Ways to Get Rid of a Headache Quickly

SOURCES:

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: “Have a Headache at Work? 13 Quick Fixes.”

National Headache Foundation: “Hot and Cold Packs/Showers,”  “Bruxism.”

National Health Service (UK): “Sinus headache,” “10 Headache Triggers.”

Blau, JN. Headache, published online May 2004.

The International Headache Classification ICHD-2: “External Compression Headache.”

Mount Sinai Hospital: “Managing Your Migraines”

American Headache Society: “Dental Appliances and Headache,” “Types of Headaches,” “Sinus Headache or Migraine?” “Acute Therapy: Why Not Over-The-Counter or Other Nonspecific Options?” “Ten Things That You and Your Patients with Migraine Should Know.”

The Migraine Trust: “Medication for Migraine.”

Lawrence C. Newman, MD, President, American Headache Society and Director, Headache Institute, Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital, New York City.

American Academy of Neurology: “Migraine Headache. “

American Migraine Foundation: “Headache Hygiene – What is it?”

American College of Physicians: “Managing Migraine.”

Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Chronic Daily Headache.”

Mayo Clinic: “Acupuncture,” “Migraine,” “Migraines: Simple steps to head off the pain,” “Rebound headaches,” “Tension headache.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Self-Care Treatments for Headaches: Procedure Details,” “Headache Treatment Overview,” “Self-Care Treatment for Headaches,” “When to Call the Doctor About Your Headache Symptoms,” “Headache Treatment Overview.”

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Acupuncture: In Depth,” “Butterbur,” “Feverfew.”

Cephalalgia: “Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) addition in migraine acute treatment.”

Phytotherapy Research: “Comparison between the efficacy of ginger and sumatriptan in the ablative treatment of the common migraine.”

FamilyDoctor. org: “Hydration: Why it is so important.”

HealthyChildren: “Choosing Over-the-Counter Medicines for Your Child.”

4 Ways to Quickly Relieve Head Pain

• The best ways to get rid of a headache include drinking more water, eating balanced meals, trying relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and taking medication like Tylenol. 
• Headaches can be caused by many factors — including stress, poor diet, and underlying medical conditions — and figuring out what’s triggering your headache can be important for treating it. 
• This article was medically reviewed by Medhat Mikhael, MD, pain management specialist and medical director of the non-operative program at the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. 
• Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.

A headache is one of the most common and irritating types of pain. In order to relieve your headache, it’s first helpful to know what’s causing it.  

There are two main types of headaches. A primary headache occurs independently of any other medical condition. Whereas a secondary headache is a side effect of another health issue such as a sinus infection or high blood pressure.

Secondary headaches are most effectively treated by addressing the underlying medical condition. But there are many simple ways to get rid of a primary headache. Here’s how. 

How to get rid of a headache

“When it comes to primary headaches that have no other underlying cause, figuring out your headache ‘triggers’ and avoiding them is the best defense,” says Vernon Williams, MD, director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute. 

Headache triggers can be a specific part of your lifestyle — like diet, stress, or sleep habits — that bring on the pain of a headache. Here are the best ways to avoid or get rid of your triggers:

• Hydrate. If you suspect dehydration could be the cause of your head pain, make sure you’re drinking enough water each day. Experts recommend dividing your weight by two, so if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink about 75 fluid ounces each day. “As your body becomes dehydrated, the blood vessels of your brain narrow in an attempt to conserve water,” says Carrie Lam, MD, a physician. And stay away from alcohol — congeners, the chemicals present in alcoholic beverages, can also trigger headaches. 
• Eat balanced meals. If you have poor eating habits, like skipping meals or frequently snacking, you could experience headaches triggered by changes in blood sugar. Individuals who are prone to headaches should begin by focusing on eating three balanced meals each day that include a healthy source of protein — such as milk, fish, or meat. From there, you may be able to recognize food sensitivities by taking note of how you feel following a meal or snack, and determining which aspects of your diet may be causing your headaches.  
• Deep breathing. Stress can increase muscle tension, dilate blood vessels, and trigger headaches — and tension headaches are often associated with stress. Tension headaches can include pain in the forehead, the scalp, and the neck. If stress is behind your headache, deep breathing techniques may help you relax. Something as simple as slowing down your breath — for example, counting to five as you inhale and then five again as you exhale — can help you handle stressors and relieve head pain. Trying meditation or yoga may also help. 
• Medication. “Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, and caffeine are over-the-counter treatments that many patients find effective at stopping a migraine headache in its tracks,” says Williams. Acetaminophen, like Tylenol, relieves headache symptoms by blocking pain signals to the brain. Anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen or Advil, keep the body from producing chemicals responsible for inflammation. These medications can often work for tension headaches, as well. 

When to see a doctor for your headache 

“Most headaches are episodic, meaning they are infrequent and don’t require medical attention,” says Williams. One of the treatment methods above may provide relief, or the headache can even resolve on its own. 

However, more severe or persistent head pain should be checked out by a doctor. If your headache occurs three or more times in one month, Williams says, then it’s a good idea to speak with your primary care provider. 

In addition, headaches that follow physical injury or include other concerning symptoms may require serious medical attention. 

“If a headache follows a blow to the head, is accompanied by sudden, excruciating pain, a stiff neck, fever, convulsions, confusion, loss of consciousness, or associated with severe pain in the eye or ear, then immediate medical evaluation is crucial,” says Williams. 

Finally, you may want to see your doctor if you experience headaches alongside blurring of vision, double vision, facial numbness, or any cognitive changes. Even if these symptoms go away, it’s important to get yourself checked out. 

6 Home Remedies to Relieve Headaches Naturally

Many people turn to over-the-counter pain medications to get rid of a headache, but it can be possible to relieve a headache without medication. 

For example, relaxation techniques, acupressure, or warm compresses are all home remedies that can help combat headache symptoms and give you some relief. 

Here’s what you should know about headaches and how to treat the symptoms naturally. 

What is a headache? 

A headache is when you feel pain in the head or face. There are different types of headaches with varying causes, such as: 

• Tension headaches often feel like a dull, aching head pain and tightness across your forehead. These are often caused by stress.
• Migraine headaches feel like intense throbbing in one part of the head. These can also be caused by stress or by strong stimuli in your environment, like bright lights and intense smells. 
• Cluster headaches often manifest as intense pain behind the eye and are similar to migraine headaches. 
• Sinus headaches often feel like pressure around your forehead, cheeks, and eyes. This is usually a sign that you have some nasal or sinus congestion, and may be a sign of a sinus infection. 

The following are some simple strategies you can try at home to help relieve these types of headaches:

1. Use a cold or hot compress

For headaches with radiating pain that starts in one area and spreads to another, like migraine headaches, cold compresses can be placed over the spot from which the pain originates, says Michael Devine, MD, internal medicine doctor and geriatrician with Devine Concierge Medicine, a primary care practice in Philadelphia.  

Cold temperatures have a numbing effect, which can dull the pain. They can also constrict the blood vessels, which may help relieve migraines. You can make your own cold compress by placing a damp towel in the freezer for about 10 minutes. An ice pack would also work. 

Heat is better suited for tension headaches, Devine says, which often manifest as dull, aching head pain and a feeling of tightness across your forehead. 

Tensions headaches are typically caused by stress and relaxing stiff neck and shoulder muscles can help relieve this type of headache. For example, heat packs or a hot towel can be draped over the neck and shoulder muscles to help relax the muscles. 

2. Try acupressure

Acupressure is the act of applying firm pressure to certain parts of the body for one to two minutes at a time. 

This is most helpful at the back of your neck or base of your skull, and helps relax tension in the stabilizer muscles located in the neck that are often affected in tension headaches, Devine says.  

You can do this yourself at home. For example, you can follow these steps from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: 

1. On your left hand, find the space between the base of your thumb and index finger. This space is known as pressure point LI-4, or Hegu. 

2. Using your right thumb and index finger, press down on this point. Slowly move your thumb in a circle as you apply pressure. You should be firm, but don’t hurt yourself. 

3. Find the same space on your right hand, and with your left thumb and index finger, repeat this process for another five minutes. 

3. Practice relaxation techniques 

Relaxation techniques — like yoga,

meditation
, and breathing exercises — can also be helpful in managing certain headaches, especially cluster headaches. 

