headache Archives - Amazing Health Advances

What Is Tech Neck?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:15:42 +0000

University of Miami via Newswise – A University of Miami Doctor of Physical Therapy explains what it is and what we can do to alleviate its symptoms. All the new technologies that have become a permanent part of our lives: Smartphones, tablets, computers, laptops and others have brought us constant connectivity, access to friends, news, information, and entertainment. But the constant use of these devices has also generated a physical condition that can be a real pain in the neck. Experts say that between 27 to 48 percent of workers experience neck pain each year. About 73 percent of higher educaton students do, too. Tech neck, also known as text neck, is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders caused by prolonged use of electronic devices. About 91 percent of Americans own a smartphone and spend an average of four-to-six hours a day looking at the screen, according to experts. So, it is important to understand the causes of tech/text neck and what to do to alleviate it. Phil Grattan, a board-certified orthopedic specialist and an assistant professor of clinical physical therapy at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Physical Therapy, shares some insights on the condition. What is tech neck? Tech or text neck refers to neck pain and potential cervical spine degeneration resulting from the repeated stress of keeping the head flexed (bent forward) while looking down at the screens of mobile devices, tablets, or while texting for long periods of time. Why does this happen now more than before? Since the introduction of the iPhone in June 2007, the use of smartphones has exponentially risen among the entire population. According to a recent survey by Harmony Healthcare IT in 2024, Americans spend on average 5 hours and 16 minutes per day on the phone. For Generation Z, this increases to 6 hours and 27 minutes per day. What role does the continuous use of smartphones and tablets aggravate it? The average head weighs 11 pounds. Keeping the neck bent at 30 to 60 degrees to view a smartphone or tablet places excessive strain on the posterior neck muscles and stress on the cervical spine in an attempt to hold the head in that position. This may lead to neck, upper back, and shoulder pain. What can be done to get rid of the pain? Be cognizant of your posture when using a smartphone or tablet. Bending the head forward for a sustained period of time should be avoided. Limit the total number of hours spent looking at your phone over the course of the day. If you need to look at your phone for a long period of time, take frequent breaks. Every 10-20 minutes is recommended. When using your phone, try to keep the head straight and bring the phone directly in front of you. Using a pillow to support your arms when using the phone while sitting can also help. Use ergonomic support devices, when possible, to position your smartphone or tablet as close to eye-level as possible. Ensure the device is directly in front of you, not towards one side. What exercises or treatments do you use and recommend to get rid of it? If neck pain persists, seek care from a medical doctor who can provide treatment and/or refer you to the appropriate health care provider. Physical therapists are providers who can help improve posture, provide education, and prescribe strengthening exercises and home neck stretches to help alleviate the symptoms. To read the original article click here.

