What are the most effective natural remedies for headaches. How can you identify different types of headaches. What lifestyle changes can help prevent recurring headaches. What are the common causes of headaches. When should you seek medical attention for headaches.

Understanding Different Types of Headaches

Headaches are a common ailment that can significantly impact daily life. To effectively treat headaches, it’s crucial to identify the specific type you’re experiencing. The most common types include:

• Tension headaches
• Migraine headaches
• Cluster headaches
• Sinus headaches
• Occipital neuralgia

Each type has distinct characteristics and triggers. Tension headaches often feel like a tight band around the head, while migraines can cause intense throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Cluster headaches are severely painful and occur in cyclical patterns, while sinus headaches are typically associated with sinus infections or allergies.

Identifying Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia is a specific type of headache that’s often misdiagnosed. It’s characterized by sharp, jabbing pain in the back of the head and neck, caused by irritation or injury to the occipital nerves. Symptoms may include:

• Aching, burning, and throbbing pain at the base of the skull
• Pain on one or both sides of the head
• Pain behind the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Tender scalp
• Pain when moving the neck

Proper diagnosis of occipital neuralgia is crucial, as its treatment differs from that of other headache types.

Natural Remedies for Headache Relief

While medication can be effective for managing headaches, many people prefer to try natural remedies first. Here are some proven strategies to alleviate headache pain naturally:

1. Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
2. Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce tension and stress-related headaches.
3. Apply a cold or hot compress: Depending on the type of headache, either cold or heat therapy can provide relief.
4. Try acupressure: Applying pressure to specific points on the body may help alleviate headache pain.
5. Use essential oils: Peppermint and lavender oils have been shown to have pain-relieving properties when applied topically.

These natural remedies can be effective for many people, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if headaches persist or worsen.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Recurring Headaches

Prevention is often the best cure when it comes to headaches. Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of headaches:

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Manage stress through exercise and relaxation techniques
• Avoid known triggers, such as certain foods or environmental factors
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Practice good posture to reduce neck and shoulder tension

Consistency is key when implementing these changes. It may take time to notice improvements, but many people find that these adjustments lead to fewer headaches over time.

Dietary Considerations for Headache Management

Diet plays a crucial role in headache management. Certain foods and nutrients can either trigger or prevent headaches:

Foods to Avoid

• Processed meats containing nitrates
• Aged cheeses high in tyramine
• Artificial sweeteners
• Excessive caffeine
• Alcohol, especially red wine

Foods That May Help

• Magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens and nuts
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish
• Ginger for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon

Keeping a food diary can help identify specific dietary triggers and beneficial foods for individual headache management.

The Role of Exercise in Headache Prevention

Regular physical activity can be a powerful tool in preventing and managing headaches. Exercise helps by:

• Reducing stress and tension
• Improving sleep quality
• Boosting endorphin production, which can act as natural pain relievers
• Enhancing overall cardiovascular health

Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are excellent options for those prone to headaches. It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase intensity to avoid exercise-induced headaches.

Yoga for Headache Relief

Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, making it particularly effective for headache management. Certain yoga poses can help relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, common areas of discomfort in headache sufferers. Regular practice may lead to a reduction in headache frequency and intensity.

Understanding Headache Triggers

Identifying and avoiding headache triggers is crucial for effective management. Common triggers include:

• Stress and anxiety
• Hormonal changes
• Weather changes
• Certain odors or perfumes
• Bright or flickering lights
• Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns

Keeping a headache journal can help track patterns and identify specific triggers. Note factors such as sleep, diet, stress levels, and activities preceding headache onset.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can play a significant role in triggering headaches. These may include:

• Air pressure changes
• Strong odors or chemical fumes
• Excessive noise
• Bright or fluorescent lighting

Modifying your environment when possible and using protective measures like sunglasses or noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce exposure to these triggers.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Headaches

While many headaches can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Seek help if you experience:

• Sudden, severe headache often described as the “worst headache of your life”
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or vision changes
• Headache following a head injury
• Chronic headaches that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
• Headaches that interfere with daily activities or quality of life

These symptoms could indicate more serious underlying conditions that require professional medical evaluation and treatment.

