How to Treat a Headache without Drugs

Scientific American presents Nutrition Diva by Quick & Dirty Tips. Scientific American and Quick & Dirty Tips are both Macmillan companies.

Crista posted a question on the Nutrition Diva Facebook page, wondering whether there are any alternatives to Tylenol or ibuprofen for headaches. “I get terrible sinus and sometimes migraine headaches,” she writes, “and I take WAY too much Tylenol/ibuprofen.”

There are several heavy-duty drugs that have been approved for the treatment of migraines and chronic headaches, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers, such as the ones Crista mentioned. But many headache sufferers would prefer to use drug-free approaches—and I don’t blame them. Prescription medications can be expensive and many of them have serious safety risks. Even over-the-counter drugs can have unwelcome side effects.

Here are my best tips for relieving headache pain without drugs. Next week, I’ll have some diet and nutrition tips that can help you prevent those headaches from starting in the first place.

Five Drug-Free Ways to Beat Headache Pain
Caffeine

A moderate dose of caffeine can also help relieve a headache (especially the type that cause throbbing or pounding) by constricting the blood vessels that go to the head. You can drink a caffeinated beverage or take a caffeine pill such as No-Doz. If you do take your caffeine in pill form, be sure to drink plenty of fluids with it. Although caffeinated beverages aren’t dehydrating, caffeine pills can be.

As a bonus, caffeine also enhances the effectiveness of over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or Tylenol. In fact, one popular headache remedy (Excedrin) combines Tylenol, aspirin and caffeine—something to keep in mind if it’s close to bedtime. If it’s too late in the day for caffeine (or you don’t “do” caffeine), an icepack applied to the forehead or temples can also restrict blood vessels and relieve headache pain.

Exercise

Although working out may be the last thing you feel like doing with a headache coming on, aerobic exercise can actually abort an impending headache, perhaps by stimulating the production of pain-reducing neurotransmitters. A stationary bike may be better than jogging because it avoids impact that can aggravate a pounding head.

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How to Relieve a Migraine

Migraine is much more than a headache. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be debilitating for some.

If you’ve ever experienced a migraine, then you know it’s much more than just a headache. It’s a combination of symptoms that – together – can be debilitating. Many sufferers find themselves searching beyond their doctor’s office for tips on how to relieve a migraine.

We asked neurologist and migraine expert Robert McMahon, MD, to give us the lowdown on common and complementary or alternative migraine treatments available today. But first, we asked him some basic migraine questions.

Migraine Basics

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a severe, often throbbing, headache that tends to occur mainly on one side of the head, according to McMahon. “Migraines are also accompanied by other symptoms. These may include nausea, potential for vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, aversion to odors, as well as confusion or mental clouding,” he adds.

You might experience vision disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots before migraines take hold. This is called migraine with aura or classic migraine. Most people, however, have common migraine or migraine without aura (vision disturbances).

Who is at Risk for Migraines?

Family history is a key factor. If members of your family suffer from these headaches, you may someday, too.

Around 18% of women experience migraines, three times more than men. Most women with migraines are of childbearing age; hormonal fluctuations trigger their migraines.

What Causes Migraines?

We don’t know the exact mechanisms that cause a migraine. But we do know that, for those who are likely to get them, there are a variety of triggers. According to McMahon, these include:

• Certain foods, such as alcohol and cured meats
• A shift in barometric pressure associated with weather changes
• Poor or irregular sleep
• A change in exercise habits, especially stopping a regular exercise routine
• Caffeine withdrawal
• Physical and emotional stress.

How to Relieve a Migraine — Or Prevent Them Altogether

How to relieve a migraine effectively varies from person to person. Some treatments help alleviate symptoms once they start; others help limit migraine frequency.

Standard Migraine Treatments

These treatments help reduce symptom severity within an hour or two.

Simple Fixes

Some sufferers find relief by responding quickly to the first signs of a migraine. Finding a quiet, dark place to relax; taking a nap or drinking a caffeinated beverage may put an end to the headache. But “people with moderate to severe migraines likely will not get consistent results from these simple behaviors,” cautions McMahon.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or headache powders help many people manage mild, infrequent migraines. Yet if you’re taking more and more of these medications to get results, you may experience headaches caused by overuse.

“Your brain can get used to seeing the medication, so it becomes dependent. In the absence of the medication, you can get a second type of headache in addition to the migraine,” says McMahon. “These can be difficult to treat.”

So if you feel like you’re overdoing the over-the-counter medications, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.

Prescription Medications

A family of medications call triptans help patients relieve significant and recurrent migraine symptoms.

Complementary Migraine Treatments

In most cases, science doesn’t back these alternative approaches to migraine treatment. But they’re still effective for many people. You might use them on their own or with other treatments.

Ear Piercing

Although there’s only anecdotal proof that it works, some find that daith piercing or piercing the cartilage within the ear helps relieve migraine tendencies.

Cooling Caps

Cold compresses can dull head pain with a numbing effect. A newer hands-free device allows migraine sufferers to slip ice packs into a helmet to keep them in position. You typically use this in combination with other treatments.

Tinted Glasses

Because bright light can be a trigger, glasses with reddish lenses can help lower the tendency for migraine.

Cefaly Device

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Cefaly is a Star Trek-esque head device that delivers micro impulses to the trigeminal nerves in the forehead. These are the nerves that send signals to the eyes, face and teeth. Cefaly can be used to prevent migraines or relieve symptoms after they start.

Preventing Migraines

You can also try preventive treatments to help limit the frequency of migraine headaches.

Medications

People take these common drugs daily to help decrease the occurrence of migraines:

• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors
• Anti-seizure medications.

