraines for nearly four decades. Helping people with headaches and migraines is so satisfying because I’m able to make such a significant difference in their lives. Know that you don’t have to just suffer through it. There is hope.

•••

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’Alene clinic. Visit www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about her, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.