Headaches

Chronic headaches can be very debilitating. I personally experience migraine, cluster, tension, TMJ, sinus and other headaches.
As a nurse I feel frustrated that I can't make my body respond and get better. I'm sure other headache sufferers feel very similar.

Here are a few tips I have found useful.

1. Get enough sleep. Go to bed at the same time. Use your bed for sleep and nothing else.
2. Avoid extreme Noise and Bright or Flashing lights whenever possible. If you are experiencing a headache go to a quiet dark room and rest with ice applied to your head and or neck.
3. Keep a log of when your headaches happen, try to identify the inciting event such as eating a certain food, a stressful situation, and so forth. Note how long the headache lasts and what you did to relieve it.
4.) Share this log with your doctor. If you haven't sought out professional medical assistance do so now. Do not ignore or gloss over persistent or chronic headaches. They can be the sign of another problem that requires proper attention.
5.) Know your limits. Learn how to say no.
6.) Give yourself relaxation and fun time.

The following physicians have been extremely helpful to me:
1.) Carol Foster MD at Headache Clinic - Valley Neurological
2.) Dr. Joseph R. Cohen at Southwest Pain Management Associates
3.) The entire staff at Foothills Neurology.
4.) Andrea Orlowski NMD at Inner Light Health
5.) Jason Porter NMD at East Valley Naturopathic.

There are many other qualified physicians in the Phoenix Metro area. If you don't live in this part of the world seek out professional assistance where you are at.

May you have a happy and healthy 2010,
Rachel Andersen