Lifestyle Changes

Poor diet, a change in exercise routine and irregular sleep habits can all trigger migraines in those prone to them. So taking better care of yourself is key to prevention.

Stress Relief

To help alleviate stress, a leading migraine trigger, doctors may prescribe cognitive behavioral therapy (talk therapy) or other methods to promote relaxation, such as meditation or massage.

Botox

You might think of Botox as a wrinkle treatment. But injections may help people with chronic migraines (15 or more days of headache over a period of three months or more).

“It can be really quite dramatic,” says McMahon. “Some people who have had lifestyle-limiting migraines for 30 to 40 years suddenly get their life back.”

Migraines Disrupting Your Life?

Make an appointment today with a UVA neurologist.

When It’s Time to See a Doctor

Every person experiences migraine differently. The key is to find a treatment that works for you. If migraines are disrupting your day-to-day life and you can’t control them with at-home or over-the-counter treatments, then it’s time to see a doctor.

“If headache is frequent enough or disabling enough to cause a degree of dysfunction — missing work or family activities, for example — then it’s reasonable for you to discuss migraines with your healthcare provider,” says McMahon.

How To Relieve a Headache | Headache Relief Tips

Life can have its stressful moments, but headaches certainly don’t make it any easier.

With over 11 million reported headaches a year, we could do a thing or two to help lessen the built-up tension and indicate the culprits behind those headaches.

When you have a headache, your body is telling you that something is missing or that something needs to change. Perhaps you need to take a minute to cool off from a stressful situation, drink more water, or the headache is nudging toward an underlying condition, such as a nutritional deficiency or food sensitivity.

Headaches can be caused by a variety of things like stress, fatigue, allergies, poor posture, hormones, and what we eat (as well as what we don’t eat enough of). So how do we get those headaches to go away? To find headache relief, we have these three easy at-home tips for you:

1. Take magnesium–a much safer alternative to painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You can take up to 800-1000mg a day. Typically people who suffer from serious headaches often have low levels of magnesium.  

2. Drink more water. Be sure to drink at least half your weight in ounces of water. If you drink coffee, you’ll want to drink even more water to combat any dehydration that could cause headaches.

3. Stretch to relax the surrounding muscles. See the video below as Dr. Sculley from our Gilbert clinic demonstrates the best stretches to relieve muscle tension that causes headaches.

Stretch #1: Sitting down and upright, tilt head toward the left. Take right arm, place on top of head, pulling head towards right shoulder. Feel the stretch along neck and shoulder muscles that connect towards the head. Hold for 30 seconds. Perform 2-3 sets to relax muscle.*

Stretch #2: Sitting down and upright, tilt head to the right. Take right arm and place on back of head. Pull forward, tucking chin to right side of chest. You’ll feel this stretch along the muscles of back of the head and neck where many headaches originate. Hold for 30 seconds. Perform 2-3 sets to relax muscle.*

These remedies should help to lessen the frequency of headaches. If your headaches persist, they could be a sign of a serious underlying condition that you’ll want to get looked at right away. If you’re looking for longterm and natural relief from headaches, the team at AFC is here to help! Contact us today, and you’ll be one step closer to headache-free living.

*Please note the video illustrates the stretch performed to aid with pain on the left side. Alternate to work opposite side.

Headache Symptoms: How To Relieve Migraine Pain

Unlike tension headaches, migraine pain has the power to stop you in your tracks. While your doctor can help, you can also try to get some relief on your own and control your migraine before it controls you.

Acetaminophen (TYLENOL®):
An effective pain reliever, acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs that is known to reduce pain and relieve fevers.¹ One key benefit of acetaminophen is that it doesn’t irritate the stomach.

Caffeine:
TYLENOL® Ultra Relief contains the trusted pain relief of TYLENOL® combined with caffeine to provide superior relief. Clinical studies have proven that an acetaminophen and caffeine combination relieves headache pain more effectively than acetaminophen alone.

Natural remedies to relieve migraines:
As an alternative solution to relieving your migraine pain, you can also try natural remedies. There are a number of herbal medicines that might be able to offer the relief you want.

For example, feverfew (a perennial plant belonging to the daisy family) is a popular herbal remedy that is used to prevent migraines. However, it will not relieve migraines once they have begun.²

Other tips and practices:
Lastly, there are several home-remedy treatments that can help alleviate your pain. Here are some ways you can find relief:

Lie down in a dark room. Migraines can worsen or be triggered with bright light and high volumes of noise.³ At the first sign of a migraine, relax in a dark and quiet place – and if possible, meditate, take a nap or at the very least, rest your eyes.

Massage the headache away. Massaging your temples is a great way to not only ease the pain, but to distract you from it as well.

Place your index fingers on each side of your temples. Apply steady pressure and hold your fingers in this position for 10-15 second durations. Massage the area in a circular motion until the pain starts to gradually disappear.

Why is this method effective? Massaging this area will release a chemical called, serotonin. Low serotonin levels are common among migraine sufferers.⁴

Apply a cool compress to the back of your neck. This is an effective way to decrease swelling, ease tension and numb the blood vessels surrounding your brain that is causing pain.⁵ To maintain your comfort level throughout this process, apply the compress for 15-20 minutes on and off.⁶

¹medicinenet.com/acetaminophen/article.htm

²migrainetrust.org/factsheet-feverfew-and-migraine-10904

³emedicinehealth.com/types_of_headache-health/article_em.htm

⁴achenet.org/resources/serotonin_and_headache/

⁵migraine.com/complimentary-and-alternative-therapies/cold-therapy/

⁶everydayhealth.com/columns/paging-dr-gupta/how-do-you-know-when-to-apply-heat-or-cold-to-relieve-pain/

​How to Get Rid of a Headache Without Medication

Throbbing head, or feel like your skull is in a vise? You’re certainly not alone.

