Drug-Free Approaches to Headache Prevention

Do some people visit the chiropractor for the purpose of headache prevention/relief? Yes! Getting “adjusted” by a chiropractor can help with headaches, including migraines. Indeed, chiropractic visits are just one of the many drug-free approaches to headache prevention. What are some others?

If you do have a headache (or feel one coming on) and you want to get some relief, try using your fingers pressing both the brow line as well as under your eyes. Rub your temples and jaw in a circular motion. And, though this sounds odd, try massaging the base of your skull with a tennis ball for some relief.

For headache prevention, how are your sleeping habits? Some of the drug-free things you can do to get better sleep at night so your head won’t hurt include not taking naps during the day, not reading/watching TV/listening to music in bed, not using your phone at bedtime, and not eating heavy meals right before bed. Also, how’s your overall health routine? Are you at a healthy weight or not? Do you get regular exercise? Pursuing a more fit lifestyle should help prevent headaches. Also, don’t skip meals. Make sure you drink plenty of water. You’d be surprised how many people have headaches because they’re dehydrated.

Could your headaches be caused by certain foods/drinks you consume? Oftentimes, cutting out alcohol, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, processed meats, aged cheeses, MSG and aspartame can ultimately lead to feeling better with fewer (or no) headaches. If you’re currently drinking lots of soda pop daily, wean yourself off of it over the course of a couple days.

Headaches are often triggered by stress, so anything you can do to relax can help prevent them. Tense and relax different muscles in your body. Breathe deeply. Get regular cardio exercise.

Finally, there are a couple other things people do to deal with headaches, including acupuncture, biofeedback, and massage.

Have you tried a number of drug-free ideas to prevent headaches and/or ease the tension in your head, but haven’t had success… yet? Why not try chiropractic and see if it helps? Make an appointment at Lakewoods Chiropractic in Forest Lake, MN, by calling 651-464-0800 or emailing info@lakewoodschiropractic.com.