Cluster headaches, which often manifest as intense pain behind the eye, can often be relieved with deep breathing exercises, Devine says. For example, you can practice a breathing exercise known as rhythmic breathing by taking long, slow breaths and slowly counting to five as you inhale and exhale. 

In addition, tension headaches and migraine headaches are often related to stress, Devine says. Yoga and meditation can be particularly helpful with these types of headaches because they can help relax the body and reduce stress over time. 

For more information, learn about how to perform breathing exercises for relaxation. You can also follow our beginners guide on how to meditate. 

4. Improve your diet

Foods containing phenylalanine and tyramine may increase the frequency of migraine headaches for some people. 

Phenylalanine is an amino acid often found in:

• Artificial sweeteners
• MSG and nitrate-containing foods like processed meats and hot dogs

Tyramine is a compound produced by the breakdown of amino acids and is often found in:

• Smoked or fermented foods
• Alcoholic beverages
• Strong or aged cheeses, like parmesan and blue cheese

To prevent headaches, Devine suggests eating three to four small meals throughout the day instead of one to two large meals. Foods rich in protein and dietary fiber, like almonds and cherries, may also help ward off headaches.

5. Stay hydrated 

Drinking more water — and less dehydrating beverages, like alcohol or coffee — can also help prevent headaches. 

Devine recommends drinking an 8 to 16 ounce glass of water every two to three hours when you start to notice a headache coming on, as migraine headaches often respond well to this approach. Read more about how much water you’re supposed to drink each day for optimal health. 

In addition, caffeine could be a possible headache culprit, especially if it’s something you used to consume regularly but then stopped or cut back. Caffeine is tricky because it can help certain headaches, like migraines, but drinking too much of it can also lead to dehydration, which can also cause headaches. 

Alcohol can also be a migraine trigger, especially if you are stressed or anxious, according to the American Migraine Foundation. Alcoholic beverages can also dehydrate you and cause a headache the next day. 

6. Take vitamins or supplements

There are many vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies that can alleviate or prevent headaches, especially migraines. 

Devine says these natural remedies work to relieve headaches by improving your circulation, acting as an anti-inflammatory, bringing more oxygen to your tissues, providing muscle relaxation, or offering direct pain relief.

For example, Devine recommends the following: 

• Magnesium
• Riboflavin
• Coenzyme Q10
• Chamomile
• Feverfew

When to see a doctor 

While home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help with headaches, Devine recommends working with your doctor to determine and treat the underlying cause of recurring headaches. 

Migraine and tension headaches, for instance, are often caused by a lack of adequate sleep, stress, poor circulation, eye-strain, allergies, and poor dietary habits.  

If you experience frequent headaches severe enough to disrupt your life, then you should visit a primary care doctor or neurologist who can diagnose and treat conditions that may be contributing to your headaches. 

Takeaways 

Overall, to combat frequent tension headaches or migraines, Devine recommends getting six to eight hours of sleep a night, consuming at least 64 ounces of water a day, exercising for at least 20 minutes three to five times a week, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. 

With these home remedies, you may be able to quickly relieve or even prevent headaches naturally. But if you consistently suffer from headaches or migraines, you should check in with your doctor, who may prescribe you medication or work with you to make lifestyle changes. 

How Can I Get Rid of My Headache Quickly?

Who has time for a headache, especially when you’re at work or trying to enjoy time with the family? If a headache comes on, you want to know how to get rid of it. ..fast! Luckily, with a little planning and some of our great tips, you will be ready to handle most headaches quickly:

Drink water.

Oftentimes, a headache is the first sign of dehydration. Maybe you’ve had too much caffeine or had too much alcohol the night before. If you work outside in the heat or have been so busy you haven’t taken time to drink water throughout the day, dehydration may be what’s causing your headache. The body needs water to function properly and is constantly losing water through breath, sweat and urination. It’s up to us to replenish our fluid supply each day. If you feel a headache developing, drink a glass or two of water and see if the pain goes away.

Take off your hat or loosen your ponytail.

Sometimes we cause our own headaches without even realizing it. Wearing a hat that’s too tight or having hair pulled back tightly can cause headache pain. Headache relief can often come from simply removing the hat or loosening the hairstyle. Take a few moments to relax and massage pain points on your head before you get back to work.

Switch to different lighting.

Light that’s too dim, too bright or flickering can give you a headache. If you’re inside and can move away from fluorescent lighting or move to a better lit area with natural lighting, that’s ideal. If you’re outside in the sun, sometimes the consistent brightness of the sun can cause a headache and heat can make that worse. Go find some shade or go inside for a little while and see if that does the trick. Then, go back outside with sunglasses on and try to work in a more sheltered area, if possible. If you’re working on a computer in a dark room or trying to read in dim lighting, turn on another light or move to an area that is brighter. Sometimes we don’t even realize we need more light until we find ourselves squinting and moving closer to what we are trying to read and feel the very beginnings of headache pain coming on.

Find a quiet place and breathe.

Stress and tension can cause headaches too. Luckily, we carry a solution with us everywhere we go—our breath. If you feel tense and think your headache might be caused by stress, find a quiet place—it can be outside under a tree, in your car in a parking lot, in a room with no one else in it, or simply at your desk, if it’s quiet enough. Find a comfortable position to sit in and focus on relaxing with each breath. Breathe slowly, deeply and in a consistent rhythm in a way you find comfortable and relaxing. Taking breaks like this throughout the day can help prevent headaches too.

Choose a powder pain reliever.

You can see from the tips above that you don’t always have to take medicine for a headache, but when you do, BCÒ Powder is here for you. One of the things you may not realize is the reason so many families have used BCÒ Powder for generations is that it was designed for quick pain relief. Our powder formula is absorbed quickly—just pour powder on the back of your tongue and, as it dissolves, drink some water to chase it down. Get fast-acting pain relief by taking BC® Original or BC® Cherry as directed. They come in convenient, on-the-go, sealed stick packs you can keep handy at your workstation or in your pocket, purse, backpack or briefcase for whenever you need headache relief.

Since a severe headache can be serious, be sure to seek immediate medical attention if you feel sudden, intense headache pain that you have never felt before.

Tips to Get Rid of a Headache Quickly without Medicine

As a reward of today’s stressful and busy lifestyle, headaches are becoming increasingly common problem affecting half of the global population at least once a year. These become more annoying, discomforting and disabling when they just don’t go.

Further, there is a platter of headaches with about 150 varieties to be tackled and so, varies their treatment strategy. In addition, popping a pill so frequently is itself a risk to health. So, here are some tips to combat these pains in head without medicine.

Stay Hydrated to Ease Headaches

Staying hydrated simply means to increase your fluid intake in the form of water, fresh fruit juices, soups, smoothies, electrolyte drinks, etc. Drinking enough water may not only prevent headaches, but may also decrease its severity. It aids in curbing dehydration, which itself can result in headaches. In addition, drinking water also helps in reducing anxiety, and subside acidity. Removal of toxins is another benefit of drinking water.

Cool Down or Heat Up to Curb Headaches

Cold compresses, such as ice packs, ice wrapped in a towel, cold shower, bag of frozen peas, etc. when applied to the forehead or at the back of neck or onto shoulders can greatly reduce the severity of headaches. Such cold therapy works by constricting the blood vessels and reducing the inflammation.

In case of tension headaches, in which one experiences tightness in neck and shoulder muscles, applying heat compresses, such as heating pads, hot water bottles, heated towel, hot shower, etc. can reduce the pain. They can also ease sinus headaches. This hot treatment works by relaxing the muscles, increasing the blood flow, relieving congestion and reducing the inflammation.

Contrast temperature therapy, featuring hot and cold compresses being applied alternatively to the affected area, may also aid in relieving some types of headaches.

Massage to Relieve Headaches

Stress levels and lack of sleep are one of the major causes of headaches now a days. Massage therapy works wonders during such type of headaches, especially in migraine and tension type headaches.

Massage has both comforting and proactive role to play during headaches. It helps in relaxing muscles, reducing muscle spasm, and curbing trigger points for headaches. It also aids in relieving stress, improving sleep, as well as in relieving distress and anxiety. Thus, regular massage not only relieves headache, but also prevents its frequency of occurrence.