Diagnostic Procedures for Headaches

When you consult a healthcare provider for headaches, they may use various diagnostic tools to determine the cause and type of your headaches:

• Physical examination
• Detailed medical history
• Neurological tests
• Imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs
• Blood tests to rule out underlying conditions

In some cases, such as with suspected occipital neuralgia, a nerve block may be used as both a diagnostic tool and a treatment method.

Advanced Treatment Options for Chronic Headaches

For those with chronic or severe headaches that don’t respond to conventional treatments, several advanced options are available:

Botox Injections

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections have shown effectiveness in treating chronic migraines. The treatment works by blocking neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from the brain to the nerve endings around the head and neck.

Neurostimulation

This treatment involves the use of electrical or magnetic pulses to stimulate specific nerves. For occipital neuralgia, occipital nerve stimulation may be used to block pain signals to the brain.

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture has shown promise in treating various types of headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT can be particularly effective for managing chronic headaches by helping individuals identify and modify thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to headache onset or exacerbation.

These advanced treatments should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate option based on individual circumstances and headache patterns.

The Impact of Technology on Headache Prevalence

In our increasingly digital world, technology use has been linked to a rise in headache prevalence. Several factors contribute to this trend:

Digital Eye Strain

Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by headaches, blurred vision, and eye discomfort. To mitigate this:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Adjust screen brightness and contrast for comfort
• Use blue light filtering glasses or screen protectors

Poor Posture

Hunching over devices can lead to neck and shoulder tension, triggering headaches. Improve posture by:

• Positioning screens at eye level
• Using ergonomic chairs and desks
• Taking regular breaks to stretch and move

Sleep Disruption

The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with sleep patterns, potentially leading to headaches. To improve sleep hygiene:

• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime
• Use night mode settings on devices
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine

By being mindful of technology use and implementing strategies to reduce its negative impacts, individuals can potentially decrease technology-related headaches.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Headache Management

Many people turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches to manage headaches. While scientific evidence varies, some individuals find relief through:

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs have been traditionally used for headache relief:

• Feverfew: May help prevent migraines
• Butterbur: Potentially effective for migraine prevention
• Ginkgo biloba: May improve circulation and reduce pain

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, as they can interact with medications and have side effects.

Biofeedback

This technique involves learning to control certain bodily processes to reduce pain. For headaches, biofeedback might focus on:

• Muscle tension
• Heart rate
• Body temperature

With practice, individuals can use biofeedback techniques to reduce headache frequency and intensity.

Massage Therapy

Regular massage can help alleviate tension headaches by:

• Reducing muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders
• Improving circulation
• Promoting relaxation and stress reduction

Different massage techniques may be more effective for different types of headaches, so working with a skilled massage therapist is beneficial.

While these CAM approaches can be helpful, they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, conventional medical advice and treatment when necessary.

The Future of Headache Research and Treatment

As our understanding of headache disorders continues to evolve, new and promising avenues for research and treatment are emerging:

Genetic Research

Scientists are exploring the genetic basis of migraine and other headache disorders. This research could lead to:

• More personalized treatment approaches
• New targets for drug development
• Better understanding of headache risk factors

Neuromodulation Techniques

Advanced neuromodulation devices are being developed to treat chronic headaches. These may include:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Vagus nerve stimulation
• Sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation

These non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques aim to interrupt pain signals and provide relief without the side effects of medications.

Artificial Intelligence in Headache Management

AI and machine learning are being applied to headache research and treatment in various ways:

• Predictive models for headache onset
• Personalized treatment recommendations
• Analysis of large-scale patient data to identify patterns and triggers

These technological advancements hold promise for more effective and individualized headache management strategies in the future.

Novel Drug Therapies

Research into new classes of drugs specifically targeting headache mechanisms is ongoing. Areas of focus include:

• CGRP receptor antagonists for migraine prevention and treatment
• Neurosteroids for cluster headaches
• Glutamate receptor modulators for various headache types

These emerging therapies may offer new options for individuals who don’t respond well to current treatments.

