3 Surprising Causes of Headaches
As an acupuncturist and TCM practitioner, I’ve had the opportunity to help many people over the years find relief from different causes of headaches - sometimes those that are incredibly debilitating. And at Yellow Gazebo we have several other services that can help too, including chiropractic, physiotherapy, osteopathy, and massage therapy. You might even say we’re a one-stop-shop for pain up top! Lol.
Regardless of what services you choose to use at YG, discovering the cause of your headaches can be a great first step towards ridding yourself of your cerebral discomfort. Below is a short list of some causes of head pain that might just surprise you. A few that I skipped because I wasn’t sure they’d actually surprise you very much (but are worth noting anyway) include dehydration, an incorrect prescription on your glasses or contact lenses, and an improper diet (ie one without enough vegetables - especially greens).
1. Your Stuff. That’s right, all your “stuff” that you’ve packed into that backpack, your over-the-shoulder bag, or the purse that you’re lugging around all day. If you’re not also a fiend for posture exercises at the gym, you’re likely not walking upright enough to manage your own body weight, never mind the extra poundage you’re adding from all that junk on your back. See one of our physiotherapists or osteopaths for some pain relief as well as some exercises for posture.
2. Your Headache Medication. Well, it does say in the title that these might be surprising, so…. And yes, medication for headaches can actually cause them if you’re using it too much (called “rebound” headaches) or incorrectly in other ways. See your doctor to make sure you’re using your medication correctly, and see one of our chiropractors for some quick relief the next time you feel one coming on.
3. Sleep. Yes, while sleep can be the reliever you need to deal with the headache, the way you sleep can often be a contributor to the headaches themselves. Sleep apnea can be contributing so if you think you’re at risk, see your MD and ask to get a sleep study performed. Pillows that are too old, too big or too small should be addressed (try to sleep with your head in-line with your spine, and not above or below). And finally, you may be clenching your jaw while you sleep and the tension created may be contributing to your head pain. See one of our acupuncturists or massage therapists to deal with jaw (and likely neck) tension.
Have more questions? Want to book an appointment to see one of our many therapists on-hand? Feel free to call us at 416-909-2334, email us at info@yellowgazeboclinic, or use the online booking link below.