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How to Get Rid of Vertigo

The AHA! Team — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:09:39 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Have you ever felt like the world around you was suddenly spinning, that you couldn’t manage to balance yourself or that you had unexplained ringing in your ears along with changes in your eyesight? If so, you might have experienced vertigo, a symptom that results from various types of “balance disorders,” usually caused by abnormal changes in the inner ears. Vertigo is not actually a disorder or medical condition Vertigo is not actually a disorder or medical condition — rather it’s the cluster of symptoms caused by other disorders, and chances are you or someone you know has experienced it. In fact, research shows that nearly 40 percent of all people over the age of 40 will experience vertigo at least once in their lifetimes. If all of this sounds familiar to you, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of vertigo. Treating vertigo involves repairing the inner ear by identifying the damage’s underlying cause, plus preventing it from occurring again by making certain lifestyle changes. What Is Vertigo? There have been over a dozen different disorders identified that cause balance dysfunctions. Balance is defined as “the ability to maintain the body’s center of mass over its base of support.” Normally, various systems within the body are at play to help us remain balanced, keep ourselves upright when moving and identify orientation with respect to our surroundings. Our ability to stay balanced is maintained by several systems, including: the sensorimotor control system (which controls our senses, such as our sight and hearing) the proprioception system (responsible for touch) the vestibular system (helps us move without falling over) The inner ears obviously help us hear, but they’re also an important part of the vestibular system, which allows us to identify where we are in space. Vertigo develops when delicate parts of the ears no longer accurately send information to the brain about your position. This can occur for various reasons, including ear infections, a blow to the head, injuries, inflammation or simply aging. Here is more on vertigo: 40 percent of people over 40 years old experience vertigo at some point that’s severe enough to speak with a doctor. Researchers have identified more than 12 different balance disorders that can cause vertigo. The three main types of vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease and vestibular neuritis. BPPV is the No. 1 cause of inner-ear-related balance disorders like vertigo. BPPV affects around 2 percent of the population every year. A rare form of vertigo is caused by Meniere’s disease, which only affects about 0.2 percent of the population between ages 40–60. Women are twice as likely as men to develop vertigo for reasons that aren’t well understood. 80 percent of people with BPPV vertigo experience relief after trying head maneuvers that break up inner ear rocks. Following an episode of vertigo, 50 percent of patients usually experience the problem again within five years. Thankfully, there are natural ways for how to get rid of vertigo and help manage symptoms. How to Ged Rid of Vertigo 1. Physical Therapy For people who experience recurring vertigo, one type of helpful treatment is vestibular rehabilitation, a form of physical therapy that addresses the vestibular organs. The vestibular system constantly sends information to the brain in the form of nerve impulses from special nerve endings called sensory receptors, so therapy can retrain these organs to work with our other senses to re-establish a sense of balance. Vestibular rehab can help promote central nervous system compensation for inner-ear problems causing loss of balance. Inactivity has also been linked to worsened vertigo, so additionally, physical therapy treatments work on increasing strength, range of motion, flexibility and movement, while preventing muscle fatigue and soreness. A vestibular rehab program might include various exercises for building better hand-eye coordination, improving balance, strengthening joints and muscles, and improving fitness and endurance. These exercises can also help ease pain and allow you to rest better if you usually find you can’t sleep comfortably. Acupuncture and acupressure have both been shown to be effective in treating different forms of vertigo as well, and these techniques can be included as part of physical therapy for this condition. 2. Head Maneuvers (“Canalith Repositioning Procedure,” or CRP) Certain types of exercises and head adjustments can help move ear rocks (calcium deposits) out of the area in the ears where they cause problems. This technique is recommended by the American Academy of Neurology, which offers a series of specific head and body movements for clearing the canals of the inner ear chambers. CRP is very effective with an approximate efficiency rate of 80 percent for people who suffer from BPPV-type vertigo. It’s also usually helpful for preventing vertigo from reccuring. How does it work exactly? When the head moves a certain way, the canaliths within the canals travel back to their correct location in the utricle, where they usually dissolve, break up and stop causing dizziness. The canalith repositioning procedures usually involve holding four positions for about 30 to 45 seconds each or as long as symptoms remain. Then you hold your head in a fixed position for about 20 seconds after symptoms go away. The procedures can be done in a doctor’s office quickly and painlessly. If it’s your first time dealing with vertigo and trying head maneuvers to resolve your symptoms, it’s a good idea to meet with a doctor who can show you how to properly perform them. Head maneuvers that are part of CRP include the Epley maneuver and Semont-Toupet maneuver. The Epley maneuver is a series of head and body movements that can be used to treat BPPV, a condition where certain head movements trigger episodes of dizziness or spinning. It is important to note that before attempting the Epley maneuver, you should