According to the World Health Organization, about half the general population has headaches during some point in any given year, and more than 90 percent report a headache at some point in their lifetimes.

That doesn’t mean you have to put up with them, though.

The first choice of pain relief tends to be over-the-counter choices like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which are easy to obtain and can knock out some headaches quickly, says Maria Vila, D.O., a physician at Atlantic Health System’s Chambers Center for Well Being. That’s because they block an enzyme in the body connected to the production of prostaglandins—molecules involved in pain and inflammatory responses.

But you don’t want to pop them like candy. Taking NSAIDs like Advil too frequently can lead to stomach issues, like stomach upset or even gastrointestinal bleeding. Plus, OTC headache meds can lose their effectiveness over time, leading to a “rebound headache” that prompts you to take more and more of the meds to get the same relief. That can create a vicious cycle.

So you might want to try a more natural route to ease your head pain instead. Try these natural headache remedies instead.

Get rid of a headache by drinking water

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Dehydration is a very common cause for headaches, Dr. Vila says.

When you don’t have enough fluids in your body, your blood volume decreases overall. Not only does that lower the amount of oxygen-rich blood flowing into your brain, but it can also cause the brain to contract a bit temporarily.

That tightness, as well as the decreased oxygen, can cause pain. So if you keep your hydration level up to par, that could ward off the pain-causing lack of blood flow.

Get rid of a headache by going herbal

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One herb that has been connected to headache relief is feverfew, Dr. Vila says, and it’s considered a safe, natural alternative to OTC meds.

The Migraine Trust, a nonprofit in the U.K., notes that many people take feverfew if they have recurring migraines, and some have found that it can help prevent headaches from occurring. In fact, a 2005 study found that migraine sufferers who took feverfew cut their number of headaches per month from nearly five to just under two.

But, like any herbal remedy, it’s not advisable to combine treatments—for example, don’t pop a few ibuprofen and feverfew tablets at the same time. That’s because both can act as blood thinners, so it can increase your risk of bleeding.

Get rid of a headache by switching up your food

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Food sensitivities can trigger headaches—especially migraines, says Dr. Vila. With allergies or intolerances, you could create an inflammatory response as your immune system works to handle the “invader.” That can cause some inflammation in the brain as well, leading to a headache.

The most common foods that are associated with migraines, according to Dr. Vila, are red wine, chocolate, dark beer, deli meat, and aged cheeses. (Basically, everything you love.)

Removing these from your diet for a few weeks and then re-introducing them one by one might give you some insight about whether they’re a factor. For instance, if the headaches persist even after eliminating the food for a few weeks, then you know it’s not the culprit and you can keep it in your diet.

Get rid of a headache by sleeping better

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Pain researchers from Missouri State University found that rats deprived of deep sleep showed changes in key proteins that suppress chronic pain.

Although the study was done on animals, the findings fall in line with other research that’s shown a connection between poor sleep and headaches in people, too, says Dr. Vila.

That’s not surprising, considering your brain does a ton of work while you’re conked out, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Sleep is essential for numerous brain functions, including removal of toxins and maintenance of communication pathways and nerve cells. Poor sleep can not only cause headaches, but also increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity, the NIH notes. So make sure you’re getting the recommended seven to nine hours per night.

Get rid of a headache by adopting the 20-20-20 rule

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You check your phone, turn back to your laptop, check your phone again, all the while with your tablet right within reach. Digital eye strain, a.k.a. computer vision syndrome (CVS), is a common cause of headaches — and over half of Americans suffer from it, nearly a third of them with headaches, according to a report from The Vision Council.

What’s the headache-device link? In short, we’re demanding way more from our eyes when using tech. Words on your iPad, for example, have far less contrast and definition than words on a printed page, making them harder to read. Add to that glare and reflections and the awkward angle between you and your laptop and you’ve got a crappy combo for dry eyes, eye strain, neck pain, and headaches, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).

You’re an all-day laptop user, you say? To give your eyes a rest and alleviate the strain, every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away (about the length of a car and a half). Then, every two hours, take 15 minutes to rest your eyes, the AOA recommends.

Get rid of a headache by taking time to chill

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Drowning in stress? You could be priming yourself for a headache. Stress is a huge trigger for tension headaches, the most common kind headaches, which are characterized by dull pain and tightness, a study in Neurology finds. You can’t make traffic stand still or control your micro-manage-y boss, but you can commit 10 minutes of your day to chilling out. Quiet time, even if it’s just a walk down the street or playtime with your pup, can help stave off stress, and in turn, those nagging cymbals banging in your head.

Get rid of your headache with acupuncture

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Can strategically-placed tiny needles actually kill a throbbing headache? They might: The 2,000-year-old practice shows promise when it comes to reducing the frequency of migraines, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. In the study, people who received acupuncture had migraines less often and with less intensity than those who received “fake” acupuncture or no treatment.

Want to try it out? Try at least six treatment sessions to get the most bang for your buck, the American Migraine Association suggests.

Get rid of your headache by sweating your butt off

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While jarring your head around probably sounds like a terrible idea when you’re in pain (and exercise itself can sometimes cause headaches), exercise quiets on a handful of key headache triggers: It reduces stress, wears you out so you can get some quality sleep at night, and gets your endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers, pumping, says the American Migraine Foundation.

One study of people suffering from tension headaches, neck pain, and migraines found that 45 minutes of exercise three times a week significantly reduced all symptoms. People had migraines less often, and when they did have them, they were less painful and didn’t last as long. Go ahead, dust off the running sneaks.