Soothing Aromas to Ease Headaches

Fragrances have a great impact on mind and body. Essential oils of plant origin have a soothing aroma that can help in alleviating minor headaches. These oils can be directly rubbed or applied to the affected area or inhaled or can be used via diffusers. They work by boosting mood, calming the mind, reducing stress, and detoxifying body. They may also have medicinal value and ease headaches by improving blood flow, relieving congestion and reducing inflammation. Few examples are listed below:

Peppermint Oil

It helps in alleviating tension headaches, migraine and sinus headaches when applied to the back of the neck and temples. It has cooling effect and act by relieving muscle tension as well as by stimulating blood flow.

Eucalyptus Oil

It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral property. It is useful in combating airway infections and related headaches by widening airway passage, as well as expelling out sputum, and harmful microbes that are responsible for increasing sinus pressure. Thus, it can aid in relieving sinus headaches

Lavender Oil

It can be helpful in relieving headaches due to stress, muscle tension and lack of sleep. It holds stress relieving, muscle relaxant and sedative properties.

Tea to Turn Off Headaches

Irrespective of the type of headache, one may get reprieve from headaches by sipping a warm cup of non-caffeinated tea prepared by brewing in water either of the herbal ingredients listed below.

Ginger

Fresh ginger roots contain a chemical called gingerol, which is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger tea also helps in relieving stress and improving blood flow and thus, relieves headache.

Chamomile

It has a great soothing and calming effect on the mind and body. It helps in improving sleep and increasing deep sleep. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves other symptoms associated with headache, such as nausea, sensitivity to light, etc. Applying chamomile tea bags directly to the pain pressure points also has a relaxing and pain-relieving effects.

Peppermint

Drinking this refreshing tea made by brewing peppermint leaves reduces inflammation, acidity and headache.

Diet Therapy: What to Avoid

Some food items itself can trigger headaches. Below is the list of foods that may trigger headaches:

• Food rich in nitrites and nitrates: Processed meat, hotdogs, sausages food enhancers, such as monosodium glutamate, etc.
• Food rich in histamine: smoked fish, sour cream, buttermilk, etc.
• Beverages: soft drinks, alcoholic beverages,
• Artificial sweeteners and colors: Aspartame
• Aged cheese: blue cheese, English stilton, brie, feta, gorgonzola, cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, muenster, swiss
• Vegetables and fruits: canned potatoes, citrus fruits, beans, onions,
• Salad dressings and sauces: Prepackaged dips (mustard dips, salsa sauce, etc.) and bottled salad dressings
• Breads and crackers: pretzels, pizzas, flavored crackers, etc.
• Miscellaneous: chocolate, canned soups, dried fruits, nuts, pickled food, etc.

The above listed items may vary from individual to individual. Therefore, it is advisable to keep a personal food diary enlisting the food items that has triggered headaches in the individual.

Further, low blood sugar levels are also amongst the common causes for headaches. Eating stomach full balanced meal rich in fibers, vitamins, minerals, especially magnesium, etc., At regular intervals can do wonders in keeping the headache at bay by keeping sugar levels stable.

Exercises and Alternative Therapies

These are stress buster approaches to combat headaches. These may also help in relaxing muscles, reducing pain, increasing flexibility, improving blood circulation, and calming body. These can be helpful in reducing the frequency of headaches and in chronic headaches. These include the following:

• Yoga and meditation
• Exercises and stretches: shoulder rolls, neck rotations, cervical extensor stretch, side stretch etc.
• Acupuncture and Chiropractic, etc.

Home Remedies to Relieve Headaches

One can follow some simple home remedies to get relief from excruciating headaches. Few tips are listed below:

• Cinnamon pack: paste of powdered cinnamon in water when applied to the temples and forehead can be soothing and pain relieving.
• Clove therapy: inhaling the powdered clove tied in a clean handkerchief or gently massaging the forehead and temples with coconut oil containing few drops of clove oil and sea salt can ease headaches.
• Dried ginger paste: applying paste of ginger powder in water on the forehead can provide instant relief from headache.

Headaches can also be a warning sign for an ongoing issue, ignoring which may not be a wise decision. Seek immediate medical advice in case the headache persists for long or become unresponsive to above mentioned approaches.

Tips to Get Rid of a Headache

How to Get Rid of a Tension Headache

Now, more than ever, it’s clear that stress wreaks havoc beyond your mental state—it can have a number of physical effects all over your body. A common manifestation? Tension headaches.

Unlike migraines, sinus headaches, or cluster headaches, tension headaches aren’t localized to one part of your body—you may feel pain or discomfort all over your head and scalp, neck, or shoulders, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

In addition to stress, you may be dealing with that annoyingly dull ache for a whole slew of reasons, as each person has their own unique triggers. But one thing everyone has in common? You want to relieve the pain ASAP. So we turned to experts to figure out how to get rid of a tension headache, and possibly even help prevent one in the future.

What are the symptoms of a tension headache?

People can have tension headaches once, daily, or off-and-on regularly—and the pain can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week. This pain often stems from muscle tightness and typically feels like a band is squeezing your head. Symptoms vary, but may also include:

• A dull ache that causes pressure
• All-over tension, pressure, or aching (not just in one point or one side)
• Pain that’s worse in the scalp, temples, back of the neck, or shoulders

What causes tension headaches?

Doctors don’t have this 100% figured out yet. “We don’t know a whole lot about the pathology of headache [but] tension-style headaches are likely triggered by inflammation,” says Amit Sachdev, M.D., medical director in the division of neuromuscular medicine at Michigan State University.

There’s no single cause for tension headaches, but you can have a regular trigger. In general, tension headaches occur when the neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract, usually in response to stress, depression, a head injury, or anxiety, the U.S. National Library of Medicine states.

People of any age can get tension headaches, but they’re more likely to happen in adults and older teens, and tend to run in families. So, if your mom and grandma get them, the odds are pretty high that you will, too.

There’s a laundry list of possible tension headache triggers:

• Stress
• Any activity that causes your head to be in one position for a long time
• Sleeping in a cold room (This can cause muscles to spasm, Dr. Sachdev says.)
• Sleeping with your neck in a weird position
• Alcohol use
• Caffeine (either having too much or going through withdrawal)
• Having a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection
• Dental problems like as jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Eye strain
• Excessive smoking
• Fatigue or overexertion

How to relieve a tension headache

Because tension headaches have various causes, it’s a good idea to keep a journal and log any instances to try and ID your triggers. If you can determine what sets off the pain (say, you always get one after drinking coffee), then you can do your best to avoid that particular trigger. That said, the following tips can all help you find eventual relief:

1. Pop some OTC pain medications.

This is a popular approach for quick relief. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can all help reduce tension headache pain, says Medhat Mikhael, M. D., pain management specialist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif.

Always follow dosage instructions, and never take pain medications for more than three days per week regularly, as this can actually cause “rebound” headaches—which may feel even worse.

2. Give yourself a massage.

Gently targeting the muscles in your scalp, temples, or bottom of your neck can help relieve the tension that spurred your headache, Dr. Mikhael says.

You can also target your masseter muscle­—the thick muscle that connects your jawbone and cheekbone—if you tend to clench, grind, or generally hold tension in your face. When your jaw becomes too tight, it can cause other nearby muscles in your head and neck to do the same. “When the force is too great you can get tension headaches,” David Reavy, a Chicago-based physical therapist, previously told Prevention.

Try this 10-second masseter massage from Reavy a few times a day:

• Place the pads of your fingers or knuckles at the masseter muscle.
• Then, open your jaw as much as you can.
• Close your mouth and repeat until you feel the muscle release.

3. Add in some peppermint oil, while you’re at it.

Organic Peppermint Essential Oil

Because peppermint oil causes a cooling sensation, it can feel really good on tense muscles. Research backs up its benefits, too: One older but often-cited study found that applying a 10% peppermint oil solution to the temples actually has pain-relieving properties similar to Tylenol. Newer research has led to similar results.

Sara Crystal, M.D., a neurologist, headache specialist, and medical advisor at Cove, previously spoke with Prevention and offered this peppermint oil massage:

• Dilute a few drops of the peppermint essential oil into another oil carrier, like coconut oil.
• Massage the oil into the temples and forehead, working in circular motions with the index and middle fingers. (Be sure to avoid the eyes.)
• Continue for one minute.