consult with a health care professional to ensure that BPPV is the correct diagnosis and to receive personalized guidance. Additionally, the Epley maneuver should be performed under the supervision of a qualified health care provider. Here is how to perform the Epley maneuver for how to get rid of vertigo: Sit upright: Begin by sitting on a bed or table with your legs extended in front of you. Turn your head: Turn your head 45 degrees to the side that causes dizziness. Use a pillow or support to keep your shoulders on the bed while maintaining the head tilt. Lie down: Quickly lie back, keeping your head in the turned position. Your shoulders should be on the bed, and your head should be hanging slightly over the edge. Wait: Stay in this position for about 30 seconds or until the dizziness resolves. Turn head to the other side: Turn your head to the opposite side without raising it, and wait for another 30 seconds. Roll onto your side: Turn your body to the side of the affected ear. This should bring your head and body in line with each other. Sit up: Finally, sit up slowly while keeping your head level. This completes the maneuver. It’s important to follow these steps precisely and perform them slowly to avoid injury. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience new symptoms, consult with a health care professional for further evaluation and guidance. They may need to perform specific diagnostic tests or maneuvers to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. The Semont-Toupet maneuver is another technique used to treat BPPV, particularly when the posterior canal is involved. Here’s how to perform the Semont-Toupet maneuver for how to get rid of vertigo: Sit upright: Begin by sitting on a bed or table with your legs extended in front of you. Turn your head: Turn your head 45 degrees toward the unaffected side (opposite the side causing dizziness). Lie down quickly: Lie down on your side, bringing your head to a 45-degree angle below the horizontal. Your head should be positioned at a 45-degree angle below the bed. Wait: Stay in this position for about one to three minutes or until the dizziness resolves. Sit up on the opposite side: Quickly move to the opposite side, keeping your head at the same angle, and sit up. Wait again: Sit in this position for another one to three minutes. Return to the sitting position: Finally, return to an upright sitting position. As with the Epley maneuver, it’s essential to follow these steps precisely and perform them slowly to minimize the risk of injury. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, or if you encounter new symptoms, seek medical attention for further evaluation and guidance. Another head maneuver that’s been shown to be effective is the Brandt-Daroff exercise. Brandt-Daroff exercises are a series of movements that can be performed at home to help alleviate symptoms of BPPV. These exercises are often recommended by health care professionals and can be done independently. The effectiveness of these exercises may vary from person to person. Here’s how you can perform the Brandt-Daroff exercises: Sit on the edge of your bed: Start in an upright sitting position on the edge of your bed or a flat surface. Turn your head to one side: Quickly lie down on one side with your head turned at a 45-degree angle toward the ceiling. Keep your head in this position for about 30 seconds or until the dizziness subsides. Return to the sitting position: Sit back up in an upright position for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side: Lie down on the opposite side with your head turned at a 45-degree angle toward the ceiling. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds. Return to the sitting position: Sit back up for another 30 seconds. Repeat the cycle: Repeat these steps for about five to 10 minutes or until you feel more comfortable and experience less dizziness. It’s recommended to perform the Brandt-Daroff exercises several times a day until your symptoms improve. Keep in mind that it might take some time for the exercises to have an effect, and consistency is key. 3. Reduce Stress Stress and inflammation both seem to raise the risk for vertigo. Stress is capable of reducing immunity, making it more likely that you’ll experience ear infections, swelling and other problems related to the vestibular system. The more stressed you are, the less likely you are to exercise regularly and get good sleep — both of which you really need if you’re prone to developing vertigo! That’s why chronic stress is so dangerous. Try natural stress relievers like exercising, yoga, meditation, tai chi, taking warm baths, using essential oils and spending more time outdoors. 4. A Healthy Diet and Staying Hydrated Some doctors prescribe medications to reduce inflammation or infections within the ears, but ultimately this doesn’t help solve the problem long term for some people. A crucial aspect to limiting inflammation and preventing dehydration is eating a nutrient-rich diet. Anti-inflammatory foods can help manage blood pressure levels and are usually hydrating, which keeps you protected from dehydration, lowering your risk for vertigo. Foods to include in your diet often include: vegetables (especially those high in blood pressure-lowering potassium, such as leafy greens) fresh fruit (like bananas and avocado) healthy sources of fats (like wild fish, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil) clean sources of lean protein (grass-fed meat, cage-free eggs and pasture-raised poultry, for example) In addition, drink enough water each day, and lower your intake of caffeine and alcohol if you feel dizzy often. Ginger tea is another good option, as research shows it can help alleviate vertigo symptoms. Even mild dehydration can cause dizziness and changes in blood pressure that can make you feel off-balance and nauseous. In addition, supplementing with ginkgo biloba and vitamin D has also been shown to be effective for how to get rid of vertigo. 5. Be Active but Get Enough Rest Too People who experience a lack of sleep, tossing and turning, and inactivity are more likely to suffer from vertigo. Make it a priority to get...

