Did you know?

The pain of a headache does not come from the brain itself.
In fact, there are no pain receptors in the brain tissue.
The pain of any headache comes from outside the brain in the scalp and in the meninges, the connective tissue that covers the brain.

There are two types of headaches: Vascular and non-vascular. Vascular headaches include migraines and cluster headaches. Non-vascular headaches include common or tension headaches. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and, if necessary, imaging studies such as an MRI. However, there are no absolute clear distinctions between all the different types and causes of headaches.

Common symptoms of vascular (migraine) headaches:

A severe headache that lasts 4-72 hours
Throbbing of moderate to severe intensity
Usually one-sided
Pain is worse with exertion
Headache is associated with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound or smell
Headache may be preceded by a prodrome: depression, irritability, restlessness, or decreased appetite
The individual may experience an "aura" (only in about 10-20% of sufferers) which is a transient and neurological visual, body sensation, motor or language deficit (such as flashing lights, changes in vision, tingling).
**Cluster headaches are shorter intense headaches that occur frequently throughout the day with other facial symptoms

1. Platelets (the blood clotting components) behave differently during a migraine. They become more active and group together more easily. The platelets release more serotonin which then breaks down more quickly than usual.
2. There may be more histamine released during a migraine which increases inflammation and pain.
3. During a prodrome, changes in brain and scalp arterial blood flow occur. There is reduced blood flow followed by increased blood flow.
4. Migraine sufferers are sensitive to anything that increases inflammation and capillary permeability which then irritate the nerves and cause pressure and pain.

High blood pressure
Blood sugar problems
Poor posture and muscle tension
Glare or eyestrain
Vitamin deficiencies
Tumours, blood clots, stroke, glaucoma

Common tension (non-vascular) headaches, on the other hand, are more likely caused by irritation of the nerves. These nerves travel through muscle and joint spaces. Therefore triggers can be:

General muscle tension of neck, face or scalp
Stress
Inflammation
Toxic irritants from environment and diet
Poor posture and weak muscles
Sinus, dental or ear infections
Head and neck injuries
Even ill fitting shoes!

Headache Relief and Treatment:

Painkillers are the first line medications prescribed for all headaches in conventional medicine. Allergy medication, anti-depressants, and blood pressure medications are also common conventional treatments for migraine headaches. These are not cures. Once you stop the medication, the headache returns.

The naturopathic approach to headaches of any kind is to find the underlying cause. Chronic headaches are signs of imbalance. For migraines, there is an abnormal physiological response to otherwise harmless stimuli. Therefore, naturopathic treatment is twofold: Acute pain relief and long term prevention. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective for managing pain. Diet, homeopathy and lifestyle counseling are effective for prevention.

You deserve a life free from pain and medication. Don’t be held prisoner by your headaches!