Are Headaches Getting You Down?

Headaches are pain in the head that is located above the eyes or ears, behind the head or in the back of the upper neck. Most headaches are classified as primary headache, which means there is no underlying disease which could cause the pain. There are three types of primary headaches:

• Tension headache - this is the most common type of primary headache and is usually caused by stress, anxiety and depression.
• Migraine headaches - these are the second most common type of primary headache are are caused by enlargement of blood vessels under the skin near the temple combined with release of chemicals from nerves that surround the blood vessels.
• Cluster headaches - although rare, these are headaches that recur over weeks or months.

Try a Natural Supplement for Relief

• For tension headaches, try 5-HTP. This amino acid is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, essential for controlling mood, sleep and pain levels. 5-HTP may also reduce the frequency of headaches.
• If migraines are your problem, consider magnesium. Deficiency in magnesium can result in headaches, backaches and muscle spasms. Feverfew, a medicinal herb, may also help prevent migraines and lessen their severity.
• Cluster headaches may be managed with melatonin, a natural hormone that can be taken before bedtime to reduce the frequency of this type of headache.