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Vitamin B12 Side Effects & What They Mean

AHA Publisher — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 07:00:14 +0000

Rachael Link, MS, RD via Dr. Axe – Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an important water-soluble vitamin that plays a central role in several aspects of health, including brain function, red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. It’s also considered an “essential nutrient” because your body is unable to produce it on its own and needs to obtain it from food sources or supplementation. In recent years, research has unearthed a number of vitamin B12 side effects, including positive effects, such as its ability to improve energy levels, enhance mood and keep your heart healthy. Although incorporating a good variety of vitamin B12 foods in the diet can help most people meet their needs for cobalamin, supplementation is sometimes necessary for those who may have underlying health conditions or take certain medications. Like all supplements, however, there are several vitamin B12 benefits and side effects to consider. So what are the side effects of vitamin B12? How can you minimize these potential vitamin B12 side effects while maximizing the benefits? Here’s what you need to know. Positive Vitamin B12 Side Effects Does B12 have side effects? What does B12 do for your body? Here are a few of the top vitamin B12 benefits for men and women: 1. Prevents Deficiency Taking a vitamin B12 supplement is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent a vitamin B12 deficiency, especially if you don’t regularly consume foods high in this important water-soluble vitamin. Some of the most common side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency include weakness, anemia, constipation, decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss. 2. May Boost Energy Levels Vitamin B12 plays an integral role in energy production and is essential for converting the foods that you eat into a form of energy that can be used by the body. It’s also necessary for the formation of red blood cells, which help supply the cells with oxygen so they can function properly. While research is lacking on whether taking a vitamin B12 supplement can improve energy levels on its own, it can aid in energy production and may be especially beneficial for boosting energy levels if you’re lacking in this key micronutrient. 3. Supports Growth and Development Vitamin B12 is absolutely essential during pregnancy for ensuring healthy fetal growth and development. Not only is vitamin B12 crucial for preventing birth defects, but a deficiency may also increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. For this reason, vitamin B12 is a common component of most prenatal vitamins and can also be found in many fortified foods. 4. Keeps Skin, Hair and Nails Healthy Some of the most visible signs of vitamin B12 deficiency can be spotted right in your hair, skin and nails. In fact, some of the most common symptoms of deficiency include hyperpigmentation of the skin and nails, hair changes, vitiligo, and angular stomatitis, which is a condition that causes cracks and inflammation in the corners of the mouth. Fortunately, several case reports have found that these changes may be reversible by correcting the deficiency with supplementation. 5. Improves Mood One of the most surprising vitamin B12 injections side effects is the ability to improve mood and mental health. This is because vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor for neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, both of which are key regulators of mood and emotion. Preliminary research also shows that pairing vitamin B12 supplementation with antidepressants could help significantly reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder to a greater extent than treatment with an antidepressant alone. 6. Promotes Heart Health Vitamin B12 is important for the metabolism of homocysteine, a type of amino acid in the blood that may be tied to a higher risk of heart disease. In addition to decreasing homocysteine levels, which could potentially help reduce the risk of heart disease, some research also indicates that higher vitamin B12 levels may be linked to improved outcomesfor those who have suffered from an ischemic stroke and may be associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease. Negative Vitamin B12 Side Effects Despite the multitude of benefits associated with vitamin B12, can too much vitamin B12 be harmful and what happens when you have too much of it in your body? Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that excess amounts are flushed out of the body through the urine, making a vitamin B12 overdose nearly impossible. However, while vitamin B12 is safe when used as recommended, there are several vitamin B12 injection side effects to consider as well. Research indicates that there may be adverse effects of intramuscular vitamin B12, or B12 injections. Some common issues include fever, itching and tingling or numbness of the joint. Other possible vitamin B12 shot side effects include: Headache Dizziness Rash Facial flushing Skin redness Cold symptoms Anxiety Swelling Diarrhea Vomiting High blood pressure How to Prevent The best way to avoid the potential side effects of too much vitamin B12 is to get the majority of your vitamin B12 from nutrient-rich food sources, including meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products. Enjoying these foods alongside a variety of other healthy ingredients as part of a balanced diet can help ensure you meet your needs and reduce the risk of too many vitamin B12 side effects. In some cases, supplementation may be necessary, especially if you don’t regularly consume foods high in vitamin B12 or have issues with vitamin absorption. In that case, be sure to stick to the recommended vitamin B12 dosage, and use only as directed. If negative vitamin B12 supplement side effects persist, consider decreasing your dosage, or consult with your doctor. Precautions/When to See Doctor Supplementing with vitamin B12 may not be right for everyone and can even be contraindicated in some cases due to the potential vitamin B12 side effects. For example, those with high blood pressure, heart problems, skin conditions, blood disorders, gout and low potassium levels should use vitamin B12 with caution and may want to consider talking to a trusted health care practitioner before starting supplementation. Certain medications or supplements can also interfere with vitamin B12 supplements. What medications should not be taken with B12? Folic acid, potassium, vitamin C and chloramphenicol, a type of broad-spectrum antibiotic, may all interfere with vitamin B12 in the body. In order to minimize vitamin B12 supplements side effects, it’s best to stick to the recommended dosage and use as directed. If you experience any persistent vitamin B12 tablets side effects or serious symptoms, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you. Conclusion In recent years, research has unearthed a number of vitamin B12 side effects, including positive effects, such as its ability to improve energy levels, enhance mood and keep your heart healthy, and negative effects that may occur when there’s too much in the body. The best way to avoid the potential side effects of too much vitamin B12 is to get the majority of your vitamin B12 from nutrient-rich food sources, including meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products. For some people, taking supplements is necessary, but to minimize vitamin B12 supplements side effects, stick to the recommended dosage and use as directed. To read the original article click here.

