How to Treat Headaches and Migraines
There are over 150 types of headaches! Up to 75% of adults worldwide have had at least 1 headache in the past year. Others can suffer on a weekly or even daily basis! Headaches are also one of the most common reasons for missing school or work.
Headaches fall into 2 main categories. Primary headaches, which aren’t caused by another medical condition, and secondary headaches which are caused by existing conditions, the headache can be a symptom of the existing condition.
The Primary category includes:
Cluster
Hypnic
Migraine
Tension
The Secondary category includes:
Aneurysm
Brain tumors
Meningitis
Neck or brain injury
Cluster Headache
This type of headache appears in cycles that can last hours or even days! It’s also by far the most painful.
Cluster headaches usually have a very sudden onset
Average age is between 20-30 with first onset
Affects less than 1% of the population
Hypnic Headache (HH)
These dull headaches are rare and only occur during sleep, usually at the same time at night.
Usually happens after the age of 50
Happen at least 15 times per month
Migraine and Hypertension sufferers are more likely to develop HH
Migraine Headache
This is the second most common type of headache. Migraines are the most debilitating.
Affects 16-17% of the population
25% of women and 8% of men will have at least 1 migraine in their lifetime
60% of migraines are present on only 1 side
85% report a trigger
Average age of onset is between 5 and 8 years old
Tension Headache
Tension headaches are the most common. They can be episodic, occurring less than 15 times per month, or chronic, occurring more than 15 times per month.
80-90% of the population suffer from tension headaches
88% of women 69% of men experience them
Typical age of onset is 9-12 years old
Magnesium for Headaches and Migraines
Some studies show that up to 50% of migraine sufferers are deficient in magnesium. You may benefit from eating more magnesium-rich foods like spinach, legumes, almonds, cashews, peanut butter, and whole grains. You could also benefit by adding a magnesium supplement to your regimen.
Talk to your doctor first to make sure there are no reactions with any medications for infections, heartburn, or high blood pressure. If your doctor approves the use of a magnesium supplement, ask to have a bottle included in your next free prescription delivery, or added to your Care-Fill dose packs for convenience.
A lot of foods are known to be triggers for headaches. You might be able to reduce the number of headaches you get by trying a low-tyramine diet. Download a free guideline here.
Sources:
headaches.org
migraineagain.com
webmd.com