Stress often contributes to a headache, but it can also come out of nowhere. Either way, it might seem like you are constantly battling a headache. We understand how frustrating and painful that can be, but it is important to understand more about your headache–it might be more than just a common ache.
Whether you suffer from a headache or a migraine, the underlying cause of your pain might be related to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk as well as what treatment might help provide you relief from your pain.
Eliminate these risk factors
To take steps to alleviate your headache, it is important to reduce the number of risk factors present. Some common causal factors might include:
- Supporting your bite.
- Improving sleeping habits.
- Avoiding certain smells.
- Drinking less or eliminating alcohol use.
- Increasing exercise and losing weight.
- Controlling teeth grinding.
- Avoiding yeast and preservatives in food.
- Improving posture.
If you can eliminate some or all of these risk factors, you will be taking a big step in the right direction for eliminating your pain.
Look to these treatment options
First, we will need to determine the type of headache you are suffering from. Once we determine the type of headache, then we can provide proper treatment for your specific condition. For example, there are two treatment options available for migraines: preventive and abortive. Preventive medications seek to avoid the occurrence of a migraine while abortive medications relieve the pain after the onset.
Additionally, tension-type headaches, if caused by muscle tension in the neck or scalp, might experience relief with a massage. Over the counter pain medications can also offer effective relief from pain as well. For cluster headaches, over the counter pain relievers typically do not help relieve pain.
If you are experiencing frequent headaches, please contact us at AZ Sleep & TMJ Solutions for more information.