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Banish Tension Headaches With Time-Honored Remedies

AHA Publisher — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 07:00:28 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Stress seems to be built into our daily lives, whether created by looming work deadlines, nerve-wracking traffic jams, or the never-ending demands of parenthood. And for many, this stress is heralded by the blooming of a tension headache. Typified by a dull, steady pain – and sometimes accompanied by a band of tightness around the head – tension headaches are extremely common. While they lack the nausea and visual disturbances of a migraine headache, these nasty little episodes are still painful, distracting, and unwelcome. The following natural interventions may help ease the discomfort and even put headaches on the run. (Warning: A sudden, extremely severe headache can signal a medical emergency, such as a stroke – especially if accompanied by numbness and/or difficulty in speaking, walking, seeing, or comprehending. If you experience this type of “bolt from the blue” headache, call 911 immediately). For simple, everyday tension headaches, the following herbal substances may be helpful. Time-Honored Herbal Teas May Help Banish Headaches Ginger root, from the plant botanically known as Zingiber officinale, has been used for over 2,000 years to relieve nausea, arthritis, and – of course – headaches. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds known as gingerols and shogaols and is believed to increase levels of serotonin, a “feel-good” chemical, in the brain. In one influential study published in Phytotherapy Research, scientists found that ginger performed as well as sumatriptan, a pharmaceutical drug, in alleviating headaches. You can make ginger tea by peeling and chopping an inch or two of fresh ginger root, then steeping it in boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes. Powdered ginger is also available in capsule form, with natural health experts typically advising 550 mg at the first sign of a headache. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is another trusty herbal weapon against headaches. While many people think of chamomile tea as nothing more than a soothing bedtime beverage, this mildly flavored liquid is actually loaded with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds known as chamazulene and apigenin. In one 2018 placebo-controlled study published in Neurological Sciences, researchers found that a chamomile extract significantly reduced pain in migraine sufferers and reduced nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Chamomile could very well have the “right stuff” to banish a simple tension headache. Strike Back at Tension Headaches With Essential Oils Peppermint essential oil is derived from the leaves of the peppermint plant, botanically known as Mentha piperita. Believed to improve circulation and relax muscles, peppermint oil is a great choice for relieving headaches when inhaled or topically applied. (Peppermint oil should not be taken internally and is not for use on children). Natural health experts advise diluting a few drops of peppermint oil in olive or coconut oil, then massaging it into the temples and neck. Essential oil of lavender, derived from lavender flowers (Lavendula angustifolia), may also ease headaches with its mild anxiety-reducing effects. Like peppermint oil, lavender oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into the skin or inhaled via a diffuser. In a placebo-controlled study published in European Neurology, the researchers reported that inhaling lavender oil for 15 minutes significantly reduced participants’ migraine pain, leading the team to conclude that it may be both safe and effective for headaches. Ease Headaches With Natural Interventions Drinking ample amounts of pure, filtered water and eating liquid-rich foods, such as watermelon, may help alleviate a stubborn headache. Researchers maintain that chronic dehydration – which can also cause irritability and impaired concentration – is a classic cause of both tension headaches and migraines. (If you’re headache prone, avoid alcohol. Not only can it worsen dehydration, but it can exacerbate headaches by widening blood vessels. Incidentally, certain foods can trigger headaches, including aged cheeses, fermented foods, and cured meats and fish. In addition, the odors from harsh cleaning chemicals and perfumes are a “headache trigger” for many people.) Sipping a cup of coffee might be worth a try, as well. Many people swear by the ability of caffeine – which is often included in commercial headache formulations – to tame headaches. (Too much coffee, however, can cause a headache. And, habitual coffee drinkers may experience headaches if they suddenly abstain). Incidentally, make sure you have an adequate intake of magnesium. This essential mineral is involved with blood sugar control and nerve transmission, both of which can have an impact on headaches. In fact, studies have shown that magnesium deficiency is more common in frequent headache sufferers. You can increase your dietary intake of magnesium with leafy greens, whole grains, yogurt, and almonds. Finally, there’s always the traditional “cold compress.” This home remedy is scientifically sound – as applying cold compresses to the neck or head can ease headaches by reducing inflammation, slowing nerve conduction, and constricting blood vessels. Use a commercial cold pack or fill a waterproof bag with ice and wrap it in a towel. Obviously, these simple remedies aren’t rocket science. But, when your temples are pounding with an annoying headache, it can be easy to overlook these solutions. Here’s hoping that they bring relief – and that you’re soon headache-free and “back in the game.” Sources for this article include: Healthline.com EverydayHealth.com Healthline.com NIH.com NIH.com Healthline.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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6 Ways to Naturally Eliminate Migraines