4. Apply ice or heat.

Giving tense muscles, especially around your neck and shoulders, the hot or cold treatment can alleviate any soreness that may be spurring a tension headache. A heating pad (set on low), hot water bottle, warm compress, or hot towel all do the trick. If you prefer a cold treatment, wrap any ice in cloth before placing on your skin.

5. Find a way to relax—seriously.

“The key point in treatment, besides using possible over-the-counter medication, is that you look at every possible relaxation therapy,” Dr. Mikhael says. “We want to minimize the use of pain relievers, because they can have side effects.”

Among other things, he recommends exploring meditation and yoga, as they’re both backed by research for their stress-reducing benefits. (Get started with our beginner’s guide to meditation or these basic yoga stretches.)

In general, a little self-care goes a long way, too. If you’re frequently dealing with tension headaches, consider making lifestyle changes, like sticking to a consistent sleeping schedule, getting regular exercise, and drinking enough fluids to avoid dehydration.

6. Talk to a therapist.

Remember, your mental health impacts your physical health. If you’re having trouble dealing with stress and anxiety on your own, seeking professional guidance can be tremendously useful. If anything, a therapist will be able to help identify your triggers and offer coping methods that fit in line with your lifestyle. “Reflection and internalization guided by a pain psychologist can be huge,” Dr. Sachdev says.

7. Consider physical therapy.

A physical therapist can also help teach you how to relax and work tension out of the muscles in your neck and back. “Some of the exercises they use can be very helpful to eliminate tension headaches,” Dr. Mikhael says. What’s more, they can give you guidance on proper posture if you tend to sit all day, which may help prevent future headaches.

8. Ask your doc about prescription options.

If your tension headaches are really bad or they’re happening frequently, your doctor may recommend muscle relaxers or tricyclic antidepressants to lower your risk of dealing with more of them, Dr. Mikhael says.

Bottom line: If tension headaches interfere with your quality of life and home remedies don’t help, it’s time to see your doctor.

A medical professional will be able to help you figure out what’s behind your headaches, and come up with a plan of action to put a stop to them.

Additional reporting by Tiffany Ayuda and Christine Mattheis

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How to get rid of a headache fast

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Natural remedies, like acupressure and herbs, have been used for hundreds of years to ease headaches.

If you suffer with frequent headaches, you’re probably more likely to just pop a Paracetamol to get rid of them fast.

There are some alternative, natural headache cures, though.  And, many are proven to help cure headaches quickly when you don’t want to reach for the medicine cabinet.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that at least once in the last year, three in four of us have suffered with a headache. Of those, one in three have had a migraine. It’s a problem that affects people all around the world.

But as common as headaches are and as easy as it is to get rid of a headache fast, it’s not always clear why exactly we have them. As well as common reasons like having a cold, not drinking enough water and stress, there are also more concerning reasons for headaches like sleeping problems, drinking too much alcohol and overuse of painkillers.

Worried that you’re having more headaches than normal? Be sure to visit the doctor to check everything’s okay. In the meantime, opt for some natural headache cures and remedies…

How to get rid of a headache fast using natural remedies…

Menthol products

Credit: Johnson’s

Menthol is a synthetic scent made from mint and it’s now thought that it could help cure your headaches.

One women’s Facebook post has gone viral after she uploaded a picture of a bottle of Johnson’s Baby Soothing Vapor Bath claiming the £3.41 product has been “life changing”. Alongside the picture Jill Hamilton wrote, ‘try this if you get headaches constantly like I do… it’s life changing!’

Speaking to MailOnline, Professor Goadsby of the National Institute for Health Research said there could potentially be some truth in Jill’s claims, as menthol activates a receptor in our skin which can make us feel cooler and sooth pain. He said, “Whenever you put menthol on you head and you feel cool, that’s because you are activating this receptor.”

Despite reports that it does ease headache symptoms, the reason behind why menthol seems beneficial hasn’t yet been cracked. Professor Goadsby continued, ‘There is a link – and evidence for the link – but the cause isn’t known.’

Acupressure

Massage your hand (or even better, get someone else to do it for you) in the fleshy bit in between your thumb and forefinger. It’s believed that you have an acupressure point here which is related to the head and relieving tension here will help your headache.

Looking for something more effective? It might be worth trying out this trick which was tested by Elizabeth Hayes, from Indiana, USA. Hayes took to Facebook to share how using a plastic peg and clipping it between your thumb and index finger could help elevate pain caused by a migraine.

The peg is known as Aculief and can be purchased on Amazon for anyone curious to test its healing powers for themselves.

Elizabeth Hayes

This chip clip saved my life tonight. I had a migraine start almost twelve hours ago and about an hour ago it was at an unbearable limit. I had exhausted all of my drugs and tricks I usually use to…

Cool mist spray

Dr Chris Etheridge, medical herbalist and advisor to www.uk.puressentiel.com says that there is limited evidence to prove cool mist sprays help relieve headaches. ‘From a trial in 28 patients it was shown that a cold intranasal spray may help a headache through a vasoconstrictor effect in the nose that reduce inflammatory mediators or through an impact on TRP receptors (as for menthol). However, larger clinical trials are needed.’

Want to pick up some cool mist spray?

Boots sell a range of cooling mist sprays. In fact, these are also said to be good for dealing with menopausal symptoms.

Himalayan salt

Credit: Getty

Well, it doesn’t even have to be specifically Himalayan actually, but there have been reports that these little grains of salt can cure a headache as if by magic.

Dr  Etheridge says: ‘Anecdotally, some people find this works but the science is lacking. It involves the use of the juice of a lemon, hot water and two teaspoons of Himalayan (or similar quality) salt. However, the NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt daily in the diet and this treatment provides almost double that amount.’

So, whilst it might have benefits, it could also cause some harm if done too regularly.

Heat

A great way to get rid of a headache fast, as headaches can be brought by tense muscles in your neck and head which are easily relieved with heat. Holding a hot water bottle (not containing boiling water, just hot water) or a hot compress against your forehead the back of your neck, can relax the muscles and ease the pain.

Dr Etheridge adds: ‘Headaches can be brought on by tense muscles in the head and neck. A warm compress held against the forehead or back of the neck can ease tense muscles. Heat is not likely to be as effective for headache as cold.’

Foot bath

A hot foot bath will draw blood to your feet and relieve the pressure in your head. It will also help you relax. Relaxing always seems to be a way to help us feel better.

In fact, Dr Etheridge explains that any method of relaxation may help headache relief.

So as well as a foot bath, you could dry breathing techniques. Find a quiet spot. Then, sit comfortably, inhale for five slowly, then exhale for five, slowly. Repeat this five to 10 times.

You could even try this gentle headache relief below…

Head massage

It’s not entirely surprising that if you’re looking for how to get rid of a headache fast, this option is one of the best. Even if there’s no one around to give you one, doing it yourself will still help.  If you’re helping someone else out, watch this video to learn more about how to give a head massage.

Pharmacist Sultan Dajani from www.dragonflycbd.com says that a head massage can be an effective option to getting rid of a headache.

‘Concentrate on the temples and massage in a circular motion. You could try using Puressentiel Headache Roll-on for a combination of essential oils and head massage.’

Sex

Have a good old roll in the hay! It’s a great stress reliever and could take your mind off your headache for a while.

However, Sultan explains that there is some evidence that sex can relieve migraines and cluster headaches.

‘A survey of 1000 people found that of the 34% who had sex during a migraine attack, 60% reported improvement and 30% worsening. Of the 31% who had sex during cluster headache, 37% experienced improvement, 50% worsening.’

But it’s an experiment we are willing to try!

Keen for a good night’s sleep after? These foods will help you drift off…

Elevate your legs

Before you grab that packet of paracetamol, give this yoga position a go. Also known as the Inverted Lake, elevating your legs whilst lying on the floor, it encourages blood to flow around your body – in particular to the parts that really need it. Simply lie on your back on the floor with your bottom against a wall and stretch your legs upwards so you’re laying at a right angle. Breath deeply.

As well as helping to cure headaches and migraines, it’s claimed the position can also help to relieve menstrual cramps, reduce swollen ankles and ease back pain amongst many other things. Free and easy, we recommend giving it a go!

