How can massage therapy alleviate headache pain. What role does proper hydration play in preventing headaches. Which aromatherapy scents are most effective for headache relief. How does acupuncture help reduce headache frequency and severity. Why are breathing exercises beneficial for tension-related headaches. What lifestyle changes can improve sleep quality and reduce headache occurrences. How do hot and cold compresses provide relief for different types of headaches.

Massage Therapy: A Therapeutic Approach to Headache Relief

Headaches often stem from tension in the upper body, caused by poor posture or strenuous physical activity. Massage therapy offers a non-pharmacological solution to this common ailment. By targeting specific muscle groups, massage can effectively reduce chronic pain and alleviate muscle tension that contributes to headaches.

Different massage techniques cater to various needs:

• Swedish massage: Gentle strokes for overall relaxation
• Deep tissue massage: Targets deeper muscle layers for chronic tension
• Shiatsu: Applies pressure to specific points to relieve tension

When seeking massage therapy for headache relief, it’s crucial to research practitioners and obtain reliable referrals. A skilled therapist can address your specific pain points and provide tailored treatment.

The Science Behind Massage and Headache Relief

How does massage therapy combat headaches? Massage stimulates blood flow, releases endorphins, and reduces muscle tension. These physiological responses work in concert to alleviate pain and promote relaxation. Regular massage sessions can lead to long-term benefits, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches over time.

Hot and Cold Therapy: Targeted Relief for Different Headache Types

The application of hot and cold compresses can provide significant relief for various types of headaches. This method is particularly effective for muscle tension headaches, offering a dual approach to pain management.

Cold Compress Technique

For cold therapy:

1. Place ice in a plastic bag
2. Cover the bag with a thin cloth to protect your skin
3. Apply the cold pack to your forehead or cheeks, focusing on the area of greatest pain
4. Limit application to 10 minutes at a time

Cold therapy works by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation, which can help numb pain and decrease swelling.

Heat Therapy for Headache Relief

Heat therapy can be equally effective:

1. Purchase a heat pack or create your own using uncooked rice
2. If making your own, fill a small pillowcase or fabric pouch two-thirds full with rice
3. Microwave the rice pack for one minute
4. Apply to the back of your neck or forehead for soothing relief

Heat therapy promotes blood flow, relaxes tense muscles, and can provide comfort during a headache episode.

Aromatherapy: Harnessing the Power of Scent for Headache Management

Aromatherapy leverages the connection between certain scents and the brain’s response to pain and stress. Several essential oils have shown promise in reducing headache frequency and intensity.

Which scents are most effective for headache relief?

• Peppermint: Known for its cooling effect and ability to improve blood flow
• Eucalyptus: Helps clear nasal passages and may reduce sinus-related headaches
• Lavender: Renowned for its calming properties and potential to alleviate tension headaches

These essential oils are readily available at health food stores and online retailers. When using aromatherapy for headache relief, it’s important to dilute essential oils properly and perform a patch test to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

Implementing Aromatherapy in Your Headache Relief Routine

To incorporate aromatherapy into your headache management strategy:

1. Use a diffuser to disperse essential oils throughout your space
2. Apply diluted oils to your temples or neck (always mix with a carrier oil first)
3. Add a few drops to a warm bath for a relaxing soak
4. Create a personal inhaler for on-the-go relief

Remember that while aromatherapy can be a powerful tool, it should complement rather than replace medical advice for chronic or severe headaches.

Acupuncture: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Headache Relief

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing practice, has gained recognition in Western medicine for its potential to alleviate various types of pain, including headaches. This technique involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to promote energy flow and stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms.

According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in reducing both the frequency and severity of headaches. But how does it work?

• Stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers
• Improves blood circulation, potentially reducing muscle tension
• Affects the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation
• May help regulate serotonin levels, which play a role in pain perception

Finding a Qualified Acupuncturist

When considering acupuncture for headache relief, it’s crucial to seek out a licensed and experienced practitioner. Here are some steps to find a qualified acupuncturist:

1. Check for proper certification and licensing in your state or country
2. Look for recommendations from healthcare providers or trusted sources
3. Read patient reviews and testimonials
4. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific headache concerns

While acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many, it’s important to maintain open communication with your primary healthcare provider, especially if you’re experiencing chronic or severe headaches.

Breathing Exercises: A Simple Yet Powerful Tool for Headache Management

It may seem counterintuitive, but focused breathing exercises can play a significant role in alleviating tension-related headaches. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, these techniques can help ease muscle tension and provide relief from headache pain.

The Science Behind Breathing and Headache Relief

How do breathing exercises combat headaches? Deep, controlled breathing:

• Increases oxygen flow to the brain
• Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation
• Reduces muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
• Lowers stress hormones like cortisol

Implementing Effective Breathing Techniques

Try this simple breathing exercise for headache relief:

1. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed
2. Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight
3. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of five
4. Hold your breath for a moment
5. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of five
6. Repeat this cycle for 5-10 minutes

For enhanced relaxation, you can combine this breathing technique with progressive muscle relaxation. Start from your toes and work your way up, tensing and then relaxing each muscle group as you breathe.