AHA Publisher — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 07:00:45 +0000

Dr. Matthew Roe via NaturalHealth365 – Migraine headaches are the second most common type of primary headache after tension headaches. And, just to be clear, a “primary” headache is a headache that is not caused by another disease or condition. Along with debilitating pain, migraines can generate blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Often without much warning, migraines can happen once a year, monthly, or several times a week. And, unfortunately, migraines can either occur with an aura – which is known as the classic migraine – or without an aura, which is called a common migraine. What can trigger a migraine? The possible migraine triggers not only vary from one individual to another, but encompass a whole range of common substances. This can include hormonal imbalances, synthetic fragrances, processed cereals (or other junk foods) and skipping meals. A simple drop in blood sugar can cause all kinds of health issues including head pain. The list of possible triggers is so long – it often appears impossible to eliminate the so-called causes. In the food category alone the list is extensive and includes ripened and aged cheese, poor-quality chocolate, citrus fruits, conventionally-raised (processed) meat with nitrites such as hot dogs, MSG, caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Food additive such as nitrites, sulfites, and aspartame can be the culprit behind a migraine. In fact, studies show a large percentage of migraine sufferers point to specific foods as the trigger. Non-food triggers include changes in the atmosphere such as drops in barometric pressure, high temperatures and bright, fluorescent lights. Many women get migraines monthly due to hormone fluctuations or the use of birth control pills. However, one of the most common migraine triggers seems to be chronic stress. It is a known fact that anxiety, worry, depression and moods changes can all release specific brain chemicals – which can trigger a migraine. Sadly, Western medicine promotes the use of analgesic migraine medications – including both prescription pain relievers and over-the-counter drugs – which produce “rebound” headaches. The point here is simple: no pill will ever solve the (underlying) problem associated with chronic head pain. A better way to achieve freedom from chronic headache pain Even with many drugs, lifestyle techniques, and surgical options available to treat and prevent the onset of a migraine – finding the right combination of therapies to manage migraines can be difficult. Fortunately, there is growing scientific evidence to suggest that natural means are just as effective as prescription medication and, many times, even more effective. #1 – Biofeedback: Most studies on biofeedback show that it can reduce the frequency and duration of headaches. The effects of biofeedback appear to be comparable to many drugs used for chronic headaches, and can be recommended as early treatment for recurrent migraines. #2 – Acupuncture: Albrecht Molsberger, MD, a medical acupuncture said it is at least as effective as blood pressure medication such as, beta-blockers – most often used for migraine prevention. The American Headache Society has recommended acupuncture for migraines. Acupuncture helps the natural energy flow and is thought to correct an energy disruption which leads to a migraine. #3 – Melatonin: Two-thirds of study participants who took melatonin before going to bed every night for 3 months said the number of migraines they experienced dropped by 50%. #4 – Magnesium: Studies have shown that migraine sufferers have low brain magnesium during migraine attacks and may also suffer from a magnesium deficiency. It is thought magnesium deficiency may play a particularly important role in menstrual migraine. #5 – Diet: It pays to avoid headache-inducing substances, including nitrites in processed meats, sugar, processed foods, chocolate, nuts aged cheese, aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG) used in foods as a flavor enhancer. It’s also worth mentioning that dehydration is a major cause of headaches. Even though food may not be the underlying cause of a migraine, a poor diet does contribute to the problem by depleting vitamins and minerals – which are meant to help ward off an attack. #6 – Upper cervical chiropractic treatment: The most recent research is showing that the most plausible cause of migraine headaches resides in the autonomic nervous system. The swelling of the blood vessels in the brain and the drop in neurotransmitters are secondary and mainly occur in response to the changes in the autonomic nervous system. Emotional stress is a well known trigger for migraine. Japanese researchers have found that people living in fast-paced business centers in Tokyo tend to have an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system – specifically, an inhibition of the parasympathetic system that is active during relaxation, and an excitation of the sympathetic nervous system, which governs our response to stress. The major finding of a recent study is that migraine is a disorder of chronic sympathetic dysfunction. Many times the top vertebra in the spine known as the atlas can be jarred from its normal position. The atlas is the only vertebra in the entire spine not connected by discs to the vertebra below it and the atlas is the only vertebra that can induce increased pressure on the spinal cord. Right above the atlas sits the brain stem and a misalignment in the upper cervical spine can affect the functionality of the brain stem, which in turn can cause migraine headaches. The goal of the upper cervical treatment is to correct the misalignment consequently addressing the real cause of the migraine instead of just the symptoms. There are many case studies, which show a positive response using upper cervical chiropractic adjustments to treat migraines. About the author: Dr. Matthew Roe is a practicing upper cervical chiropractor and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science. He has a Doctor of Chiropractic degree graduating Cum Laude from Life University College of Chiropractic. Having studied with the best Upper Cervical specific doctors in the world he understands true healing. His practice focus is to help people fine true health naturally. For more information about Dr. Roe – visit: WinterGardenChiropractors.com Sources for this article include: Healthline.com, Medscape.com, Holistichelp.net, Health.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Study Reveals Birth Defects Caused by Flame Retardant

