The International Headache Society has classified over 150 different types of headaches. The most common are migraines, tension, and cluster headaches. Knowing what kind of headache you are dealing with is the first step towards finding the best plan of care to find relief.

• Migraine: sensitivity to light and sound is common during migraine headaches. Approximately 1/3rd of people will experience an aura before the onset of a migraine

• Tension: almost everyone will experience a tension headache during their life. Stress, anxiety, dehydration, and even posture can trigger a tension headache

• Cluster: affecting more men than women, cluster headaches causes severe pain behind or around your eye and last between 15 minutes and 3 hours

Now that you've identified your headache type- it's important why it's happened. Next, we'll cover the top 3 causes of headaches so you will be able to take your first steps towards prevention.

Often a few simple changes in your daily routine have the potential to reduce or eliminate chronic headaches for good.

THE TOP 3 CAUSES OF HEADACHES

A variety of factors can cause primary headaches. The good news is that many of these lifestyle factors are habits and patterns that you can control. By understanding a few of the most common causes of headaches, you will have the information to make the changes needed to find lasting relief!

Ironically, one of the most common causes of headaches is the medication usually prescribed to treat headaches. Overuse of many of over the counter medications is a leading factor in a refractory or bounce-back headache, which is why pills may not be the best option for care. Many tension headaches get their start with repetitive motion and poor posture while sitting or standing at work.

Keeping your shoulders back and your spine in proper alignment throughout the day can help prevent future episodes. And finally- most of the good stuff like coffee, cheese, alcohol, and meats have substances that can cause headaches. You don't need to eliminate them, but we recommend having a watchful eye towards moderation.

• Medications: many commonly prescribed pain-relieving medications (including those prescribed for headache relief) list headaches as a top side effect

• Foods: coffee, cheese, alcohol, and many types of meat contain substances that can contribute to headaches

• Posture: forward head posture due to long hours sitting or standing at work is a primary factor in the development of tension and cervicogenic headaches

Do you see anything in the top 3 causes that may be contributing to your headaches? Taking a pro-active step of improving your posture and ergonomics at work, moderating the foods which cause headaches, or asking your medical doctor about the side effects of medications and potentially finding alternative treatment options may help you reduce the frequency, severity, and impact headaches are having in your life.

HOW TO FIND NATURAL RELIEF FROM HEADACHES

Finding natural relief for your headaches doesn't mean you need to join a food co-op and start eating granola with every meal. Natural, or organic, healthcare solutions are now being recommended by many leading healthcare organizations because of the reduction in dangerous side-effects, high patient satisfaction, and fantastic results of treatment.

Three of the most effective natural solutions for headaches include magnesium, chiropractic care, and b-vitamins. Low levels of magnesium have been linked to migraine headaches. Taking a magnesium supplement has the potential to reduce the occurrence of migraine headaches without any of the side-effects typically associated with painkillers.

B-vitamins are a powerful natural way to reduce stress and improve your mood. If stress is a significant factor in your headaches- B-vitamins may be a natural fit for relief. And finally, postural changes and muscle tensions are one of the leading causes of migraine headaches. Chiropractic care has been shown to help reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of headaches. That's what I call a winning trifecta!

• Magnesium: low levels of magnesium has been reported as a risk factor migraine headaches

• Chiropractic: researchers have discovered a reduction in the frequency, severity, and duration of headaches for individuals under chiropractic care

• B-Vitamins: these powerful vitamins have the potential to help reduce stress and improve mood which are essential factors when finding relief from headaches

As you can see, finding natural relief from headaches can be easy. What would your life look like if you could reduce, or eliminate chronic headaches?