Headaches or head pain are common occurrences that pretty much everyone will experience in their lifetime. The World Health Organization says that 47 percent of Americans had at least one headache within the last year. While headache pain can be linked to genetics, it may also be a result of poor lifestyle choices. This includes being overweight, not exercising enough, and smoking. A Norway study found that these factors increase the risk of chronic headaches by 30 percent.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our providers work with patients individually to uncover the possible causes of their pain. A look into the patient’s medical history and lifestyle can indicate what has caused or continues to cause painful symptoms. Headaches can develops from a number of factors, and the experts at Southwest Spine and Pain has the best physicians and technologies that can help manage patients’ pain.
Patients should always implement pain management strategies at home. Consider these tips to reduce your headaches and get on the path to a healthier life:
Exercise more. Walking, biking, swimming, running, and stretching can help manage weight and relieve headache pain.
Control your weight. Obesity is linked to a number of health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, and headaches.
Adjust sleeping patterns. People should get between six to eight hours of sleep each night. Fatigue and restlessness could bring on a headache.
Modify diet. Some foods actually increase the severity of your headaches and trigger their onset. Keep a headache diary to pinpoint which foods promote your headaches and which foods keep your painful symptoms as bay.
Quit smoking. Continual studies show that smoking, while linked to a number of awful health problems, also increases the risk of headaches.
Limit stress. Physical and emotional stress can worsen your health condition. Limit your stress through medication and exercise.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2014