AHA Publisher — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 07:00:01 +0000

University of Georgia via Newswise – *Research focuses on man’s exposure prior to conception. A new study from the University of Georgia has shown that exposure to a now-banned flame retardant can alter the genetic code in sperm, leading to major health defects in children of exposed parents. Published recently in Scientific Reports, the study is the first to investigate how polybrominated biphenyl-153 (PBB153), the primary chemical component of the flame retardant FireMaster, impacts paternal reproduction. In 1973, an estimated 6.5 million Michigan residents were exposed to PBB153 when FireMaster was accidentally sent to state grain mills where it made its way into the food supply. In the decades since, a range of health problems including skin discoloration, headache, dizziness, joint pain and even some cancers have been linked to the exposure. More striking, the children of those who were exposed seemed to experience a host of health issues as well, including reports of hernia or buildup in the scrotum for newborn sons and a higher chance of stillbirth or miscarriage among adult daughters. Yet, little work has been done to understand how the chemical exposure could have impacted genes passed from an exposed father, said study author Katherine Greeson. Relatively new idea “It is still a relatively new idea that a man’s exposures prior to conception can impact the health of his children,” said Greeson, an environmental health science doctoral student in Charles Easley’s lab at UGA’s College of Public Health and Regenerative Bioscience Center. “Most studies where a toxic effect is observed in children look only to the mothers and the same has been true of studies conducted on PBB153,” she said. Greeson and a team of researchers from UGA and Emory University used a unique combination of observational and laboratory approaches to demonstrate how PBB153 acted on sperm cells. “Typically, scientific studies are either epidemiological in nature and inherently observational or focus on bench science, but in this study, we did both,” said Greeson. This approach allowed the researchers to mimic the known blood exposure levels of PBB153 in a lab environment. “We were uniquely able to recreate this effect using our previously characterized human stem cell model for spermatogenesis,” she said, “which allowed us to study the mechanism that causes this effect in humans.” The team looked at the expression of different genes in their human spermatogenesis model after dosing with PBB153 and found marked alterations in gene expression between dosed and undosed cells, specifically at genes important to development, such as embryonic organ, limb, muscle, and nervous system development. Changes to the DNA “PBB153 causes changes to the DNA in sperm in a way that changes how the genes are turned on and off,” said Greeson. “PBB153 seems to turn on these genes in sperm which should be turned off,” said Greeson, which may explain some of the endocrine-related health issues observed in the children of exposed parents. Though the study used this model to directly replicate exposure to PBB153, Greeson says this approach could be used to better understand the impact of other environmental exposures on reproduction, including large-scale accidental exposures to toxic chemicals or everyday exposures. More studies combining epidemiology “Hopefully this work will lead to more studies combining epidemiology and bench science in the future, which will tell us more about why we’re seeing an effect from an environmental exposure in human populations and encourage experimental studies to more closely mimic human exposures,” she said. To read the original article click here.

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