Things To Do When You Have Headaches

If you suffer from headaches, you're not alone. Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, with millions of people affected yearly. Headaches can be caused by several things, including stress, lack of sleep, and particular food. It is a common ailment that most cases can be treated at home.

“People often deal with headaches immediately through over-the-counter medications even without proper prescription from their doctors. But little do they know that there are a few simple tips you can do to help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches,” says Layla Colling, a health expert and contributor at Health Hero.

Why Do We Have Headaches?

There are many different reasons why people experience headaches. Headaches can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, hunger, and many other factors. In some cases, headaches can be a symptom of a more severe condition such as migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches.

Things To Do When You Have Headaches

Some lifestyle changes can help you eliminate your headaches for a long time without relying on heavy medications. Here are things you can do to deal with your headaches! Read along to find out.

1. Stay Hydrated

One of the most important things you can do to prevent headaches is to stay hydrated. Headaches can be caused by dehydration, so ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Also, cut back on caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda. Too much caffeine can lead to dehydration, which can, in turn, cause headaches.

2. Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and tension, which can trigger headaches. Regular aerobic exercise helps reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

3. Manage Stress

Another good way to prevent headaches is to reduce stress. Stress can trigger headaches, so try to find ways to relax and de-stress. Exercise, deep breathing, and yoga are all great ways to reduce stress. If you can't avoid a stressful situation, try to take some time out for yourself to relax and unwind.

4. Avoid Triggers

Headaches can be triggered by certain foods, drinks, or activities. When you get headaches, try to identify any potential triggers. Once you know your triggers, you can avoid them as much as possible. Foods high in histamine can trigger headaches, so avoid aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods.

5. See A Physio

You must see a physio if you're suffering from frequent or severe headaches. A physio can provide you with more information and resources to help you get relief.

Get Rid of Pesky Headaches

If you're struggling to manage your headaches on your own, My Therapist Group is here to help.

My Therapist Group is here to guide you in getting rid of your headaches. We are health professionals dedicated to providing sustainable ways to make you healthier and alleviate illnesses that prevent you from enjoying life.

Book us for a consultation to say goodbye to your headache.

TMJ Disorder: Everything You Need to Know

TMJ Disorder: Everything You Need to Know

You may not give much thought to your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), yet you use them often. Joints connect your jawbone and skull and every time you speak, chew or swallow, your TMJ activates. TMJ disorder develops when there is a problem with your jaw muscles or joints, which may be painful. The disorder may occur as a result of a jaw injury, arthritis-related inflammation, or stress.

“Environmental or physiological factors such as bad posture can also lead to TMJ disorders. For example, TMJ pains may arise from improper postures, such as louching while putting a hand under the chin. Such habits could impact facial features and result in facial problems.” adds Nate Ward, TMJ recovered patient and senior accountant at Accountants Brisbane.

So, if you’re experiencing early symptoms of TMJ disorder, read our helpful guide on everything you need to know about TMJ disorder to help you better understand the condition.

What Is A TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull. It is located at the back of the cheeks, just below the ears, which allows us to talk, chew and swallow.

TMJ pain is an early symptom of TMJ disorder (TMD) which can be discomforting since the joints are essential for jaw movement. However, pain and discomfort in TMJ aren’t uncommon. In a 2018 study of the National Library of Medicine, it is estimated that there is a 23% prevalence of the temporomandibular joint disorder in the Australian population.  

Furthermore, the jaw joint and the muscles that regulate the jaw are affected by TMJ disorders. Because of the complexity of this joint, diagnosing and treating them can be difficult. Thus, patients and clinicians alike must be aware of the origins, symptoms, and treatments available for TMJ disorders.

 

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

In most cases, the causes of TMJ disorders are not clear, but experts believe it can arise from muscle pain in the jaw area, injury, and arthritis. Some of the other causes include:

1. Stress

2. Bad posture

3. Arthritis in the TMJ

4. Deterioration of the TMJ

5. In-born structural jaw problems

6. An improper bite, and sometimes overbite

7. History of bruxism, also called teeth grinding or clenching

Chronic jaw clenching and grinding can significantly affect the TMJ due to high pressure. As a result, the disc moves out of its place or gets injured. Stress also causes most people to clench their teeth, often subconsciously. Even some people grind their teeth when asleep.

Experts are also looking into hormones as triggers of TMJ disorders as more women experience the condition than the male population.

What Are The Symptoms Of TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder often causes pain, tenderness, unusual “ticking muscle” sounds, and restricted movements. Common symptoms also include:

1. The jaw clicks or pops.

2. Swelling on the jaw area

3. Pain in one or both of the TMJ

4. Stiffness or soreness in the jaw muscle

5. The jaw locks, which makes it difficult to open your mouth wide

6. Difficulty chewing due to improper bite or misalignment of upper and lower teeth

7. Pain or tenderness in the face area, jawbone area, in and around the ears when you speak and eat

In severe conditions, TMJ Disorders can also cause migraines or pains around the head, ears, and neck, which spread to the back. Most patients also observe unusual popping and clicking sounds. However, these sounds are pretty familiar, and medical advice should only be sought when other symptoms such as restricted movement simultaneously occur with the unusual noise.

How To Treat TMJ Disorders?

Although TMJ disorders and jaw pains manifest in many ways, it is surprisingly easy to treat with physiotherapy.

My Therapist Group and our professional physiotherapists tailor treatment plans that could best help our patients. We understand that any pain is the last thing that you would want. That’s why we collaborate with physicians and other health care experts to make sure you make the most out of your daily routines.

Plus, if you have been suffering from chronic pain for the last two years and up, you can save the cost of five treatment plans in a year under our Enhanced Primary Care Plan. So book an appointment with us and experience the difference.