Lifestyle can stop headaches

almost half of the Spaniards my head hurts from time to time, and sometimes it can be daily pain And a real nightmarebut this irritation can be put an end to by some changes in life habits integrated approach and close attention to everyone type of headacheAccording to the coordinator Headache Unit of Quironsalud San José Hospitaldoctor Lucia Vidorreta Ballesteros.

“It is important to know that in most cases, with sufficient knowledge about each type of pain along with Holistic approach And comprehensive every action and close attention, you can live no headache“, says Dr. Ballesteros.

Within Headache include tension headaches, migraines, or migrainetrigeminal neuralgia, Arnold’s neuralgia or occipital neuralgia, continuous or paroxysmal hemicrania, cluster headache, exercise headache, hypnic or nocturnal headache, post-coital headache or post-COVID headache.

Overwhelming majority primary painbut in some cases pain secondary to another pathology (hypertension, vascular malformations, intracranial hemorrhages, trauma, brain tumors, infections). For this reason, history of the clinic And Complete neurological examinationand sometimes vascular examination (doppler ultrasound) and/or image test (resonance, cranial-cervical CT).

There are many myths about headachebut Dr. Ballesteros assures that “Obviously lifestyle has an impact” since with a given predisposition to headaches, certain factors may act as triggers or aggravating factors pain crises such as: stress, anxiety, poor night sleep, tobacco or alcohol, hormonal imbalance, obesity And painkiller abuse.

Over the years, attempts have been made to link several dishes/drinks However, with the onset of headache attacks, more and more scientific data refute restrictive diets in a generalized form. It seems more correct that, in particular, some patients may have certain products or connections which contribute to pain.

Likewise, calendar or entry headache days helps determine exceptional situations in which foods consumed 24 hours before an attack could act as triggers. Only in these cases can you try to reduce or limit your consumption.

In general terms, the ideal is to give preference balanced diet And various, rich in omega-3 And antioxidantsavoiding excess sugar, as well as fast foods and processed foods.

On the other hand, there is a close connection between sleep and headache (in particular, migraine, as well as tension headache), since this is a complex phenomenon in which attacks of pain can be both provoked and relief from sleep. The expert notes that “there is delicate balance between both aspects” because “insufficient sleep may arise pain the next day and record it in time, but too much sleep“.

It is believed that a migraine attack may be extreme reaction and abnormally compensatory of this system, trying restore balance.

“Obviously, maintaining balanced sleep-wake cycle may reduce attacks of pain. A proper sleep hygiene It is essential to maintain a regular schedule, stay up late, create a calm environment for rest, and avoid irritants (electronic devices, artificial light sources, energy drinks, caffeine) before bed. All this can contribute regular and restful sleep“, says Dr. Ballesteros.

Thus, the expert comes to the conclusion that “the patient, aware your type of headache and everything that positive influence or negative In his daily life he is an empowered patient who, with the help of experts a lot of possibilities clip the wings of his pain.”