Daith piercing

Who knew getting your ears pierced could actually have health benefits? Sultan explains: ‘A daith piercing is a piercing of the fold of cartilage that’s just above the entrance to your ear canal. The link between daith piercing and headache/migraine relief is acupuncture/acupressure and the idea is that a daith piercing activates a pressure point. Case studies have indicated a benefit but the technique needs properly testing. ’

So, although the unusual method is not yet scientifically proven, the Migraine Relief Center recognises there might be link between daith piercing and migraine relief as the piercing ‘mimics acupuncture by hitting a pressure point, which relieves the pressure in the patient’s head.’

Foods to help get rid of a headache

Ginger

Credit: Getty

Dr Tim Bond, natural health expert and chemist from www.teaadvisorypanel.com says that ginger is best known for benefits in indigestion and nausea. However, it also has anti-inflammatory effects due to the presence of a naturally occurring oil.

‘In a clinical trial, ginger extract combined with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription drug reduced pain in migraine,’ he explains.

Want to give it a go? Crush up about an inch of fresh ginger. Next, pour boiling water over it and drink it as a tea once it’s cooled a bit.

Feverfew

Feverfew looks much like a daisy. But it can also be bought as a supplement and is one of the well-known ways of how to get rid of a headache fast. 250mg every morning should keep headaches at bay.

Dr Sultan adds that feverfew is a herb which has a long traditional use for headaches.

‘A clinical review suggested feverfew may be useful not only for classical migraine and cluster headaches, but also for premenstrual, menstrual, and other headaches. Feverfew contains parthenolide which may help migraine by reducing inflammation and antagonising serotonin (a substance that dilates blood vessels which may be linked with migraine) It can be bought as a supplement.’

Rosemary

It doesn’t just make your Sunday roast taste great! An infusion of rosemary (just a spoonful in a cup of hot water) is said to stop a headache getting worse.

Dr Bond says: ‘Rosemary has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and has been used traditionally for thousands of years as a pain reliever. It contains an essential oil and bioactives such as carnosic acid, carnosol, ursolic acid and betulinic acid, as well as rosmarinic acid, rosmanol and oleanolic acid which have pain killing activity.’

Is it a migraine? Check out these migraine symptoms…

Mouthguard

OK, so it’s not ideal. But, tension in your jaw and grinding your teeth are often the reason why we get headaches.

Dr Bond says: ‘A mouthguard will stop you grinding your teeth. It is a small plastic splint which fits over your upper or lower teeth. If you think you grind your teeth and this causes your headaches it might be worth chatting to your dentist who will need to measure and fit the splint.’

Coffee

Credit: Getty

It may not seem like a good idea, but having a strong coffee reduces swelling in the blood vessels and can ease headache pain. This won’t work for people who drink lots of caffeine, though. Too much caffeine can infact make headaches worse.

Dr Bond also adds that Rooibos tea is a good replacement for those who want to avoid caffeine.

‘Some people choose to avoid caffeine if they suffer from headaches. Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine free and a pleasant refreshing alternative.’

Plus it’s naturally sweet and tastes delicious!

Cinnamon

Some people believe that if you get a headache from being cold, a fine cinnamon paste spread on your forehead will make you feel better.

Dr Bond says: ‘Cinnamon has been used traditionally to treat headache. Complementary practitioners recommend that you can make a paste with cinnamon powder and water and apply it to the temples (when the pain has started) or try cinnamon infusion (when the pain begins). Cinnamon contains cinnamic aldehydes which have an anti-inflammatory effect.’

You can buy cinnamon tea, too, which makes a tasty alternative to regular tea. Or try sprinkling cinnamon over oats or cereal.

Boost your mood with these tasty foods!

Marjoram

An infusion of marjoram leaves, drunk as a tea is one of the commonly used natural headache cures. The leaves have a slightly minty, lemony taste. If you don’t like it, you can also get your other half to give you a massage with marjoram oil.

However, Sultan says: ‘Marjoram has been used traditionally for pain and headaches but evidence is insufficient to recommend its use for headache.’

There are a number of surprise things that might be causing your headache. Read more here.

Frozen Peas

Credit: Getty

This might sound like an odd cure for headaches, but Dr Bond reveals that lots of people swear by placing a bag of frozen peas at the base of the skull whilst submerging their hands and feel in a hot or warm water.

He adds: ‘It is based on hydrotherapy treatment which aims to draw blood away from the head to the limbs.’

Drawing blood away from the head and into the limbs consequently relieves congestion, throbbing and pain. The efficiency of the treatment increases the higher the contrast is between hot and cold, so keep the water as hot as you can stand, and the frozen peas or other cold alternative as cold as possible.

Foods that can trigger headaches and migraines

Whilst there are foods and natural herbs that can help cure a headache, there are some that make it worse.

Dr Bond says: ‘Most of the food triggers associated with headaches and migraines come from people self-reporting not clinical trials.

‘Trigger foods include bananas, beans (brad and fava), chocolate, citrus fruits, cultured dairy (yogurt and kefir), nuts and nut butters, strawberries, cheese high in tyramine (Blue cheese, Brie, Cheddar, Feta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Swiss), MSG (in soya sauce and used as a meat tenderiser), aspartame ( a sweetener), nitrates and nitrites (found in cured and processed meats), alcohol (wine, beer and spirits).’

So if you sense a headache, put down the pinot and pick up a herbal tea!

What pressure points get rid of a headache? 

You might be quick to dismiss pressure points. But Sultan says there are some main ones to note when attempting to get rid of a headache.

To work a pressure points, press each spot using either a knuckle or your thumb/index finger. Press gently, then slowly increase pressure. It shouldn’t hurt.

Try the below…

1. Between the web of the thumb and the index finger.
2. The indentations on either side of the spot where the bridge of your nose meets the ridge of your eyebrows.
3. The base of the skull in the parallel hollow areas between the two vertical neck muscles.
4. Between your two eyebrows where the bridge of your nose meets your forehead (the third eye).
5. At the edge of your shoulder, halfway between your shoulder point and the base of your neck.

 

90,000 to get rid of headaches, folk remedies

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Headache occurs for various reasons: due to stress, allergies, colds, etc. Sometimes the headache starts where there is no drug available nearby, or it happens so often that it becomes unsafe to take medication. How to get rid of a headache without pills in such cases?

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Removing headaches without pills is possible with the help of folk remedies that do not harm health and bring marked relief.How to remove a headache without pills is described in this article.

It should be noted that headache often occurs due to overwork or lack of sleep. In this case, you need to take a couple of hours nap, which is an excellent treatment for headaches without pills. During sleep, the window or window must be open (you can pre-ventilate the room to keep it cool).

In addition, the head often hurts from hypoxia, which usually occurs during the heating season, when the heaters burn out oxygen.How to relieve a headache at home in this case: Walking outside for 30 minutes will help you regain your well-being.

How to relieve a headache without pills

Coriander

How to relieve a headache without medication: 1 tsp. add coriander seeds to boiling water. Let the water boil until the strong scent of coriander is felt. Then ½ tsp should be added to it. tea leaves and let the broth brew for a few minutes.

Valerian

Valerian root must be insisted in a glass of boiling water and taken three times a day, 1 tbsp.l. This drink helps everyone who is interested in how to relieve stress-related headaches.

Lemon

The intensity of the pain will decrease if you drink warm water with a little lemon juice. Another option, how to cure a headache without pills: lemon peel should be applied to the forehead and the pain will go away almost immediately. In addition, lemon juice can be used to wipe the temples and forehead, which is good for headaches.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon will give you the opportunity to learn how to quickly relieve headaches without pills.1 tsp this spice must be brewed in a glass of hot water, then let it brew for half an hour. Next, this drink needs to be sweetened and taken every hour for 2 sips. From the infusion, you can also make a compress on whiskey, which perfectly relieves headaches.

Ginger

Traditional methods for headaches include the use of ginger. So, 1 tsp. chopped ginger should be added to a glass of hot water and boiled for a few minutes. Then filter, add a little honey and the delicious medicine is ready!

Betel Leaves

A few fresh betel leaves should be chopped with a meat grinder and spread over the forehead and on both sides of the head.Leaving it on for half an hour and soon the headache will subside is another great way to eliminate a headache without pills.

