Headache
Easy tips for relieving headaches
Headache sufferers know that a headache can bring your day to a screeching halt. Headaches can cause sensitivity to light, sound and movement, and also cause irritability, difficulties with concentration and nausea.
All kinds of things can bring on headaches – illness, stress, medications, alcohol use, lack of sleep, body pain or injury and a number of different medical conditions make up only a small list of causes.
There are numerous methods of headache relief and the right headache treatment depends on the sufferer and the type and cause of pain. To find an effective cure for headache, you need to diagnose the type of headache you have and find the appropriate method of pain relief.
Migraine Headache
Migraine headaches consist of severe pain felt on the side of the head, usually around the temples or near the eye. More frequent in women, migraine headaches are hard to predict and may be hereditary.
To treat a migraine headache:
- Avoid triggers. Stress and lack of sleep are often considered causes for migraine pain. You may also help avoid migraines by quitting smoking and drinking, and eating a healthy diet – all of which will help you relax and sleep better.
- Take migraine medication. You can take a regular medication that is meant to keep migraines at bay, or you can find a good pain reliever to deal with the headache itself. Over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory medications may also help.
Sinus Headache
A sinus headache is a symptom of congested sinuses. Your sinuses may be clogged by a cold or an allergy outbreak, and they may even become infected.
To treat a sinus headache:
- Take care of your sinuses. If you're suffering from a cold, allergies or infection, use a humidifier and a nasal spray to keep them clear.
- Take a decongestant. Over the counter medications and nasal sprays can help reduce the pressure of a sinus headache.
- Use a hot compress. A sinus headache is the result of pressure. Placing a hot compress over the eyes and nose can help relieve the buildup of mucus in the sinuses.
Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are less common than other types of headaches, but can be much more painful. They can come and go for weeks on end.
For some sufferers there is no cure for cluster headaches, and painful episodes will continue throughout their lives. To treat the symptoms of a cluster headache:
- Prevent the pain. Starting a regular program of pain relief medication may keep severe pain at bay. Some prescription antidepressants are also able to hold off cluster headache pain.
- Increase your oxygen. 100 percent oxygen – in small doses – can provide relief for pain. However, relief may not last with this method.
- Relax. It's difficult to prevent a cluster headache, so you can really only expect to treat the pain. If you're suffering from a cluster headache, take the time to relax and calm your body. The pain itself will be causing stress, which in turn increases the pain. Lie down or sit in a quiet room. Avoid trying to concentrate on things such as computer or TV screens. Close your eyes and spend a few minutes letting yourself go.
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