As research progresses, the future of headache management looks promising, with the potential for more targeted, effective, and personalized approaches to prevention and treatment.

Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatments, and More

Written by Hedy Marks

• Symptoms
• Causes
• How It’s Diagnosed
• Treatments

Occipital neuralgia is a condition in which the nerves that run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp, called the occipital nerves, are inflamed or injured. You might feel pain in the back of your head or the base of your skull.

People can confuse it with a migraine or other types of headache, because the symptoms can be similar. But treatments for those conditions are very different, so it’s important to see your doctor to get the right diagnosis.

Occipital neuralgia can cause intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck. Other symptoms include:

• Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp
• Pain on one or both sides of the head
• Pain behind the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Tender scalp
• Pain when you move your neck

Occipital neuralgia happens when there’s pressure or irritation to your occipital nerves, maybe because of an injury, tight muscles that entrap the nerves, or inflammation. Many times, doctors can’t find a cause for it.

Some medical conditions are linked to it, including:

• Trauma to the back of the head
• Neck tension or tight neck muscles
• Osteoarthritis
• Tumors in the neck
• Cervical disc disease
• Infection
• Gout
• Diabetes
• Blood vessel inflammation

Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and about any injuries you’ve had. They’ll do a physical exam, too. They’ll press firmly around the back of your head to see if they can reproduce your pain.

They may also give you a shot to numb the nerve, called a nerve block, to see if it gives you relief. If it works, occipital neuralgia is likely the cause of the pain. You might also have blood tests or an MRI scan if your doctor thinks your case isn’t typical. 

You have to get the right diagnosis to get the right treatment. For example, if you have occipital neuralgia and you get a prescription for migraine medication, you may not get relief.

The first thing you’ll want to do is to relieve your pain. You can try to:

• Apply heat to your neck.
• Rest in a quiet room.
• Massage tight and painful neck muscles.
• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like naproxen or ibuprofen.

If those don’t help, your doctor may prescribe medications for you, including:

• Prescription muscle relaxants
• Antiseizure drugs, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and gabapentin (Neurontin)
• Antidepressants
• Nerve blocks and steroid shots. The nerve block that your doctor might do to diagnose your condition can be a short-term treatment, too. It may take two to three shots over several weeks to get control of your pain. It’s not uncommon for the problem to return at some point and to need another series of injections.

An operation is rare, but it might be an option if your pain doesn’t get better with other treatments or comes back. Surgery may include:

• Microvascular decompression. Your doctor may be able to relieve pain by finding and adjusting blood vessels that may be compressing your nerve.
• Occipital nerve stimulation. Your doctor uses a device called a neurostimulator to deliver electrical pulses to your occipital nerves. They can help block pain messages to the brain.

Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition. Most people get good pain relief by resting and taking medication. But if you still hurt, tell your doctor. They’ll want to see if there’s another problem that’s causing your pain.

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18 Remedies to Get Rid of Headaches Naturally

Headache symptoms can be managed at home with a number of natural treatments, including drinking water, taking a nap, applying a cold compress and more.

Headaches are a common condition that many people deal with on a daily basis.

Ranging from uncomfortable to downright unbearable, they can disrupt your day-to-day life.

Several types of headaches exist, with tension headaches being the most common. Cluster headaches are painful and happen in groups or “clusters,” while migraines are a moderate-to-severe type of headache.

Although many medications can be used to treat headache symptoms, a number of effective natural treatments also exist.

Keep reading for 18 effective home remedies to naturally get rid of headaches.

Headaches have a number of causes, some of which are much more serious than others.

Research shows that certain dietary and lifestyle factors could increase the risk of experiencing headaches. Examples include (1, 2, 3, 4):

• lack of sleep
• dehydration
• caffeine withdrawal
• alcohol use
• nutrient deficiency
• undereating

However, serious injuries and underlying health issues can also cause headaches.

