Headaches have many causes and many natural remedies

• There are many types - and causes - of headaches.
• They can also vary in intensity from the minor, dull ache of a tension headache to the excruciating pain associated with migraines.
• Many naturopathic treatments can be used to help someone suffering from a headache, but let's first examine some of the reasons headaches happen.
• The most common are sinus infections, infected teeth or flu infections.
• Symptoms associated with sinus infections tend to include tenderness over the cheekbones or eye regions, as well as plugged up ears or a runny nose.
• Headaches can also be due to musculo-skeletal issues such as tight neck and shoulder muscles, poor posture or a misaligned spine.
• Also in this category come those headaches caused by bruxism (grinding your teeth) or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome.
• Tension headaches are usually a steady, dull pain generally at the back of the head, or with pain at both temples.
• Additional reasons for headaches include caffeine withdrawal, the "hang-over" linked with overindulgence of alcohol, and those associated with exposure to environmental toxins, stress, food sensitivities, food additives, lack of sleep, medications, bright lights, eyestrain, fumes, depression or anxiety.
• Keep in mind most headaches are benign in nature, and tend to be tension headaches, migraines or those due to sinus infections.
• Once cause is determined, there are therapies that naturopathic doctors can use to treat headaches.
• Physical medicine including massage, spinal manipulation or cranio-sacral therapy.
• Herbs and essential oils - therapies might include herbs and essential oils that are antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory or calming in nature.
• Diet and lifestyle - identify dietary food sensitivities, eliminate food additives and preservatives, ensure adequate hydration, meal timing and improving sleep habits.