Acupuncture Treats Headaches

Types of Headaches

Tension Headaches

• Prevalence
  • Most common, affecting up to 80% of people.
• Symptoms
  • Dull, aching pain, often like a tight band around the head.
• Triggers
  • Stress, poor posture, fatigue.
• Red Flags
  • Severe pain, headaches that wake you up, fever, or neck stiffness.

Migraines

• Prevalence
  • Affects around 14% globally.
• Symptoms
  • Severe pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound.
• Triggers
  • Hormonal changes, stress, certain foods, sleep changes.
• Red Flags
  • Sudden severe pain, headaches that wake you up, fever, confusion, vision changes.

Cluster Headaches

• Prevalence
  • Rare, occur in cycles.
• Symptoms
  • Burning or piercing pain around one eye.
• Red Flags
  • Sudden severe pain, headaches that wake you up, associated with fever or neurological symptoms.

Sinus Headaches

• Symptoms
  • Pressure-like pain in the forehead, cheeks, nose.
• Triggers
  • Sinus inflammation.
• Red Flags
  • Severe pain, headaches that wake you up, fever, or neurological symptoms.

Rebound Headaches

• Cause
  • Overuse of pain relievers.
• Symptoms
  • Frequent headaches not responsive to medication.
• Red Flags
  • Sudden severe pain, headaches that wake you up, fever, or neurological symptoms.

Self-Care Tips

• Heat/Cold Compresses

  • Cold for migraines, heat for tension headaches.

• Stay Hydrated

  • Dehydration can trigger headaches.

• Avoid Triggers

  • Alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, certain foods.

• Exercise Regularly

  • Reduces stress and improves blood flow.

• Practice Relaxation

  • Deep breathing, yoga, meditation to manage stress.

• Get Enough Sleep

  • Aim for 7-9 hours per night.

Warning Signs (Red Flags)

• Seek urgent medical attention for: 

• • Sudden severe headaches.
  • Headaches waking you up from sleep.
  • Headaches with fever, confusion, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.
  • Headaches after head/neck trauma.
  • New or different headaches, especially in those over 50 or with a history of cancer or systemic illness.