Headaches & Supplements

Headaches are a common and painful condition that affect almost everybody. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that headaches can often be classified as one of the following four types: tension, traction, inflammatory and vascular. Most headaches self-resolve, although certain treatment methods, including supplements, may reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Discuss the merits and drawbacks of dietary supplements with your physician before using them to treat your headaches.

About Headaches

Headaches may cause pain in your head, neck or scalp, although life-threatening causes of headaches are exceedingly rare, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. The most common headache type -- tension headaches -- are often caused by tight muscles in your pectoral girdle, skull and face. Anxiety, depression and stress may also contribute to this health problem. Some headaches may be caused by certain foods. Foods that commonly trigger headaches include chocolate, cheese, red wine and MSG.

Headache Supplements

Nutritional supplements have long been used in treating headaches, although more scientific testing, including randomized controlled studies, may be helpful in determining the true efficacy of these natural agents. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that many supplements may be helpful in treating your headaches, including bromelain, vitamin B3, calcium, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, DMG, DL-phenylalanine, 5-HTP, primrose oil, potassium, skullcap, feverfew and Jamaican dogwood.

Featured Supplement

Feverfew is a frequently prescribed dietary supplement in the treatment of headaches. Feverfew, notes herbal medicine expert Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," may be especially helpful in treating migraine headaches, and it possesses a pain-relieving action that is similar to aspirin. This supplement has also been used in treating arthritis, toothache and fevers. The leaves of the feverfew plant contain numerous medicinal constituents and are the part of the plant incorporated into dietary supplements.

Considerations

Although most headaches are mild and self-resolve, consider reporting to your doctor if you develop a severe or prolonged headache. Your family physician can evaluate your condition, order any necessary tests and provide you with a range of treatment options. Dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your headache, but they should always be used with great caution. Certain supplements may trigger strong reactions within your body or interfere with prescription drugs you might be taking.