It’s that time of year again; winter scented candles, Christmas lists, holiday shopping, and everything that goes along with it. Thanksgiving has yet to come, but most of us are already feeling the stress and headaches that often come during the winter season.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we want to bring pain relief in every form to our patients so that they can enjoy their holidays. Many migraine and headache sufferers anticipate the upcoming agony, but by following our advice, the holidays will be much more merry.
- Alcohol. Holiday parties will offer up many cocktails. These seasonal celebrations will make it hard not to overindulge. Instead, drink in moderation or choose water to stay hydrated and avoid headaches.
- Holiday foods. Avoid red wine, MSG, chocolate, aged cheese, ham, processed meats, sauerkraut, and beer. Instead eat more greens, fish oil, olive oil, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
- Holiday lights. What’s celebrating without decorative lights, right? Don’t throw away your lights in fear of migraines. Instead, use soft lighting and try not to stare too long at the holiday lights or glare from the snow! P.S. Get a good pair of sunglasses for those sunny snowy days.
- Perfume samples. Chances are, you’ll be spending ample time at the mall doing holiday shopping. Avoid the beauty counters and perfume samples. P.S. Pine and cinnamon scents are big holiday headache triggers.
- Caffeine. If you need your coffee kick to keep you going each day, try drinking in moderation. Choose a green tea or flavored water instead.
Headaches and migraines are more likely and more frequent when you’re stressed. Try and get all of your holiday shopping out of the way well before Christmas. Get a good night’s sleep each night. If you feel overwhelmed this winter, make a list! There will be lots of chores and errands to be done which can be better executed with a nice, organized, stress-free list.
For more information on how to reduce your headaches this winter, talk with your Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician today!
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With four locations and same day appointments, 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, 2013
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