Chamomile tea

How to get rid of a severe headache: 1 tsp. Brew chamomile in a glass of boiling water. When the chamomile has set itself up for a few minutes, strain it, add honey. The resulting drink tastes very good!

Hot shower

How to soothe a headache without pills, when there is no time to prepare various decoctions? Traditional headache treatments are varied and include hot showers or contrast showers.

Headache is often manifested due to impaired blood circulation in the head due to muscle spasm or cervical osteochondrosis. Taking a hot shower helps to expand the vessels, but if this is not possible, a heating pad, which must be applied to the neck area, or a woolen scarf, which must be wrapped around the neck after lightly rubbing the area of ​​its back surface, will help. It is important to note that a contrast shower itself is excellent for relieving headaches.

Cold compress

If the headache is due to allergies or stress, cold helps.So, you need to moisten a linen napkin in cold water or wrap the ice with a towel, and then apply it to your temples and forehead. How to quickly relieve a headache in this case: You can apply a cold compress to the neck and shoulders.

However, do not use ice without first wrapping it in a towel, for the reason that this way you can cause vasospasm, which will increase the headache after a little relief.

Aromatherapy

Aromas of essential oils of plants – real folk recipes for headaches.Thus, the scent of lavender relieves stress, relaxes and soothes, and also helps to sleep. The mint scent soothes the nerves, which is often the cause of headaches. The peppermint oil must be rubbed into the scalp for 10 minutes. Instead of peppermint oil, you can use fresh mint leaves, which need to be ground into a gruel and rubbing gently on the back of the head, temples and crown of the head.

If headaches occur frequently, it is better to consult a doctor! An experienced doctor will diagnose and tell you how to relieve a severe headache.

Help DOC.UA: You can make an appointment with a neurologist due to frequent headaches here.

90,000 We get rid of headaches!

When a headache appears, life instantly turns into gloomy colors. Some rarely have a headache, while others experience this kind of discomfort on a regular basis. The reasons are different: stress, insomnia, overexertion. Statistics have shown that only 30% of headaches are caused by a serious illness. Therefore, take your time to take pain pills.Try to get rid of this unpleasant condition with simple methods.

Self-massage

Acupressure massage for cervical osteochondrosis is the best way to eliminate pain of any severity. There are many acupressure techniques. But if the cause is cervical osteochondrosis, then a special massage of the collar zone is needed.

Facial gymnastics

Very often the head begins to ache due to strong facial tension. It is useful to master simple exercises that will relax the muscles of the face.It effectively relieves tension and quietly relieves aching pain.

Aromatherapy

Peppermint with its aroma removes pain in the head, and at the same time removes anxiety. A few drops of oil are applied to the temples and rubbed into the skin. It is also good to use citrus essential oil, it is great for soothing.

Lavender added to the bath helps relieve headaches. Such baths are very useful for people suffering from migraines.

Tea with mint

A cup of this tea will instantly relieve pain.To make the effect stronger, a little cinnamon is added to the tea. And it is important that the tea should not be in bags, but natural.

Lotions

If the pain throbs in the head, then cold lotions help well. Applied to the temples and forehead. Compresses with cabbage juice can be used.

Walks

Fresh air will do wonders. It takes 10 minutes to walk in the park and instead of pain, peace will come. Naturally, you need to walk not in the city center, but in places with a lot of greenery.

Rest

It is necessary to get enough sleep, but it is not recommended to sleep for a long time, otherwise the head will hurt even more. Doctors advise purchasing pillows that are stuffed with buckwheat husks.

Tight bandages

This is the old folk way. You need to pull off your aching head with a towel and lie down. In addition to headaches, it will remove perspiration and general weakness.

A nimo therapy

Pets are great at soothing. For example, a cat with its purr creates positive sound vibrations and the body returns to normal.

Relaxation

Relaxation replaces pills in many cases. Deep breathing trance music is ideal for headaches. Research has shown that relaxation techniques are superior to drugs for pain relief in many ways.

These tips are, of course, not a panacea. They provide quick relief, but the cause of the painful condition must be identified. The help of doctors cannot be ignored.

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What herbs treat headache

The most effective recipes that will relieve discomfort and have a positive effect on the entire body.

When tired of pills

We are used to dealing with headaches with pain relievers. It would seem that it is easier – I drank one pill and the spasms disappeared as if by hand. But if pills stop helping, then you need complex treatment, and here folk remedies will come in handy.

The fact is that each herbal infusion helps to fight not only with pain, but with its accompanying factors.For example, you are tormented by inflammation of the sinuses or osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, or intracranial and intraocular pressure, as a result, unpleasant spasmodic attacks in certain parts of the head. Natural remedies are based on the principle of sedative, relaxing action. By relieving spasms, pain is reduced. The only thing you have to put up with is that medicinal plants do not heal instantly, the effect is achieved in about two weeks.

Herbal headache treatment

Chamomile tea

Chamomile helps with throbbing pain in the temporal part of the head.As a rule, such painful sensations arise from overeating or are associated with poor outflow of bile.

To prepare an infusion of chamomile, you need to take one teaspoon of flowers per 200 milliliters of water. Pour boiling water over the herb in a container of a suitable size. Cover with a lid for 10-15 minutes. Drink the infusion warm. You can add half a teaspoon of natural honey.

Wormwood tea

Wormwood does an excellent job with headaches and stomach pains.You need to brew it in a thermos. Pour a teaspoon of the crushed mixture with boiling water – 500 ml. After an hour, you can use 50 ml three times a day half an hour before meals. Despite the fact that wormwood is a bitter herb, try to avoid using it with honey.

Oregano tea

An excellent remedy for spasmodic headaches. Oregano has excellent relaxing properties and is a good medicine for those with sensitive vessels.

Herbal decoction is prepared in much the same way as chamomile. A teaspoon of herbs is poured into 250 ml of boiling water. To cover with a lid. Healing tea is brewed in just 10 minutes. No longer worth it, as the broth may lose its flavor. Drink it twice a day for half a glass.

Sorceress Mint

Peppermint tea will help with many diseases. The herb acts both as an antispasmodic and as an antiviral agent. The infusion is prepared as follows: pour a liter of water into an enamel pan, when it boils, add 1 tbsp.l. mint. Remove from heat. Cover and let the tea brew for 10 minutes. Cool the infusion. Drink warm, half a glass each, you can add honey, lemon to taste.

Rosemary leaves

If the cause of your headaches is overwork or a nervous breakdown, rosemary will help you. The infusion is prepared from two teaspoons of herbs and 200 ml of boiling water. Pour, cover and leave for 30-40 minutes. Strain the finished infusion and divide into 5-6 receptions. By the way, an infusion of mint and rosemary is great for a hangover.Pour a tablespoon of mint and the same amount of rosemary with 400 ml of boiling water. After insisting 30 minutes under the lid. Drink like tea.

Linden tea

An excellent remedy for any headaches caused by colds, overexertion, insomnia, hormonal disruption. It is enough to mix 1 tbsp. l of the mixture and 25 ml of boiling water. You can consume it after 20 minutes.

Treating headaches with herbs, drinking herbal teas can be very effective and will give good results.

Earlier, “Kubanskie Novosti” wrote about which medicinal herbs should be used to increase immunity.

How to avoid headaches after swimming in the pool?

Have you ever suffered from headaches after swimming? This problem is often faced by swimmers and it unsettles them.

Many people expect a boost of vivacity and energy from practicing in the pool. However, your enthusiasm will soon fade as soon as your head splits after swimming.

Swimmer headaches can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from the type of swim equipment (such as goggles and swimming caps) to lack of oxygen or dehydration.

However, no swimmer should have a headache while diving.

In this case, you will not get much pleasure from swimming. There are times when you have already paid for the pool, and in return you have to either leave the lesson earlier or endure a headache.

Does this sound familiar to you? However, do not worry, there are other alternative ways to solve this problem. A series of simple changes to your program will help you get rid of the headache once and for all.

This article will help you understand why you have headaches after swimming, what types of headaches are there, and what actions you need to take to eradicate them.

Why do I have headaches after swimming? Is it because of the glasses or swimming caps?

External pressure headache is the most common one and many swimmers suffer from it.

Have you ever tightened your glasses tight, however, after a while you realized that you were overdoing it? This is what causes the headache from external pressure.

