NARRATOR: Headaches-- we all get
them at one time or another.
They're usually harmless.
But there are a few things you
may not know about headaches.
Number one, there are really
only three major types
of headaches-- tension
headaches, which are caused
by tight neck muscles;
vascular headaches
like migraines or cluster
headaches, which come
from changes in your blood
vessels;
and condition-related headaches
caused by things like sinuses,
hormones, or medications.
There are some weird ones, too--
weather related headaches,
headaches caused by your period,
a lack of sleep, too much sleep,
or even sex headaches,
which come on after orgasm.
That's no fun at all.
Number two,
there are some odd treatments,
too.
Everything from yoga to yogurt
has been tried to treat
headaches.
And some treatments work better
than others.
If tense muscles are
your problem, yoga can certainly
help along
with other relaxing technique
like biofeedback, massage,
and acupuncture.
Number three, what you eat
matters.
Did you know aged cheeses
like feta, Parmesan,
and blue cheese all have
a chemical called tyramine
that can cause headaches?
Other foods like hot dogs,
bacon, and other cured meats
have nitrates and nitrites that
can be a real pain in the head.
Salt, caffeine, alcohol,
and the food additive MSG can
also be a problem
for some people.
The best way to figure out which
foods affect you
is keep a headache journal.
Number four, straighten up.
Mom always said good posture was
important.
And she was right.
Most of us spend all day
slouching, squinting,
and scrunching up
those next muscles.
Those are all great ways
to get a headache.
Go for a walk.
Talk to a coworker in person
instead of sending an email.
Or even do some stretches right
at your desk.
Last but certainly not least,
number five, pay attention.
Most headaches aren't cause
for alarm.
But if you're getting them
a few times a week
or if they're keeping you
from living your life,
go see a doctor.
Headaches can signal high blood
pressure, cancer, mineral
deficiencies, or eye problems.
So don't ignore them.
And those are the five things
you need to know
about headaches.
