Headaches can cause pain that runs the gamut from mild to debilitating. No matter the severity of your discomfort, you want to get relief as soon as possible so you can get back to feeling your best. The chiropractic services team at Ark-La-Tex Health Center in Texarkana, AR, is experienced in providing headache relief and shares tips on how to ease and prevent this kind of pain.

4 Tips for Reducing Your Risk of a Headache

Stay Hydrated & Sleep Well

If you keep your body hydrated and maintain a consistent sleep schedule, you will reduce your risk of headaches. Drink water throughout the day and get at least 7–8 hours of sleep each night.

Avoid Headache- & Migraine-Causing Foods

Migraines often are brought on by food triggers such as aged cheeses, processed meats, red wine, and other foods high in nitrates. Some people also get headaches from artificial sweeteners and cold foods like ice cream. Avoiding these items will help you prevent headaches.

Avoid Allergens

Many people have allergies or intolerances to foods such as shellfish, soy, corn, or wheat that can produce severe headaches. Environmental allergies like mold and pollen as well as reactions to chemical products used to clean homes also can bring on pain. Eating nonprocessed foods, using a humidifier, and switching to natural-based cleaning supplies can ease responses.

Keep a Journal

Doctors often advise patients who suffer from migraines and chronic headaches to document their condition each day. Recording when your headaches occur, their severity and duration, and what might have triggered them will help you recognize behavior to avoid.

4 Tips for Getting Headache Relief

Lie Down in the Dark

Many sufferers find headache relief by eliminating stimuli. Turn off the lights, close the curtains or blinds, eliminate loud sounds and strong scents, and try to lie still and relax.

Meditate

Meditation and focused breathing will help you calm down, become more in tune with your body, and reduce the tension that might be causing your headaches. A few minutes of mindfulness several times a day could make a significant difference in your headache pain level and frequency.

Use Heat

Taking a hot shower or putting a warm towel on the back of your neck will ease muscle tension. This in turn could reduce your headache symptoms.

Get an Adjustment From a Chiropractor

Headaches often are a sign of other problems, such as neck or back conditions. Scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor for an adjustment will improve the alignment of your spine and possibly alleviate headaches as well as neck and back pain.

If you are seeking headache relief, contact the chiropractic staff at Ark-La-Tex Health Center in Texarkana, AR. They understand how spinal health impacts other areas of the body and can make adjustments to improve your overall well-being. Call (870) 773-7246 to make an appointment and visit them online for more information about their chiropractic services.