Most of us have experienced the discomfort and pain of a dehydration headache at some point. Such headaches can impact our concentration and mood, compromise our productivity, and even lead to us taking time off work and cancelling commitments.
If you suffer from dehydration headaches, you might be surprised to learn that chiropractic care targets and relieves areas of stress and pain, improving your well-being and leaving you feeling better. Read on to learn more about these bothersome but common headaches, and the role your chiro might play in your treatment.
What is a dehydration headache?
A dehydration headache is caused by water loss. While you might feel a dehydration headache anywhere in your head, they're usually felt most strongly in the sides of the head and can be worsened by leaning forward, performing physical activity, and even walking.
Dehydration headaches arise when water intake is reduced or body fluid is lost. This might be due to vomiting, sweating, diarrhoea, heat stroke, or other diseases. When we are dehydrated, we lose crucial electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. Low levels of these electrolytes can compromise our body's fluid balance and even cause heart palpitations.
When we have low fluid in our body and low electrolytes, our blood volume and pressure are affected, compromising the blood supply to the brain. This can leave us feeling lightheaded and can trigger a dehydration headache.
Dehydration headaches might be accompanied by other symptoms of low fluid intake, such as thirst, dark urine, dry mouth, eyes and lips, dizziness and fatigue, or irritability in children.
How do I treat a dehydration headache?
The first step to treating a dehydration headache is staying hydrated. It's usually recommended to drink 8 glasses of water a day to maintain hydration. If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, you will lose body fluid and electrolytes more quickly and may need to rehydrate with sports drinks or electrolyte solutions to maintain balance.
In some instances, rehydration may not alleviate your symptoms of muscle stress and pain, and headaches and tension may continue. In these cases, chiropractic treatment focuses on aligning the spinal joints to encourage natural muscle relaxation. This allows the build-up of tension and waste in the body to be reduced and for the pain to be relieved.
Don't live with dehydration headaches - contact Melville Wellness Centre
Leave dehydration headaches behind when you visit Melville Wellness Centre. Our friendly chiropractors offer effective treatments to reduce pain and restore well-being. We'll help you develop a tailored, quality treatment program suited to your individual health goals. Call us today on 9314 2777 for more information or to book.
