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Headache causes and exercises

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Headaches are one of the most common conditions in today’s population, in fact, some statistics suggest that more than 50% of older people present this ailment in different forms at least once every month. However, despite its frequency, there is little knowledge about what to do in cases of these headaches other than taking an analgesic, which only relieves the symptom but does not address the cause.

At FastlyHealwe share some exercises for headaches , so that you have at hand alternative resources to drugs to treat this disease, from the symptom and even from the cause.

Causes of headache

To know what we want to alleviate or eradicate, we must first identify the possible causes of its origin. The brain is the most essential organ for our functioning, so its warnings in the event of any failure or deficiency will always be greater and, in most cases, very annoying and disabling, since it is a fundamental part of the functioning of the whole. .

There are many causes of headaches . They can be summarized in the following categories:

  • Diet and metabolism : a poorly nourished brain can alert you not only through hunger but also through pain, indicating that it needs some essential nutrients. Metabolic problems, such as insulin resistance , are also involved in the health and performance of the brain, as well as in the absorption of nutrients.
  • Neuroinflammation : either due to stress, consumption of neurostimulants or analgesics. Neuroinflammation as a product of chronic stress generates neurological irritation, similar to the consumption of drugs, products high in sugar and / or monosodium glutamate. Consistent use of pain relievers increases the chances of headaches.
  • Eye strain : it is common in modern life to overuse your eyes in front of monitors and screens that demand more than what they are prepared for. In addition, an insufficient diet in Omega 3 allows a greater deterioration of vision.
  • Sinusitis : both acute and chronic inflammation of the sinuses can cause discomfort and even pain in the face region, especially when placing the head at specific angles. It can also block the proper flow of air, thereby causing lack of brain oxygenation and the possibility of pain. This is called a sinus headache.
  • Emotional stress: stress facilitates the accumulation of tension in regions such as the neck and back, which can extend to the head causing pain. Tension headache often occurs after an overly alarming situation . Some psychologists find that certain headaches are related to sexual dissatisfaction and anorgasmia, and their appearance is recurrent in PMS .
  • Blows : trauma and accidents, whether directly to the head or in nearby regions.

Tension headache: exercises

As we mentioned, various forms of stress can trigger a headache, tension headaches being one of the most common, caused at least partially by accumulated tension in the neck and shoulders, even if they do not present pain.

To tackle this problem, slow neck turns can be started , inhaling when raising the chin on one side and exhaling when descending on the other side. Become aware of the breath during this exercise, after about 7 repetitions , change direction, going up the side on which you used to go down.

It is very important, for safety, not to let the neck fall back when the head goes up, that is, do not let it fall, because it hurts there. If you have pain in the neck prior to exercise and you limit yourself to practicing the turns, you can start by raising and lowering your head, inhaling on the rise and exhaling as you bring your chin towards your chest. Then you do horizontal movements.

These neck twists can also be useful in cases of sinusitis , to mobilize the accumulated mucus in the paranasal sinuses.

How to relieve a headache with exercises

For a more complete and comprehensive series of neck twists, additionally, you can do a few slow shoulder twists , also paced with your breath. You can include some upward arm stretches , to relax and lengthen the trapezius muscles, as well as the entire back if possible, where the greatest stress tension that affects the head accumulates.

Exercises for sinusitis: face massage

Using the base of the palms, apply small and rapid outward circular movements at the level of the cheekbones (cheek bones), and then proceed to repeat them in the middle of the eyebrows.

This tool is especially useful for sinus headaches, as it goes directly to mobilize mucus within the sinuses . However, it also means a possibility of relief in other headaches, by moving energy and blood through the head and relaxing through the sense of touch.

Headache exercises: yawning and massage

The temples (small holes on the sides of the forehead) can be massaged slowly and with gentle pressure, in forward circles , accompanied by long, deep breaths. The act of yawning also helps to relax the muscles that are there: the temples. Starting from that relaxation, your head will be able to relax more easily.

Another resource is to massage the crown of the head in a circular motion with the palm of your hand. Fast circles with moderate pressure. This harmonizes the brain and the vibrations that spread from this movement to the entire skull are a comfortable signal of relaxation.

Headache Exercises: Pressing Your Eyes

Close your eyes and place the bases of your palms on them, and press them gently to sink them back. Keep the exercise lightening and increasing the pressure for at least a minute. This is more recommended in cases of visual headache (although it works against other headaches), and it is also recommended that you rest from exposure to monitors and artificial light sources. You can leave your eyes closed for several seconds to better assimilate the effect.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Exercises for headaches , we recommend that you enter our Brain and Nerves category

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