When to see a doctor about your headaches

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If natural remedies and OTC pain relievers aren’t doing the trick, it may be time to make an appointment, says Dr. Vila.

“If you’ve never gotten headaches before and now they’re frequent, I would get that checked out,” she says.

Ditto for changes to your usual headache type. For example, you may have always had those tight, tension headaches that come and go, but now they’re not going away. Or you’re having other symptoms, like “floaters” in your eyes, which is often a sign of a migraine.

If you have a stiff neck or fever as well as a headache, that could be a sign of infection, Dr. Vila notes, including both run-of-the-mill types and something more serious, like meningitis.

Worst case scenario? Your headache may actually be signaling a mini-stroke, if it’s accompanied by confusion, fuzzy vision, weakness, or a bit of memory loss.

But in general, headaches are very common, and most likely, you’re just dealing with something minor like stress, poor sleep, dehydration, or food sensitivities. Whatever you’re grappling with, trying to get to the root of the issue—the why of your headache—can help prevent them from creeping back in.

Elizabeth Millard
Elizabeth Millard is a freelance writer focusing on health, wellness, fitness, and food. 

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Natural Remedies for Headaches During Pregnancy

Many women are hesitant to take medications during pregnancy — especially during the first trimester when their baby’s organs are developing. So finding natural remedies for headaches in pregnancy can be a lifesaver.

Let’s explore some natural remedies for both treating and preventing headaches during pregnancy.

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Treatment

Here are a few ideas from the American Pregnancy Association:

• For a sinus headache, apply a warm compress around your eyes and nose.
• For a tension headache, use a cold compress or ice pack at the base of your neck.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to maintain your blood sugar. This may even help prevent headaches.
• Get a massage, especially around your shoulders and neck.
• Rest in a dark room.
• Practice deep breathing.
• Take a warm shower or bath.
• Use good posture, especially in the third trimester

Prevention

Preventing a headache from occurring in the first place is the most ideal solution. Here are simple, lifestyle habits that a woman who is pregnant can adopt to help stop the head pain before it starts.

This is especially true for women who suffer from migraines — although, the good news is that many migraineurs experience relief of their migraines in the second and third trimester.

• Eating nutritious meals at regular intervals throughout the day
• Walking at least 30 minutes a day
• Sleep hygiene — not over or under sleeping
• Stress management techniques like yoga, biofeedback, or relaxation training
• Consider coenzyme Q10 or magnesium supplements for migraine prevention.

Always speak to your doctor before taking any supplement or medication.

Other strategies include:

• Reducing work
• Drinking lots of fluids
• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy

What Should You Do?

Be sure to discuss your headaches with your doctor. Let him know if you plan to take a new medication, or if these natural remedies do not relieve your headache. If your headaches get worse or more persistent, or if they are different than headaches you typically experience, share this with your physician right away.

Instant home remedies for headaches: 10 easy ways to get rid of headache

Easy remedies to treat headaches&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspGetty Images

Key Highlights

• Mild headaches can be easily treatable but severe headaches means a whole lot of discomfort

• Generally, headaches can be treated at home too by following some easy remedies

• Researches have shown chronic dehydration is a common cause of tension, migraines and headaches

Headache is one such type of pain that one suffers from because of innumerable causes and you might get headache while counting it. Generally, mild headaches do not affect your work life and sometimes even disappear unknowingly but severe headaches may give unbearable pain and often the pain turns into suffering. 

There are a lot of types of headaches with tension being the most common factor. Cluster headaches are painful and happen in ‘clusters’ or groups, while migraines are a moderate-to-severe type of headaches. 

But for most headaches which are not because of a disease, you don’t need to buy a pack of over-the-counter medicines and some easily available and natural remedies will help you out. 

1. Drink water

Studies have shown that chronic dehydration is a common cause of tension, migraines and headaches. The most dehydrated ones will get the benefit of drinking water as their headaches will start to lessen its intensity within 30 minutes to three hours.

Dehydration can worsen your concentration and cause irritability which can worsen the symptoms. 

So to avoid dehydration-led headaches, drink plenty of water and consume foods that are rich in water. 

2. Herbal tea

Along with providing the advantages of herbs, these types of tea also fulfil the water requirements.

One can try various kinds of herbal tea in case of a headache. Ginger tea may help with migraines. Ginger tea also treats the symptoms of nausea and vomiting that are commonly associated with headaches.

Other teas to get relief from headaches include chamomile, lavender and peppermint. 

3. Sleep, sleep, sleep!

Sleep deprivation is one of the major causes of headaches. Also, getting good sleep or nap, if suffering from a headache, provides good relief. A headache can be triggered by either less or excess of sleep. The idea is to get sound sleep and this means sleeping somewhere close to 7-9 hours. 

4. Caffeine

Drinking a beverage with caffeine such as a coffee or a soda also helps with a headache. Some of the headache medicines contain substances such as caffeine. 

A study revealed that caffeine has the properties of reducing symptoms of headaches due to tension or migraine. Caffeine causes relaxation in the blood vessels which improves circulation and wipes out tension.

However, don’t consume too much of caffeine as its withdrawal may generate its own headache.  

5. Hot or cold compress

Just simply use an ice bag and put it on the affected area in the forehead or neck. This will constrict the blood vessels and reduce inflammation. It can temporarily give relief from headaches.

A study found that applying an ice bag in the neck for 30 minutes greatly helped people with migraines.

When faced by headaches due to tensions, applying a heating pad on the forehead will relax the muscles and provide relief. 

An alternative could be a tepid bath. One can also apply a heated towel in the affected area for treating headaches. 

6. Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil opens up clogged blood vessels which cause headaches. It also contains methanol oil that regulates blood flow in the body. Mix three drops of peppermint oil in one tablespoon almond oil. You can also mix some water and a few drops of peppermint. Apply this solution in your temple or back of the neck. One can also apply crushed peppermint leaves on the forehead

7. Lavender oil

Apart from its beautiful aroma, lavender oil also acts as an essential remedy to alleviate headaches. Lavender oil is also very effective in treating migraines. Apply lavender oil on the upper lips, inhale it and it will help in reducing migraine pains and its symptoms. 

In case of headaches, you can also add lavender oil in a tissue and inhale it for a while. One can also add in two cups of boiled water, two drops of lavender oil. Inhaling the steam of this solution also treats headaches.

8. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing

Relaxation techniques are also very good at tackling stress and anxiety during headaches. Practise some methods such as deep-belly breathing and guided meditation for reducing the pain caused by headaches.

9. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is very effective to treat headaches. To try this method, grind cinnamon sticks and convert it into a powder.  Add some water and make a thick paste out of it. Now apply it on the temples and forehead for 30 minutes. Then rinse it with lukewarm water.

10. Exercise

Exercise maintains the blood circulation in the body which reduces the chances of getting a headache. Some stretching exercise like moving chin up and down, left and ride and rotating the neck in both directions also relax neck muscles. 

Some studies have shown that people doing physical activities faced lesser risks of getting a headache. 

Finally, limit drinking alcohol as one faces severe headaches after a hangover. Even moderate drinking can lead to dehydration which can cause headaches. Also, in many cases, these methods may not work and for that medicines prescribed by doctors become the need of the hour. Do more yoga, reduce stress, and follow a balanced diet. 

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter. 

How to get rid of a headache without pills

Women between the ages of 15 and 60 most often suffer from headaches.

articleContent Sometimes headaches occur so often that it becomes unsafe to use medication. After all, the causes of pain can be different: hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, stress, blood pressure, bad habits. And it is not always possible to cure this problem with medicines – for example, most painkillers are prohibited for use by pregnant women, as well as for problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

We offer 7 ways to help relieve headaches without pills.

1. Water

Most adults need to drink about two to five liters of water a day.

If dehydration is the cause of your headache, you can easily get rid of it by drinking water. This is a very effective home remedy for headaches.

Drink a glass of filtered water at the first sign of a headache. Once the body has received enough moisture, the pain will automatically begin to subside.

articleContent 2. Aromatherapy

Aromas of essential oils of various plants have been used since ancient times, they were used to treat many diseases. The scent of lavender helps with headaches – it relaxes, relieves spasms and tension, soothes and helps to fall asleep.

If you don’t like lavender, mint will help – it also soothes the nerves that sometimes cause headaches. It is recommended to rub peppermint oil into the scalp for ten minutes. You can also use fresh mint leaves: grind them and apply to the temples, nape and crown.You can drink mint tea with honey.

3. Ice pack

articleContent A cold compress will help you quickly relieve headaches: take an ice pack and apply it to your forehead. You can keep it for up to ten minutes, and then after a while repeat the procedure. A cold shower is fine too. A cold compress reduces pain and helps the blood vessels to constrict, improves blood circulation, and thus relieves pain. This treatment will only help if the headache is caused by stress.

READ ALSO: How and when to eat fruit: 5 dietitian tips

4. Hot water

Help relieve stress-related headaches by applying a heating pad with warm water to the back of the neck. This will relax tense muscles. You can also get into a hot tub. This method improves blood circulation. If you have a chronic headache, then before going to bed, immerse your feet in a basin of hot water for ten minutes.

5.Ginger

Ginger root has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve headaches. It also helps relax the blood vessels in the head, reduces swelling in the brain, and activates natural calming mechanisms in the brain.

READ ALSO: 10 Tips to Teach Your Children

To reduce inflammation in the body, drink ginger tea three to four times a day.

6. Massage

Massaging the upper part of the head activates blood circulation, the cells are better oxygenated and the pain is reduced.This method is recommended when the headache is caused by tension. Massage helps to relax muscles and has anti-inflammatory effects.

7. Hot sauces

Salsa, chili, adjika, tabasco and kimchi can be your helpers if the headache is accompanied by nasal congestion. Experts are sure that hot sauces, in addition to the ability to clear the nostrils, also have an analgesic effect.

READ ALSO: 3 sports for quick weight loss

Attention! Frequent headaches are a sign that a person needs to see a specialist.Pain can be a manifestation of serious illness, so treat your body with care and sensitivity. See your doctor on time, because only he can determine the true cause of your headache.

90,000 5 ways to relieve headaches

Orgasm, coffee, hot showers and more will help you cope with a difficult problem.

Worse than waking up on Monday morning, it can only be waking up on Monday morning, and even with a terrible headache.Headaches are not just physical pain – they can affect your ability to think and focus throughout the day. Here are five simple things to do (or not do) to get eventual relief:

Have an orgasm

One German study published in 2013 says engaging in intercourse (or even masturbation) can relieve migraine pain.

“Orgasm raises levels of oxytocin, which is a pleasure hormone, and endorphins in your brain are natural pain relievers,” says Dr. Saralyn Mark, gynecologist.So feel free to add this “potential headache relief” to your list of sex benefits.

Stop chewing gum

Studies have shown that people who chew gum (usually teenagers) can often have headaches caused by this particular habit. One explanation is that the constant movement of the jaw causes tension in the temporomandibular joint, located where the jaw connects to the skull.

“Every doctor knows that excessive stress on this joint causes headaches. I believe this is what happens when children and adolescents often chew gum, ”says Dr. Nathan Watemberg of Tel Aviv Meir Medical University in Israel.