For example, headaches can result from potentially life threatening conditions, including tumors and blood clots, as well as from traumatic brain injury (5).

Medication overuse and infections of the central nervous system can cause headaches as well (6).

Additionally, some people are more likely to experience headaches than others.

People with obesity, those with sleep disorders, those who smoke, and those with high caffeine intake are more at risk of experiencing headaches. People with a family health history of headaches are more prone to headache disorders too (6, 7, 8).

1. Drink water

Inadequate hydration may lead you to develop a headache.

In fact, studies have demonstrated that dehydration is a common cause of headaches (4, 9)

What’s more, being dehydrated can impair concentration and cause irritability, making your symptoms seem even worse (10).

Thankfully, research suggests that drinking more water may help reduce headache occurrence, duration, and severity in some people (11).

To help avoid dehydration headaches, focus on drinking enough water throughout the day and eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.

2. Take some magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral necessary for countless functions in the body, including blood sugar regulation and nerve transmission (12).

Interestingly, magnesium has also been shown to be a safe, effective remedy for headaches.

Evidence suggests that magnesium deficiency is more common in people who get frequent migraine headaches than in those who don’t (13).

Studies have shown that treatment with supplemental magnesium, in many different doses and forms, may help reduce both the frequency and the severity of migraine headaches (14).

For example, supplementing with 600 mg of magnesium citrate may be effective for reducing headaches in people with migraine (15).

However, taking magnesium supplements can cause digestive side effects like diarrhea in some people, so it’s best to start with a smaller dose when treating headache symptoms and ask a healthcare professional if you have questions related to dosing.

Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Citrate is a great choice for people who want to try magnesium for headaches. Each capsule contains 150 mg of magnesium citrate.

Pure Encapsulations products are tested by third-party, independent laboratories, including Eurofins, Intertek, and Silliker (16).

Shop for Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Citrate online.

3. Limit alcohol

While having an alcoholic drink may not cause a headache in most people, studies have shown that alcohol can trigger migraines in about one-third of those who experience frequent headaches (17).

Alcohol intake is also a risk factor for tension headaches and for cluster headaches, which are among the most severe types of headaches (17, 18).

There are several ways in which alcohol is thought to trigger headaches, including by provoking inflammation, activating certain neuronal pathways, contributing to dehydration, and widening blood vessels, though the exact mechanism is still unclear (17).

People who experience frequent headaches could try cutting back on their alcohol intake to see if it benefits their symptoms.

4. Get adequate sleep

Sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your health in many ways and may even cause headaches in some people.

In fact, research shows that poor sleep quality and insomnia are associated with increased headache frequency and severity (19).

Sleep apnea, a health condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and then starts again during sleep, is associated with morning headaches, while insomnia is linked to increased headache severity in those with tension headaches (20, 21).

However, getting too much sleep has also been shown to trigger headaches. Therefore, getting the right amount of rest important for those looking for natural headache prevention (22).

For maximum benefits, aim for the “sweet spot” of 7–9 hours of sleep per night (23).

Having trouble sleeping? Read more about natural sleep aids.

5. Avoid foods high in histamine

Histamine is a chemical found naturally in the body that plays a role in the immune, digestive, and nervous systems (24).

It’s also found in certain foods, such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, beer, wine, smoked fish, and cured meats.

Studies suggest that consuming histamine may cause migraines in those who are sensitive to it (25).

Some people cannot excrete histamine properly because they have impaired function of the enzymes responsible for breaking it down (26).

Cutting histamine-rich foods from the diet may help reduce symptoms such as headaches in people who are sensitive to histamine (27).

6. Try essential oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that contain aromatic compounds from a variety of plants.

They have many therapeutic benefits and are most often used topically, though some can be ingested.

Research suggests that peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils are especially helpful when you have a headache (28, 29, 30).

If you experience frequent headaches, try diffusing essential oils or rubbing a small amount of an essential oil, like peppermint or lavender oil, mixed with a carrier oil, like jojoba, onto your wrists or temples.

