Littleton Chiropractor asked:


There are not many worse feelings than having an intense headache!  You feel unable to move, in loads of pain, and possibly even disoriented.  If you are not suffering from significant health concerns then there are 5 simple suggestions you can do to reduce the pain associated with headaches and make your life more enjoyable.

The first suggestion to reduce a headache may even save you some money.  Not bad!  That suggestion is to reduce your caffeine intake.  While coffee is considered to be the main culprit, many times sodas, teas, energy drinks, and even "indulgence" foods like chocolate (or cocoa) can be a significant contributor to your headaches.  Reducing the intake of these items, and replacing the drinks with lots of clean water can make a major step forward in reducing the magnitude of your headaches.

Next is another suggestion which can save you money and prevent other health concerns!  This suggestion is to stop use of nicotine.  While the main culprit is cigarette smoking, there are many other sources of nicotine intake.  Chewing tobacco, cigars, and even second-hand smoke (at someone else’s house or in bars and clubs) can be a significant contributor to your headaches.  Reducing exposure to nicotine is an intelligent move to make no matter how you do it.

Third is something which many parents preach to their kids since they were born.  If your parents wished you a good night’s sleep then they were teaching you something valuable!  A good night’s sleep, of uninterrupted deep rest, will go a long way toward reduce the duration and intensity of your headaches.  It also helps with your overall health, so do what you can to reduce the stress in your life so that you can get deep, quality sleep.

Next is a good diet.  This ties in with the first two suggestions, and eating healthy will allow your body (and internal systems) to work properly.  Do what you can to "clean up" your eating habits as much as possible so that you improve your overall health and, at the same time, reduce your headache pain.  Remember that a part of eating healthy is to drink sufficient amounts of water.  Talk with your doctor or nutritionist, or look at the US RDA recommendations for your height and body weight.  This is especially useful if you, traditionally, do not like drinking pure water during the day.

Finally, chiropractic adjustments can help relieve headache pain quickly.  Sometimes a patient with intense headaches has an issue with a spinal cord disc, an impinged nerve, or another issue which can be remedied in short order.  You must see a qualified, licensed chiropractor who has expertise in relieving headaches.  You should understand exactly what the doctor will do in order to help your body start working properly again.

Take these five simple steps, and you will be well on your way to reducing many of the causes of significant headache pain.  I wish you all the best in your pursuit of eliminating your headache pain.