Head pain has the power to make even the simplest tasks difficult. And while painkillers provide temporary headache relief, identifying the cause of your pain helps prevent future issues so you can enjoy a healthier, happier life. If you frequently experience headaches, learn about some of the most common causes and what you can do about them.

Common Causes of Headaches

Typically characterized as a tension, sinus, cluster, or migraine headache, this discomfort can occur for a variety of reasons. Some lifestyle factors such as work-related stress, processed meals, certain medications, poor quality of sleep, and lack of water can all cause headaches. This is why drinking alcohol sometimes induces pain, as it can lead to dehydration. 

In some cases, headaches are caused by another medical condition, including excessive fluid in the sinuses from an infection or low blood sugar. Changes in hormones can also cause discomfort, which is why many women experience headaches during their menstrual cycles. 

Poor posture and spinal misalignments are among the other common causes of headaches, as incorrect posture interferes with healthy blood flow. This is especially common among workers who have to sit at a computer for hours each day. Finally, whiplash and other injuries can cause misalignments in the neck and spine that impede blood flow and trigger pain.

How to Relieve Headaches 

While headache relief may be as simple as eating the right foods and drinking enough water, chronic head pain requires professional care from a doctor. If they suspect your pain is related to poor posture or another reason stemming from spinal misalignments, they might refer you to a chiropractor. This type of provider will identify the exact cause of your pain and provide headache relief through neck and spinal adjustments, instead of painkillers or invasive treatments. Chiropractors can also provide lifestyle tips to reduce the likelihood of headaches, such as enjoying a healthy and balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in regular physical activity.

Get the headache relief you need with help from Gateway Chiropractic Center in Crossville, TN. Chiropractor and certified medical examiner Dr. Michael Ellis has served Cumberland County since 1984, providing the personalized, holistic care patients need to live pain-free lives. His team is dedicated to helping everyone achieve their health and wellness goals, which is why they offer nutritional tips and lifestyle advice, in addition to spinal adjustments and manipulations. Call (931) 484-3135 today to schedule an appointment or visit the chiropractor online for more information about headache relief. For more natural healing tips, like the practice on Facebook.