This type of headache is caused by pressure on the surface of the head and forehead. For swimmers, this is almost always the result of wearing caps or swimming goggles.

As a rule, this type of headache occurs instantly, as soon as you crush your forehead or skull. Most likely, you will begin to suffer from this even before the end of the session.

However, the pain goes away immediately after the pressure is released. Below we offer a couple of tips for choosing comfortable swimming goggles and caps.

Can ear plugs cause headaches?

Most ear plugs can also cause headaches and put pressure on the inner surface of the ear and jaw.

Using regular earplugs is not a good idea. Try the specially designed Swimming Earplugs instead.They are usually created using a soft silicone structure that adjusts to the shape of the ear.

Our range includes a complete set of earplugs for swimmers. The Speedo Biofuse Aquatic earplugs are one of the most popular items in our range. What’s more, you can check out our blog for more information on earplugs and protecting your ears.

If you really cannot wear earplugs for a long time, use protection oil from granules as an alternative.You can apply it to your ears before swimming to create a natural waterproof finish.

If you have previously had ear infections, we recommend that you consult your doctor before using any product.

Can otitis media cause headaches?

Yes, in some cases, irritation and discomfort in the ears can cause headaches.

Otitis media is caused by a plug in the ears, which allows bacteria to grow in the ear canal.Often, otitis media is accompanied by itching, redness, and swelling.

Unlike adults, children are especially susceptible to otitis media because of the narrower ear canals.

If you suffer from otitis media headaches, try ear drops such as Swim-Eze. They work extremely quickly, vaporize the trapped water and eliminate painful symptoms.

Can chlorinated water cause headaches?

Yes. Chlorine can irritate the nasal membrane and the mucous membrane in the sinus cavities, which leads to the well-known sinusitis.

Water pressure can also cause sinusitis and, as a result, leads to the formation of ear plugs.

If you suffer from this type of headache, you should take the following measures.

First, consider buying nose clips. They are comfortable and easy to wear. The clamps seal your nostrils so chlorinated water does not enter your nasal cavity.

We have a wide range of nose clips that are flexible in structure and soft silicone clips for maximum comfort.They are comfortable and in a couple of minutes you will forget that you are wearing them.

If you have some discomfort from getting water after bathing, you can also try a salt water spray or saline solution to rinse your nasal passages.

What else can cause headaches in swimmers?

Dehydration is another of the most obvious and common causes of headaches.

Swimmers who exercise in the morning are especially susceptible to this if they do not drink enough water in the evening or in the morning.Also, don’t forget to bring your water bottle to class. You can leave it by the pool and sip between sets or exercises if needed.

The feeling of lack of oxygen usually occurs for the following reasons: you do not breathe in the same rhythm or hold your breath under water for a long time.

What kind of swimming goggles will relieve headaches?

As mentioned above, swimming goggles are the most common cause of headaches among swimmers.

Wearing glasses that are too tight will cause headaches for most. However, the level of pain can vary greatly depending on who is wearing them.

Some people suffer severely from these headaches, while others may experience only slight discomfort. This is why some swimmers can tighten their goggles tightly while others suffer from the same level of severity.

It all depends on the structure of the skull. Some people have a tiny cranial opening known as an opening.Others have a notch , in this area rather than an opening, which leaves the nerve more open and susceptible to irritation from tight hats.

There are a number of other factors that contribute to the onset of headaches. It is believed that athletes who suffer from migraines are more susceptible to this.

Some people prefer glasses that are positioned above the eyebrows instead of low-profile ones. These glasses are comfortable on the eyes and are a good way to avoid headaches.

If you are looking for this type of swimming goggle, we recommend looking at the Zoggs Predator or the Speedo Futura BioFUSE . They all have a larger, softer rubber pad that reduces pressure on the eyes and forehead, with a double strap for maximum hold. If you take part in competitions, then you will feel how much your success depends on your starting points.

If you are forced to wear low profile goggles in competition, we recommend using them only when necessary.

Try several glasses with different straps until you find one that suits you. There are hundreds of different thin swimming goggles for you to choose from in our store. Here you can first choose glasses to your taste, and then find a great pair in which you will be comfortable.

Follow the link here to view the full range of swimming goggles from the world’s best brands.

Supplement – Kommersant Healthcare (117794)

For Professor Jürgen Beck, Chief Physician of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University Hospital in St.Freiburg, the most significant joy in the treatment of CSF loss syndrome is the final moment – when the patient’s long suffering comes to an end and the headache that sometimes haunted him for years goes away.

– We often hear that even young and active people suffer from headaches. What are the reasons for this phenomenon?

– Headache most often manifests itself in the form of migraine, but often it is caused by overexertion. Young people most often suffer from just such pain.However, a few years ago we learned that a form of headache occurs as a result of loss of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is from her that young, dynamic, able-bodied people often suffer.

– CSF Loss Syndrome – what is this disease? What are her symptoms?

– With loss of cerebrospinal fluid, the headache occurs when the patient is in an upright position – in other words, stands. This pain is severe, pulling, tearing and often radiates to the occipital region.Sometimes it is accompanied by tinnitus or eye pain. As soon as the patient takes a horizontal position, the pain instantly subside. This is a characteristic feature of the disease. These pains come on suddenly and are different from an overexertion headache or migraine. Most people remember exactly the day this pain started.

– Is it a rare disease or does a lot of people suffer from it?

– According to scientific research, it affects about 5 people per 100 thousand.citizens. That is, the disease is considered quite rare. However, since it is little known, and the correct diagnosis is not always made, this figure is definitely greatly underestimated. Young, able-bodied people aged 30 to 50 are more likely to get sick. The disease occurs in men and women, but, based on our experience and observations, in women, CSF loss syndrome occurs twice as often as in men.

– What is the cause of CSF Loss Syndrome?

– In recent years, studies have been carried out in which we also participated.Studies have shown that the cause of the disease is a small hole in the dura in the spine through which cerebrospinal fluid leaks. When a person gets up, the brain sinks somewhat due to a lack of cerebrospinal fluid, and this terrible headache arises.

– How does this hole appear?

– In the course of the aforementioned studies, it was discovered that the cause is a tiny calcareous spur formed in the dura mater, which under certain circumstances pierces it like a miniature dagger.The result is an opening through which cerebrospinal fluid flows out of the spine.

– How is CSF Loss Syndrome diagnosed?

– At first, you need to listen carefully to the patient’s complaints in order to recognize the nature of his headaches. Almost always, with the loss of cerebrospinal fluid, the patient says that a severe headache appears when he is in a standing position, and in the lying position there is an improvement. It is at this point that you need to pay special attention.

In addition, now there is a special hardware diagnostics, which also helps to make the diagnosis correctly. First of all, it is necessary to do an MRI of the patient’s head and back.

We, the specialists of the Freiburg clinic, are looking for this very small hole in the dura mater in the spine. Specially trained, qualified doctors perform myelography, CT myelography, infusion test, and ultrasound. For the successful conduct of such special studies, doctors, of course, need to have experience and skills, and the specialists of our clinic have them.

– What are the difficulties in making a diagnosis?

– This diagnosis is still frequently overlooked in many clinics that have little experience with CSF Loss Syndrome. However, it is not the diagnosis, but the treatment of this disease that requires even more experience.

– How is CSF Loss Syndrome treated in your clinic?

– The first stage of treatment of the syndrome is the imposition of the so-called epidural blood patch.This procedure is carried out in our clinic by invasive neuroradiologists. Such a patch is very often applied, and thanks to the high level of experts from the department of neuroradiology, in particular Professor Urbach, this is usually enough for a complete cure.

However, if one or more of the blood patches fails, surgery may be necessary. An experienced neurosurgeon is needed to perform this type of intervention. There are few centers with extensive experience in conducting such operations.In Europe, these are Freiburg in Germany and Bern in Switzerland. Freiburg neurosurgeons have developed highly accurate, patient-specific surgical procedures for the treatment of CSF leakage with access from the dorsal side (that is, from the back). With the help of an operating microscope, we can precisely close this small hole. This method, Liquorlex, was personally developed by me. This approach eliminates the need for major surgeries such as vertebra replacement or surgery through the chest or abdomen.