Let your hair down

While they look great, hairstyles such as ponytails can potentially be one of the causes of headaches.“When you style your hair in a tight bun or ponytail, or braid it tightly, the skin tightens and the nerves of the scalp are engaged,” explains Dr. Denise E. Chou, assistant professor of neurology at the center of Columbia University (Columbia University Medical Center).

To reduce physical and nerve strain, she recommends wearing loose hairstyles on normal days, and keeping tight braids, tails, or headbands reserved for specific occasions.

Drink coffee

Many of us drink a traditional cup of coffee in the morning when we need to wake up and even get rid of a headache.

According to Dr. Elizabeth Loder of the Boston Gynecological Hospital, caffeine may have a mild pain relieving effect when used in the early stages of a headache.

“But it’s important not to overdo it, or it can get addictive. Don’t drink a lot of coffee on a regular basis so you can use this “secret weapon” when you need it, Loder says.

Take a hot shower

Dr. Mark Green of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York recommends a relaxing shower for headache relief. Make sure the water is hot, or at least warm.

“People who wake up with a headache, which is not uncommon, often try to stay longer in bed and pretend they cannot get up, hoping that the headache will go away on its own,” says Green. However, a hot shower, he says, can release tension by relaxing the muscles in the head, neck, and shoulder areas.

90,000 8 homemade ways to relieve headaches with your own hands

Home remedies can help relieve headaches and migraines.

There are many ways to get rid of a headache yourself. Let’s take a look at the most effective ones. But if your headache gets worse every day and new symptoms appear, see your doctor immediately.

Best home remedies for headache, how to use them:

1.Aromatherapy. This method is convenient in that it can be used with many other treatments. Use aromas of peppermint, sandalwood, lavender and eucalyptus. Some oils can be applied to the temples to soothe headaches.

2. Pressure on points and massage. Pressure on various parts of the body may relieve headaches:

• a simple foot massage or a foot massager during the day will help relieve pain;

• head massage with fingertips relaxes muscles and saves from pain;

• A headband in the form of a towel or bandana is a time-tested remedy for migraines.

3. Diet. Certain foods are important in the fight against headaches

• Almond . Eat 12 almonds at the start of the attack. Even small amounts of these nuts regulate sugar levels and have an analgesic effect.

• Honey spoon . When an attack is approaching, it is recommended to eat one spoonful of honey, wait a little and, if it does not help, eat the second and drink three glasses of water.

• Water. Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches. So drink plenty of water.

• Ginger . Ginger tea relieves headaches and nausea that accompany many migraine attacks.

• Caffeine . Sometimes a can of Coca-Cola or a strong cup of coffee can relieve a headache.

4.Compress. This is a fantastic and simple home remedy for headaches. You can use hot water, chill a towel in the refrigerator, or attach an ice pack to the compress:

• Soak a towel in hot water with a few drops of your favorite essential oils;

• chop the ginger root and boil in three glasses of water until the water becomes cloudy, moisten a washcloth with the resulting mixture and wipe the neck and forehead;

• moisten a towel with vinegar, chill in the refrigerator and place it on your forehead.

5. Cold / Heat. The alternation of cold and warmth helps some people. Try putting a warm compress on your stomach or even your legs. There are other ways, including a foot bath or dipping your hands in warm water.

6. Breathing exercises. Sit comfortably and take deep breaths for a count of 5 as you inhale, then exhale. Try to breathe in as much air as possible into your stomach and then exhale completely.

7. Get distracted. This is a scientifically proven remedy for headaches. Listen to music or read a book, take a walk, in general, try to distract yourself.

8. Stretching and rotating the neck. Gentle neck stretching and rotation can help from the head. Slowly turn your head to the right, wait 10 seconds, then to the left. Repeat the exercise. Then look up and down while also holding your head.

How to overcome a headache without the help of pills?

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How to overcome a headache without the help of pills?

How to overcome a headache without the help of pills? – RIA Novosti Sport, 20.08.2021

How to overcome a headache without the help of pills?

Everyone has experienced a headache at least once in their entire life. Often we do not pay attention to it, thinking: “Yes, it will pass by itself.” True, sometimes this is … RIA Novosti Sport, 08/20/2021

2021-08-20T03: 30

2021-08-20T03: 30

2021-08-20T07: 15

pain

healthy life

health

/ html / head / meta [@ name = ‘og: title’] / @ content

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Everyone has experienced a headache at least once in their entire life. Often we do not pay attention to it, thinking: “Yes, it will pass by itself.” True, nevertheless, sometimes such pain delivers annoying discomfort, and the hand immediately reaches for the coveted aspirin. But what if there are no medicines nearby, but your head throbs painfully? Physical education – hi Oddly enough, physical activity will help. It would seem, who in their right mind would do some kind of exercise when their head cracks? You look, it will hurt even more.But health-improving physical education exists for a reason. It will improve the blood supply to the brain and will also have a positive effect on the spine and neck. A common cause of headaches is incorrect posture at the computer. The head is often pointed downward into the monitor, which contributes to the development of muscle tension. Any aerobic activity will only be a plus, so you should remember about swimming, yoga and simple cardio workouts. But it is important to clarify that not every case is amenable to such prevention.There are other ways how you can relieve your own condition: What can be done to reduce headaches? There is a separate doctor – a cephalgologist to determine the type of head disease. If headaches are frequent, it is worth keeping a diary and writing down your observations. You also need to consult a doctor. The entry in the diary should be detailed: how, where, what and when it got sick. It is important to note what was in front of her, and what could help get rid of her. Watch out for details that seem insignificant in appearance.It is important to follow simple preventive measures: – Take breaks from working with the monitor. We give the eyes a rest, and the neck – to stretch. We provide ourselves with a comfortable position, keep our head straight. The height of the monitor (or laptop) should be such that you don’t have to tilt your head down. – Drink water regularly throughout the day. Adequate water intake has a beneficial effect on overall well-being. It is better to drink more fluids to minimize the risk of not only headaches, but also any ailments in general. – Do not overheat.Working in hot weather will only aggravate the painful condition. Better to get some air if there is no fan or air conditioner nearby.