There are a number of high quality essential oils available, with Eden Botanicals being one of the best brands to consider.

Shop for Eden Botanicals essential oils online.

7. Try a B-complex vitamin

B vitamins are a group of water-soluble micronutrients that play many important roles in your body. For example, they contribute to neurotransmitter synthesis and help turn food into energy (31).

Some B vitamins may also have a protective effect against headaches.

Several studies have shown that certain B vitamin supplements, including riboflavin (B2), folate, B12, and pyridoxine (B6) may reduce headache symptoms (32, 33, 34).

B-complex supplements contain all eight of the B vitamins and are a safe, cost-effective way to naturally treat headache symptoms.

B vitamins are considered safe to take on a regular basis, as they are water-soluble, meaning that any excess will be flushed out through the urine (35).

If you’re looking for a high quality B-complex supplement, you may want to try Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex. It contains highly absorbable forms of B vitamins, including methylcobalamin and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).

The supplement is third-party tested, and customers can obtain a certificate of analysis on the Nordic Naturals website.

You can shop for Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex online.

8. Soothe pain with a cold compress

Using a cold compress may help reduce your headache symptoms.

Applying cold or frozen compresses to your neck or head area decreases inflammation, slows nerve conduction, and constricts blood vessels, all of which could help reduce headache pain (36).

Studies suggest that cold therapy may benefit those experiencing certain types of headaches, including headaches caused by nitrate medication used to treat heart conditions like chest pain (37).

To make a cold compress, fill a waterproof bag with ice and wrap it in a soft towel. Apply the compress to the back of your neck, your head, or your temples for headache relief.

9. Consider taking coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance produced naturally by the body that plays a role in energy production and functions as a powerful antioxidant (38).

Studies have shown that taking CoQ10 supplements may be an effective natural way to treat headaches.

For example, one study in 80 people diagnosed with migraine demonstrated that taking 100 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced migraine frequency, severity, and length (39).

A 2021 review that included 6 studies found that treatment with 30–800 mg of CoQ10 per day was effective for reducing migraine frequency and duration (40).

Thorne Research CoQ10 (previously Q-Best 100), which provides 100 mg of CoQ10 per 1-gelcap serving, is a good option for people who experience migraine.

Thorne Research is a well-trusted supplement company that is certified by several third-party organizations, including the Therapeutic Goods Association, a regulatory agency run by the Australian Government Department of Health (41).

Shop for Thorne CoQ10 online.

10. Try an elimination diet

Studies suggest that food intolerances can trigger headaches in some people (1).

To discover whether a certain food is causing frequent headaches, you may consider trying an elimination diet that removes the foods most related to your headache symptoms.

Aged cheeses, alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits, and coffee are among the most commonly reported food triggers in people with migraines (1).

A 2016 study in 50 people with migraine found that eliminating migraine-triggering foods from the diet significantly reduced migraine attack frequency, duration, and severity (42).

Read more here about how to follow an elimination diet properly.

11. Drink caffeinated tea or coffee

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Sipping on beverages that contain caffeine, such as tea or coffee, may provide relief when you are experiencing a headache.

Caffeine improves mood, increases alertness, and constricts blood vessels, all of which can have a positive effect on headache symptoms (43).

It also helps increase the effectiveness of common medications used to treat headaches, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen (43).

However, caffeine withdrawal has also been shown to cause headaches if a person regularly consumes large amounts of caffeine and suddenly stops.

Therefore, people who get frequent headaches should be mindful of their caffeine intake (44).

While there are many excellent tea brands on the market, Stash Teas is known for offering a wide variety of flavors, including Green Chai, Orange Spice, and Double Bergamot Early Grey.

Shop for Stash teas online.

12. Try acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into the skin to stimulate specific points on the body (45).

This practice has been linked to a reduction in headache symptoms in many studies.

A 2020 overview of 15 systematic reviews concluded that acupuncture may be an effective therapy for people with migraine (46).

What’s more, a 2022 study that included 156 people with migraine found that treatments with both 5 and 10 sessions of acupuncture were effective for reducing frequency of migraine attacks and migraine severity (47).