– What difficulties can arise in the treatment of the disease?

– Difficulties mainly arise if the patient’s headaches persist after applying one or more blood patches. In such a situation, as I have already said, it is necessary to locate the CSF fistula as accurately as possible and to perform an operation. The hardest question is where is this little hole. After all, it is only 3-7 mm in size.

– How long does the patient need to stay in the hospital?

– I would distinguish two stages: the first is the stage of diagnosis and blood patching, it lasts two to three days.The second stage, if the complaints persist and the patient cannot get rid of a severe headache, usually lasts from five to seven days, including surgery.

– What is the success rate for surgical treatment?

– If we have advanced so far that we could find a hole in the dura mater, then the probability that the headaches will disappear after the operation is 90%. This is a very high cure rate.

– Can complications arise after treatment?

– Complications, of course, as with any surgical intervention, may arise.But, fortunately, such cases are very rare. We have had no cases of long-term neurological complications.

In the first days, headaches may appear due to severe pressure, especially in cases where the disease lasted several weeks, months or even years. The body needs to adapt first. But the improvement comes very quickly.

– How quickly do patients recover from surgery and how soon can they return to their daily activities?

– The majority of patients, fortunately, recover very quickly, and this is very encouraging.Among other things, it depends on how long the patients suffered from the headache. If the disease has not been identified for a long time, then the recovery lasts longer. If we managed to diagnose the disease in the first three months and start treatment, then we almost always discharge patients completely healthy.

– There must have been an unusual case in your practice. Tell us.

– I am reminded of a young woman, a physician by profession, who suffered from these sudden headaches while standing upright.She was treated for months in different clinics, but no one could help her. Difficulties in making a diagnosis resulted in the patient developing symptoms of depression. She lost her job. In such cases, frustration appears, incorrect diagnoses are made. The doctors and the patient begin to doubt themselves. These are very emotional moments. The patient falls out of normal life. In the end, we still managed to find the exact location of this CSF fistula and, with the help of a small, targeted operation, close the opening.And the end of this obsession has come! After the patient’s long suffering, it was a great joy for her and for us. And also a great example of a successful cure.

Unfortunately, we often witness similar stories with which patients come to us from different parts of Europe.

Photo: Courtesy of Universitatsklinikum Freiburg

– In the event of a headache, exactly in the standing position, where and how should the patient be examined?

– First of all, you need to contact neurology or for advice about a headache.That is, you need to understand its causes. In order to prescribe treatment, it is important to understand whether the cause is migraine or CSF loss syndrome.

Patients can contact us via our website www.ims.uniklinik-freiburg.de or write to the clinic’s email address [email protected].

– What advice can you give to patients?

– Try to find the right cause of the headache, do not lose courage and perseverance. And all the best!

Interviewed by Olesya Oschepkova

* Contraindications are possible, specialist consultation is required

University HospitalFreiburg is one of the largest medical institutions in the world. It was founded on the basis of the Faculty of Medicine of the Albert and Ludwig University of Freiburg, which celebrated its 560th anniversary in 2017. The university clinic includes numerous departments, institutes and centers, employing about 13 thousand employees. Over the years, many outstanding doctors worked and taught in it, some of them became Nobel Prize laureates. About 92 thousand people undergo treatment here every year.inpatients and 880 thousand outpatients. The clinic is one of the three largest in Germany.

The Department of General Neurosurgery at the University Hospital Freiburg is one of the most respected centers in Germany. Patients are offered a wide selection of the latest diagnostic and treatment methods. The specialists of the department have developed algorithms for the treatment of various diseases. Including nervous diseases, spine, brain and spinal cord. The operating rooms are equipped with high-class equipment, including neuronavigation, their own intensive care unit and eight hospitals.In addition to providing medical care and conducting scientific research, the team pays special attention to training young doctors. This is why the European Society for Neurosurgery has awarded the Freiburg Department of Neurosurgery the title of Training Center of Excellence.

Headache treatment – Areas of activity “Doctor OST”

Many people know how to treat a headache at home: a relaxing bath, warm tea, rest, and an aspirin tablet.However, these home remedies for headache are acceptable if the pain occurs infrequently or, for example, against a background of normal fatigue. If serious lesions of the central nervous system, spine, blood vessels are behind the headache – such self-medication 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 make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis and choose the best methods for 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, you cannot do without professional help!

We recommend making an appointment at the Doctor Ost Headache Treatment Center.Here, a doctor of a rare specialty – a cephalgologist, is receiving visits. He knows how to treat headaches quickly, effectively and, importantly, without side effects. Unique technologies come to the rescue, pushing pills with their short-term action into the background!

For example, the most commonly reported patients are those requiring treatment for tension headaches. In this case, diseases of the cervical spine are hidden behind an unpleasant symptom: scoliosis, osteochondrosis, protrusion and even a hernia.The curvature of the vertebrae causes muscle spasm, the vessels supplying the brain are pinched. Hence, not only headaches and dizziness, but also decreased vision, pressure drops.

Obviously, the best treatment for tension headaches is not an injection or a pill, but the restoration of spine health. If you put the vertebrae back in place, the headache will disappear by itself! With this in the MC “Doctor Ost” they learned to cope brilliantly, thanks to robotic machines for gentle traction of the spine!

Headaches of a neurological nature will require a completely different treatment.For example, inflammation of the trigeminal nerve due to trauma, infection, colds, leads to unbearable pain in the face. Advanced hardware technologies make it possible to target the affected nerve, instantly calm it down and thereby eliminate the painful ailment.

Whatever the underlying disease manifested by a characteristic symptom, Doctor Ost MC knows how to get rid of a headache.Do not have a headache! Contact Doctor OST.

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“By the age of 60 I acquired a bunch of illnesses. I suffered from headaches, back pains and much more. I decided to go to the Doctor Ost clinic and was satisfied! Excellent specialists brought me back to normal life!”
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90,000 Vietnamese Acupuncture Center

Our physician Tao Hong Quang explains home secrets for using acupuncture and how to get rid of headaches with acupressure at home.

We often massage our temples when we have a headache, but why? Thus, we act on biologically active points that are responsible for the processes associated with the occurrence of headaches. With the right massage, the headache goes away.
In fact, there are a lot of such “healing” points in the body.
There are about 1000 biologically active points on the body, which are responsible for the functioning of various organs of the body. Most of the points are located on different meridians, which are areas of energy circulation.There are many different meridians – the meridians of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and so on.

By acting on these points, specialists activate their work, thereby relieving pain, tightness of nerves, and also contributing to the recovery of the body.
The points are affected in various ways – with acupressure, the doctor presses on the points to stimulate them, with acupuncture, the needle is inserted into the selected points. At the same time, it is very important to know which points need to be influenced.

Our doctor, Tao Hong Quang advises: if you have a headache, then you can eliminate the pain by massaging several points on the body. So, in order:

1. Check the pressure. If everything is fine and there are no jumps in pressure, then you need to massage the highest point on the head. How to find it: How to find it – run your fingers from the top points from the ears and the middle of the back of the head to find the middle. Massage this point for 1 minute. This point is the intersection of so many meredians; when you act on this point, you act directly on the pain sensations in the head, which allows you to restore the balance of energy.

2. Next – you need to find the second point. Swipe your fingers from the eyebrows and from the eye opening to the temple. The intersection of these two directions is the point “thai duong” – a point outside the meredians. Also massage these points on each temple for 1 minute. Massaging this point helps to loosen muscles, improve condition and reduce pain.

3. The third point – point GB20 – there are 2 such points, on each side of the neck. In Vietnam, it is called “the pit where the wind enters”; all winds, good or bad, instantly penetrate there. “Massaging this point helps with headaches and pain in the neck-shoulder region, as well as dizziness. Swipe from the earlobes to the neck and you can easily identify these points – they are in the depression just below the head. You also need to massage these points for 1 minute.

4. The last points – GB8 are located 1.5 centimeters from the ear. Press the tips of the ears to the head, draw 1.5 cm from the tips of the ears upwards. So, you have found the necessary point. Massage for 1 minute.
Universal hop coc

5. Bonus – hop coc
There is a universal “hop coc” point on our hands, which helps with pain in the head, teeth, face, helps
normalize the temperature for colds. This point is located on the hands in the middle between the thumb and forefinger.