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pain, health

Everyone has experienced a headache at least once in their entire life.Often we do not pay attention to it, thinking: “Yes, it will pass by itself.” True, nevertheless, sometimes such pain delivers annoying discomfort, and the hand immediately reaches for the coveted aspirin. But what if there are no medicines nearby, but your head throbs painfully?

Fizkult-hello

Oddly enough, physical activity will help. It would seem, who in their right mind would do some kind of exercise when their head cracks? You look, it will hurt even more. But health-improving physical education exists for a reason.It will improve the blood supply to the brain and will also have a positive effect on the spine and neck.

A common cause of headaches is incorrect posture at the computer. The head is often pointed downward into the monitor, which contributes to the development of muscle tension. Any aerobic activity will only be a plus, so you should remember about swimming, yoga and simple cardio workouts. But it is important to clarify that not every case is amenable to such prevention.

August 7, 11:10 am What happens to the body if you do 30 push-ups every day

There are other ways to relieve your own condition:

“Sometimes tension headaches (when the neck muscles are overworked and tired) help sleep, a relaxing bath – not hot, just relaxing – and good sleep, orthopedic pillow or towel roll.Trigger point massage can also help. There is a point between the index and thumb – if you squeeze it from both sides, massage, a painful sensation will arise. Accordingly, massage of this point for some time will distract from the headache and, as it were, weaken it “, – told therapist Elena Chernenko.

What can be done to reduce headaches?

To establish the type head disease there is a separate doctor – a cephalgologist.If headaches are frequent, it is worth keeping a diary and writing down your observations. You also need to consult a doctor. The entry in the diary should be detailed: how, where, what and when it got sick. It is important to note what was in front of her, and what could help get rid of her. Watch out for details that seem insignificant in appearance.

It is important to follow simple preventive measures:

– Take breaks from working with the monitor. Let your eyes rest and your neck to stretch.We provide ourselves with a comfortable position, keep our head straight. The height of the monitor (or laptop) should be such that you don’t have to tilt your head down.

– Drink water regularly throughout the day. Adequate water intake has a beneficial effect on overall well-being. It is better to drink more fluids to minimize the risk of not only headaches, but also any ailments in general.

– Do not overheat. Working in hot weather will only aggravate the painful condition.Better to get some air if there is no fan or air conditioner nearby.

Treatment of migraine in Kharkov. Botox, ozone, Dysport.

Mechanism of action

Botulinum toxin is a waste product of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. All types of this toxin are able to block the innervation of muscles, causing them to become paralyzed (relaxed). In medical practice, botulinum toxin type A (“Dysport”) is used.

The plastic surgeon W.Binder. Some of his patients noted a decrease or disappearance of headaches after the correction of facial wrinkles on the forehead.

Since then, numerous studies have been carried out to prove the efficacy and safety of botulinum therapy for episodic or chronic headaches.
The use of botulinum toxin type A (“Dysport”) in patients with primary headaches (migraine, tension headache, etc.) can significantly facilitate their life – experts came to this conclusion at the 4th International Conference on the Resolution of Disagreements in Neurology ( World Congress on Controversies in Neurology).

The mechanism of action of “Dysport” in the treatment of headaches is rather complicated. However, two main areas can be distinguished:

1. Botulinum toxin relaxes and relieves tension from the muscles of the head and neck. It is known that prolonged muscle tension leads to an increase in pain sensitivity. Increased pain sensitivity, in turn, spasms the muscles even more. The pain in them only intensifies. The drug breaks this vicious circle.
2. Botulinum toxin has a direct analgesic effect.It is able to suppress the release of biologically active substances responsible for the transmission of pain impulses along nerve fibers.

The clinical effect occurs on days 2-7 and lasts 4-6 months. During this time, the nerve endings are restored. Unfortunately, the symptoms of the disease are also recovering. Therefore, a second course of treatment may be necessary. It is extremely rare, in less than 0.1% of cases, there is congenital insensitivity to the action of botulinum toxin A. as if an ensemble of cymbals and drummers decided to give an extraordinary concert.A headache is a very unpleasant thing, and on the road it is also dangerous. What to do?

Method 1: Get out to breathe

If the pain attacked while driving, it will not be superfluous to stop, get out of the car and just stay in the fresh air for a couple of minutes. Often it is the lack of oxygen that causes headaches for the driver and passengers. The trouble is that while driving, we turn on the air conditioner, which by and large simply drives “dead” (ie deionized) air through the cabin.As a result, an excessive amount of carbon dioxide accumulates in the car. Prolonged stay in such a closed room is fraught not only with headaches, but also with impaired concentration, increased drowsiness, and in rare cases even suffocation or poisoning. The best option is to make small stops along the way about once an hour to take a walk, and at the same time to ventilate the cabin.

Method 2: Warm up a little

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Even if you try to drive correctly, staying in a static position for a long time can still negatively affect your overall well-being.Our neck, shoulders and back are constantly in tension. Blood flow to the brain is disrupted and, as a result, a headache begins. If you feel that your limbs are gradually numb, then it’s time to do a little warm-up. Here are some simple exercises to improve blood circulation that you can do without even leaving the car:

• Roll your head to the right and left several times, and then up and down;

• Rotate the hands clockwise / counterclockwise;

• Raise and lower your shoulders;

• Press your shoulder blades and lower back firmly against the back of the seat;

• Fold your hands together at the back of your head and try to overcome the resistance of your palms with your head, while straining your neck muscles.