If you’re looking for a natural way to treat chronic headaches, acupuncture may be a worthwhile choice.

13. Relax with yoga

Practicing yoga is an excellent way to relieve stress, increase flexibility, decrease pain, and improve your overall quality of life (48).

Taking up yoga may even help reduce the intensity and frequency of your headaches.

One study investigated the effects of yoga therapy on 60 people with chronic migraines. Headache frequency and intensity were reduced more in those receiving both yoga therapy and conventional care than in those receiving conventional care alone (49).

Additionally, a 2020 review that included six studies found that yoga helped improve headache frequency, duration, and intensity in patients with tension-type headaches (50).

14. Avoid strong smells

Strong odors like those from perfumes and cleaning products can cause certain individuals to develop headaches.

A study of 400 people who experienced either migraine or tension headaches found that strong odors, especially perfumes, often triggered headaches (51).

This hypersensitivity to odors is called osmophobia and is common in those with chronic migraines (52).

If you think you may be sensitive to smells, avoiding perfumes, cigarette smoke, and strongly scented foods may help decrease your chance of getting a migraine.

15. Try an herbal remedy

Research suggests that certain herbs, including curcumin, chamomile, and butterbur, may reduce headache symptoms.

For example, a 2020 review of 19 studies found positive preliminary findings for curcumin as a preventive treatment and for chamomile as an acute treatment for migraine (53).

The review also found limited evidence that supplementing with butterbur, a perennial shrub native to Germany that has anti-inflammatory effects, may benefit those with migraine (53).

Even though some herbs are safe to take, it’s important to be cautious when supplementing with herbs, as many can interact with commonly prescribed medications and may be unsafe for people who are pregnant or have certain health conditions (54).

Of the herbal supplements mentioned in the review listed above, curcumin and chamomile are generally considered safe. However, it’s important to check with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy to treat headaches.

Thorne Meriva-SF is an excellent choice for those looking for a high quality curcumin supplement to prevent migraines, and Nature’s Way Chamomile may be helpful if you’re looking for immediate headache relief.

Shop for Thorne Meriva-SF and Swanson Chamomile online.

16. Avoid nitrates and nitrites

Nitrates and nitrites are food preservatives commonly added to items like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon to keep them fresh by preventing bacterial growth.

Foods containing them have been shown to trigger headaches in some people (55).

Nitrites may trigger headaches by causing the expansion of blood vessels (56).

In order to minimize your exposure to nitrites, limit the amount of processed meats in your diet and choose nitrate-free products whenever possible.

17. Take some ginger

Ginger root contains many beneficial compounds, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances (57).

A 2021 review that included three randomized control trials found that treatment with ginger supplements helped reduce pain in people with migraine (58).

What’s more, the ginger treatments helped reduce nausea and vomiting, common symptoms associated with severe headaches (58).

If you’re interested in taking a ginger supplement, Pure Encapsulations Ginger Extract is a high quality supplement that provides 500 mg of ginger root extract per capsule.

You can also make a powerful tea using fresh ginger root. Not only is it cost-effective to make, but drinking the tea is a healthy way to stay hydrated.

Shop for Pure Encapsulations Ginger Extract online.

18. Move more

One of the simplest ways to reduce headache frequency and severity is to engage in physical activity.

A number of studies have shown that exercise could help significantly reduce migraine intensity, frequency, and duration (59, 60, 61)

There are many ways to increase your activity level, but one of the simplest ways is to increase the number of steps you take throughout the day.

Learn 10 ways to move more every day.

