Common sense approach to treating headache problems

Common sense strategies

It takes common sense and basic guidance to get the best results in a headache treatment program. Although we cannot give anyone common sense in this web page, we can give you some guidance. For one thing, to loosely paraphrase Henny Youngman, if something makes you hurt, don't do it! All successful treatment strategies must stress a search for triggers and you need to avoid them. Many times a person will not be aware of a trigger unless they look for it. Remember, this has very little to do with allergies, the headache triggers are based on an individual's response to a food, odor, etc. and this is not an allergic mechanism. Allergic responses are usually associated with itching, rashes, swelling of the lips, etc. and this is not to be confused with headache triggers. Think of this as a sensitivity rather than allergy.

Things around you that cause headaches. Environmental influences such as barometric changes before a storm, odors, etc. are all triggers and even your own perfume or cologne may be a trigger substance in certain circumstances. You must be observant and keep a headache diary to look for patterns. Click here for some environmental triggers.

Things you eat that trigger headaches. What you eat is a very important aspect of headache avoidance. Many people are told to go on total deprivation diets and these are usually unsuccessful. Click here for information on foods that relate to headaches.

Things you take that trigger headaches. Ironically, the very meds that you might intend to take away a headache may be the cause of the headaches. Click here for information on medications triggering headaches.

Lifestyle factors that can cause headaches. The way you live your life can make you more vulnerable to headaches. Click here to see some of these lifestyle considerations.

Weekend and "let down" headaches This is a common phenomenon that makes your leisure time very unpleasant. If you have noticed this pattern, click here.

Hormones and menstrual headaches. It is quite common to hear questions about hormones and headaches, click here for more information.

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