Method 3: Give yourself a massage

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You did your gymnastics, and the headache still persists? – “Finish” her with acupressure. They say the symptoms will subside after 5-10 minutes:

• Find and gently massage for 30 seconds the point that is in the center of the forehead – between the eyebrows, just above the nose;

• We turn to the area of ​​the ears. We begin to massage the point that is 2-3 cm above the hairline in the same way.

• Find two symmetrical points in the back of the head. Conventionally, they are located in the place where the head connects to the neck (for the sake of accuracy, hammer in the Internet search engine: “Tian Zhu”. – Approx. Ed. ). It is believed that massaging these biological points helps even with migraines.

Method 4: Eliminate drafts in the passenger compartment

Improper ventilation of the vehicle interior can often provoke a headache. It doesn’t matter for what reasons you opened the window (lit a cigarette, decided to take a breath of fresh air, etc.)- coupled with the included air conditioner, this is a sure way to earn hypothermia of the head. And in this case, pain is the lesser of those evils that threaten you. The correct algorithm of actions: turn off the air conditioner, lower the glass only on one side and only half. In general, experts recommend airing the cabin either before the start of the trip, or after, but not while driving.

Method 5: Take a pill

Doctors have about 200 types of headaches, and they all have different causes and symptoms.Therefore, we cannot recommend that you take medication without first consulting your doctor. But if you decide to take a pill, read the instructions before that. Some pain relievers slow down a person’s reaction speed and cause drowsiness, which means that taking them can be detrimental on the road. Our small memo to help you.

We turn around and go to the doctor!

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It is clear that “just like that” the head cannot hurt.But there are some signs in which you need to immediately seek medical help:

• the headache came on suddenly, without an objective reason. In just a few minutes, she became simply unbearable;

• you have not experienced this kind of pain before;

• along with pain, weakness, numbness, blurred vision, loss of speech skills, coordination are manifested;

• time passes, but the pain in the head does not stop.She begins to “give” to other places;

• Pain increases with every movement, laughing or coughing.

All of the above symptoms are signals of the most dangerous diseases. If at least one of them fits “your case”, go to the doctor or call an ambulance. Not a single trip, even an important one, is worth the health of the driver and passengers.

Photo: depositphotos.com

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90,000 5 types of headaches and how to quickly get rid of them

Probably, there is no person in the world who does not experience what we call “head splits”. In some cases, you can solve the problem yourself, in others, you should immediately go to the doctor.

In order to make the right decision, Bright Side has put together detailed instructions for you on how to determine the type of headache, find the cause and alleviate your condition.

Tension headache

It is also called tension headache.This is the most common type of headache in the world – each of us has experienced it at least once in our lives.

Features. Typically mild, non-throbbing pain. Pressure is felt around the top of your head, as if you were wearing a small helmet. The muscles of the forehead and eyes may appear to be very tense and cannot be relaxed. The intensity often increases towards evening.

Reasons. Tension pain can be associated with severe stress, overwork, poor posture and an uncomfortable head position for a long time.Chronic is rare (less than 3% of cases) and is often associated with injuries to the muscles of the head and neck.

How to treat. Pain reliever is usually sufficient to relieve this type of headache. However, be careful: you should not abuse pills either. If the headache appears too often and does not go away for a long time, it is better to see a doctor. Also try some light exercise, stretch your shoulders and neck regularly, and get more outdoors to relieve stress.

Sinus headache

Occurs with inflammation of the sinuses. It is accompanied by fever, facial edema, tension in the forehead and cheekbones.

Features. Severe pressure and pain in the sinus area: forehead, eyebrows, under the eyes. With a sudden movement of the head or bending forward, the pain increases. The nose does not breathe, the congestion practically does not go away. Constant tiredness.

Reasons. Occurs with infection and inflammation of the sinuses.Pressure builds up due to obstruction, lack of oxygen leads to fatigue. It can occur as a complication of a cold or be the result of seasonal allergies.

Treatment. A headache like this rarely goes away on its own. If you have allergies, antihistamines may help. Otherwise, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, who will probably prescribe antibiotics.

Migraine

All migraine symptoms occur during an attack that has 4 stages of development, although not all of them may be fully expressed.

Reasons. Migraine is often a violation of metabolic processes or blood vessels of the brain. There is also a hereditary predisposition to the development of this disease.

How to treat. There is no complete cure for migraines. However, for many people it goes away on its own. There are many medications available to relieve symptoms, and your doctor will help you choose the right one. Exercising regularly and keeping fit will also greatly improve your well-being.

Cluster headache

This type of pain occurs rarely: in about 1% of the world’s population, and in 80% of cases it is men.

Features. Pain in the eye area occurs more often at night, usually on one side of the head. Eyes may redden, tears and intense light sensitivity. Lasts from 15 minutes to 1 hour and is repeated daily. And then they can disappear, sometimes even for several years.

The reasons for are not exactly known, but may be associated with a person’s biological clock, since pain occurs at a certain time of the day.

Treatment. This type of pain is difficult to treat, as it appears sporadically and can disappear as unpredictably. Treatment only as directed by a physician.

Hangover

Reasons. There are many conjectures about how alcohol contributes to headaches. One of them is that alcohol dilates the blood vessels of the brain and disrupts the work of serotonin. In addition, alcohol dries out the body, and dehydration is also known to trigger migraine attacks.

How to treat.