If you’re looking for ways to prevent headaches, the following evidence-based tips may help:

• Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated throughout the day is a simple way to reduce the risk of headaches while benefiting your overall health. Hydration needs vary, depending on factors like activity levels, body size, and more, so let your thirst be your guide (62).
• Identify underlying causes: There are many potential underlying causes of headaches, including nutrient deficiencies. If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, see a healthcare professional for a thorough checkup to rule out potential causes (2).
• Eat regularly: Undereating and restricting calories could cause you to develop a headache. Make sure you’re consuming enough calories throughout the day, and don’t go long periods of time without eating (63).
• Get the right amount of sleep: Both sleep deprivation and oversleeping may trigger migraines. It’s important to get the right amount of sleep, not too much or too little. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night (23).
• Try to manage your stress: Stress may trigger some types of headaches and take a toll on overall health. Incorporating healthy stress management practices like exercise, medication, and yoga into your life may help reduce your stress level as much as possible (64).

There are many other ways to help reduce headache frequency, duration, and severity. You can work with a healthcare professional to come up with a plan that works best for you.

The occasional mild headache isn’t usually a cause for concern, but if you’re experiencing frequent headaches or a lasting, severe headache, it’s critical that you seek medical care.

Headaches can be a symptom of a serious underlying health issue, such as a tumor, a blood clot, or another medical condition that requires immediate medical attention (5).

A doctor can help rule out potential underlying causes of your headaches and give you the right care.

They can also run tests to help rule out health conditions and nutrient deficiencies, such as B12 and iron deficiency, which may cause or worsen headaches (65, 66).

It’s especially important to seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing a headache after an injury or trauma, such as a fall, or if you experience a sudden, very severe headache, as this may be a symptom of a serious medical condition.

What is the fastest home remedy for a headache?

There are several home remedies that may help treat headaches.

For example, if dehydration is causing a headache, drinking water can help quickly improve the symptoms (11).

Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen can also help reduce headache pain (67).

Relaxing in a dark room, using a cold compress, smelling some peppermint or lavender essential oils, drinking some caffeine, and avoiding loud noises may also help reduce headache severity.

However, keep in mind that these remedies may not be effective for everyone. Effective treatments depend on the type and cause of the headache you’re experiencing.

Are there any home remedies for headaches that you should avoid?

It’s important to avoid taking herbal supplements to treat a headache unless you’ve checked with a healthcare professional first to ensure the supplements are safe for you. Many herbal supplements can interfere with common medications and aren’t safe for everyone (68).

You should also avoid drinking too much caffeine, as this can make you jittery and interfere with sleep (69).

Is there anything that makes headaches worse?

Bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells may make headache symptoms worse.

If you’re experiencing a significant headache, it’s important to relax in a calm, dark, quiet environment.

Lack of sleep, alcohol, stress, certain foods, hormonal fluctuations, calorie restriction, and taking headache medicine too frequently could also trigger or worsen headaches (70, 71).

Because people experience negative effects from frequent headaches, it’s important to find natural and effective treatment options.

Yoga, nutritional supplements, essential oils, and dietary modifications are all natural, safe, and effective ways to reduce headache symptoms.

While traditional methods such as medications are often necessary, there are many natural and effective ways to prevent and treat headaches if you’re looking for a more holistic approach.

Headache treatment – Directions “Doctor OST”

How can you quickly relieve a headache? What is the best treatment for dizziness? Tormented by insomnia from a constant migraine? Don’t know how to treat a headache anymore? In that case, you are at the right place! Welcome to the Headache and Dizziness Treatment Center “Doctor OST”!

Headache, especially recurring, can be a sign of dangerous diseases, up to a brain tumor! You can not leave this disease unattended!

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Many people know how to treat a headache at home: a relaxing bath, warm tea, peace and an aspirin tablet. However, these home remedies for headaches are acceptable if the pain occurs infrequently or, for example, due to normal overwork. If behind the headache there are serious lesions of the central nervous system, spine, blood vessels, such self-treatment can have the opposite effect. Therefore, if the headache began to remind of itself periodically, hurry to the doctor. It is very important to exclude dangerous pathologies in time!

Before treating a headache, you need to find out its root cause, the underlying disease. A thorough examination will allow you to make an accurate diagnosis and choose the best methods of treating headaches.

HOW TO GET RID OF A HEADACHE FOREVER?

If you are not a supporter of half measures and do not want to remember an unpleasant symptom from time to time, you do not need to look for the name of new drugs. In such a matter, professional help is indispensable!

