Another headache cause

I posted earlier about my ongoing problem with migraine headaches and how I mostly have them under control now. I forgot to mention that when I was in my early teens, my doctor recommended I see a dental specialist about my headaches to rule out any problems. Well, the dentist took one look at my molars and determined that I am a tooth grinder. I was clenching and grinding my teeth at night and during stressful situations (like a test in school), which would lead to headaches.

To remedy the situation, the dentist made a Night Guard for me. A Night Guard can help with TMJ, Bruxism, Tooth Grinding, and other afflictions. NightGuard must be custom made for the individual, which involves a dental impression and a few weeks to complete the apparatus.

Once I knew what the problem was and started using my Night Guard, I became very aware of when I was clenching and grinding during the day and would relax my jaw right away. This led to less intense headaches, and I didn't have to wear the guard all the time, just every once in awhile.

Some things get better with age

One affliction I have been dealing with since I was a child is migraine headaches. I used to get them really bad in school, so we assumed they were stress related. I tried many different types of headache treatment, all to no avail. With most prescription treatments, the side effects are usually worse than the headache!

After graduating college, the headaches lessened in frequency from about one or two a week to about three times a month. Then when I was pregnant with my first child, I did not have one headache throughout the entire nine months. That was wonderful and led me to think that perhaps it was some sort of hormone imbalance causing them all these years. Since having children, I get headaches maybe once a month. I have found that if I feel one coming on, I drink a cup of sweetened green tea and lay down for twenty to thirty minutes and usually a bad headache can be prevented.

If I do happen to get a migraine headache these days, I opt for the natural approach of taking a nap in order for it to subside. I have never had a headache last more than one day, as sleeping always helps for me. I can't imagine people who get migraine headaches that last for days on end. I feel for them and I don't think I could handle that.

Let's talk about health

One particular annoying ailment I have been dealing with for over twenty years is migraine headaches. I've tried every over-the-counter product available, gone to doctors, tried prescription drugs, had a dental mouthpiece made for overnight use, herbal supplements, and chiropractic alignments, all to no avail.

Acupuncture is one thing I haven't tried which may work, but I am a bit scared to try it. I may try acupressure first and see if that works. The headaches are hard to pinpoint because I only get them once or twice a month, but when I do they are so debilitating I just have to go to sleep to get rid of them and avoid noises, light, and strong smells (all of which are difficult to avoid when you have two small children).

Another option is ordering stronger over-the-counter remedies online like Nurofen Plus. It is a combination of Ibuprofen and Codeine, which are very effective in eliminating pain when used together. The ibuprofen targets the pain locally, while the codeine works centrally to reduce the brain's perception of pain.

After my son was born, I had severe neck pain and my midwife prescribed Tylenol with codeine. I remember feeling very nauseous for a day and a half after only taking one dose, so I may actually be allergic to codeine. But it could have just been a strange reaction or I was just over-exerted after childbirth. I should probably give it another try before assuming I am allergic, but I am somewhat afraid to.

I know lots of people who use codeine for severe pain with no problems, so I'm sure this product would work great for most and maybe when the migraines get the better of me, I will be willing to try codeine again.

Get the relief you need

Ever since I can remember, I have suffered from headaches. After numerous visits to the doctor and dentist, I was finally diagnosed with TMJ as a result of jaw clenching during school and in my sleep. The dentist made me a very expensive, but uncomfortable hard clear plastic mouthpiece to wear overnight. I didn't wear it very much, but just knowing what caused the headaches seemed to make them lessen. I would notice the clenching during school and I would consciously relax my jaw. Now that I am a housewife, I only get the headaches once every couple of months or so.

If I ever make a trip to New York, however, I could always get New York TMJ Treatment at their specialized chiropractic office. They help people with sports injuries, back, neck, and spine pain, as well as sleep disorders and headaches.