We recommend making an appointment at the Doctor Ost Headache Treatment Center. A doctor of a rare specialty, a cephalgologist, conducts an appointment here. He knows how to treat a headache quickly, effectively, and most importantly, without side effects. Unique technologies come to the rescue, pushing the pills with their short-term effect into the background!

For example, patients who need treatment for tension-type headache are most often admitted. In this case, diseases of the cervical spine are hidden behind an unpleasant symptom: scoliosis, osteochondrosis, protrusion and even hernia. The curvature of the vertebrae causes muscle spasm, the vessels that feed the brain are pinched. Hence, not only headaches and dizziness, but also decreased vision, pressure drops.

Obviously, the best treatment for tension headache is not an injection or a pill, but restoration of spinal health. If you return the vertebrae to their place, the headache will disappear by itself! Doctor OST Medical Center has learned to cope with this brilliantly, thanks to robotic machines for gentle spinal traction!

A completely different treatment will require headaches of a neurological nature. For example, inflammation of the trigeminal nerve due to trauma, infection, colds, leads to unbearable pain in the face. Advanced hardware technologies allow targeted action on the affected nerve, instantly calming it and thereby eliminating the painful ailment.

Headache treatment methods in Doctor OST

There is a Doctor OST!

DRX robot treatment

The DRX device is a non-surgical method of treating the most complex diseases of the spine, including hernias and protrusions. More

There is a Doctor OST!

3D traction with ELITE TRAC

The 3D traction method on Exten Trac Elite is a unique way to treat the spine and joints, which fights not with symptoms, but with the source of pain. More

There is a Doctor OST!

Bioacoustic brain correction

Relieves emotional stress, restores the nervous system, normalizes blood pressure. More

There is a Doctor OST!

Micropolarization

Allows you to restore disturbed functions of the nervous system without the use of drugs. More

How much does it cost?

The cost of services is indicated in our price list. Follow the promotions, do not miss the best price!

Patient testimonials

Quick headache relief

15 years of excruciating headaches passed after 1 session at Doctor OST. Read more

Cured dizziness in Doctor OST

It turns out that such a banal reason as spasmodic muscles can lead to severe dizziness and headaches! But Doctor OST knows how to deal with it. Read more

“Doctor OST” returns the ability to fully move

Valery turned to “Doctor OST” with cervical osteochondrosis and numbness of his hand. Half of the prescribed course (traction on the DRX apparatus in combination with VTES procedures) has already been completed, and the man has become much easier. Read more

After the treatment, my eyesight improved and my head stopped spinning!

School teacher Rozalia Valeeva turned to the Doctor OST medical center with cervical osteochondrosis, a hernia in the cervical region, frequent headaches and reduced vision.
More

Q&A

You asked

Lately, I’ve been experiencing throbbing headaches. What do you advise?

Doctor answers:

First of all, it is necessary to establish the exact cause of the pain. It is necessary to consult a neurologist and, possibly, additional examination: MRI of the cervical spine (CS), ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the head and neck. Read more

You asked

What is happening to me? Sometimes, without a significant reason, the heart begins to beat furiously, sweat hails, the head is spinning, the pressure jumps ..

The doctor answers:

The described symptoms indicate the presence of vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD). However, it is worth undergoing an additional examination to make sure the diagnosis is certain. Read more

You asked

I have been suffering from severe headaches for many years, can a pressure chamber cope with them?

Doctor answers:

Yes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is indicated for the treatment of headaches of various origins. In addition to eliminating such an unpleasant symptom as a headache, oxygen treatment in a pressure chamber helps to strengthen the immune system and improve the general condition of the body. Read more

The activities described on this page are represented in cities:

Almaty

Chelyabinsk

Yekaterinburg

Kazan

Krasnodar

Krasnoyarsk

Nizhny Novgorod

Novosibirsk

Perm

Samara

Tyu

Ufa

I’m from another city!
How to start treatment?

Mundo Healing headache Complex practical program self-help

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