Hydration and Diet: Nutritional Approaches to Headache Prevention

Proper hydration and a balanced diet play crucial roles in preventing and managing headaches. Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches, while certain dietary choices can exacerbate or alleviate headache symptoms.

The Importance of Hydration

How does staying hydrated help prevent headaches?

• Maintains proper blood volume and flow to the brain
• Helps regulate body temperature
• Supports the removal of toxins from the body
• Keeps mucous membranes moist, potentially reducing sinus-related headaches

While water is the best choice for hydration, electrolyte-rich beverages like Pedialyte or coconut water can also be beneficial, especially after intense physical activity or in hot weather.

Dietary Considerations for Headache Management

Certain foods and drinks can trigger headaches in susceptible individuals. Common culprits include:

• Caffeine (both excessive intake and withdrawal)
• Alcohol, particularly red wine
• Processed foods high in nitrates or MSG
• Aged cheeses and cured meats
• Artificial sweeteners

On the other hand, some dietary choices may help prevent or alleviate headaches:

• Magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, nuts, seeds)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds)
• Riboflavin-rich foods (eggs, lean meats, mushrooms)
• Ginger, known for its anti-inflammatory properties

Keeping a food diary can help identify personal triggers and beneficial foods for headache management.

Sleep Hygiene: Optimizing Rest for Headache Prevention

Quality sleep is essential for overall health and plays a significant role in headache prevention. Chronic sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality can increase the frequency and intensity of headaches. Implementing good sleep hygiene practices can help reduce headache occurrences and improve overall well-being.

The Connection Between Sleep and Headaches

How does sleep affect headache patterns?

• Regulates neurotransmitters involved in pain perception
• Allows the body to repair and regenerate tissues
• Helps maintain hormonal balance
• Reduces stress and tension that can contribute to headaches

Strategies for Improving Sleep Quality

To enhance your sleep and potentially reduce headache frequency, consider the following tips:

1. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body it’s time to wind down
3. Optimize your sleep environment (cool, dark, quiet)
4. Limit exposure to blue light from electronic devices before bedtime
5. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime
6. Engage in regular physical activity, but not too close to bedtime
7. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or gentle yoga before sleep

If sleep issues persist despite these measures, consult with a healthcare provider, as underlying sleep disorders can contribute to chronic headaches.

The Role of Sleep Position in Headache Prevention

Your sleep position can impact headache frequency. Sleeping on your back with proper pillow support can help maintain spinal alignment and reduce tension in the neck and shoulders. If you prefer side sleeping, ensure your pillow keeps your neck aligned with your spine to prevent muscle strain.

Lifestyle Modifications: Holistic Approaches to Headache Management

While specific techniques like massage or aromatherapy can provide targeted relief, overall lifestyle modifications can significantly impact headache frequency and severity. Adopting a holistic approach to headache management involves addressing various aspects of daily life that may contribute to or alleviate headache symptoms.

Stress Management Techniques

Chronic stress is a common trigger for various types of headaches. Implementing stress-reduction strategies can help prevent stress-related headaches:

• Regular exercise, which releases endorphins and reduces tension
• Mindfulness meditation or yoga to promote relaxation
• Time management techniques to reduce daily pressures
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address stress-inducing thought patterns
• Engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy and relaxation

Ergonomic Considerations

Poor posture and ergonomics, especially in workplace settings, can lead to muscle tension and headaches. To address this:

1. Ensure your workstation is ergonomically optimized
2. Take regular breaks to stretch and move
3. Practice good posture throughout the day
4. Consider using a standing desk or ergonomic chair
5. Perform neck and shoulder exercises to reduce tension

Environmental Factors

Your environment can play a role in headache occurrence. Consider these factors:

• Lighting: Reduce exposure to harsh or flickering lights
• Noise: Use noise-cancelling headphones or create a quiet space
• Air quality: Ensure proper ventilation and consider using an air purifier
• Temperature: Maintain a comfortable temperature in your living and working spaces
• Scents: Be aware of strong odors that may trigger headaches

Regular Exercise Routine

Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can help prevent headaches by:

• Improving blood circulation
• Reducing stress and tension
• Promoting better sleep quality
• Releasing endorphins, natural pain relievers

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or adjust according to your fitness level and healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Mindful Technology Use

In our digital age, excessive screen time can contribute to eye strain and headaches. To mitigate this:

1. Implement the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
2. Adjust screen brightness and contrast for comfort
3. Use blue light filters, especially in the evening
4. Take regular breaks from digital devices
5. Consider using larger fonts or zooming in to reduce eye strain

By incorporating these lifestyle modifications, you can create a comprehensive approach to headache management that complements specific relief techniques. Remember that what works best can vary from person to person, so it may take some experimentation to find the most effective combination of strategies for your individual needs.

Try These 9 Simple Headache Hacks for Fast Relief

Some home remedies and lifestyle changes may help you get rid of headaches faster. This includes staying hydrated, changing your diet, or trying things like massage and acupuncture.

Relieving your headache

For many people in today’s busy world, headaches have become an increasingly common occurrence. Sometimes they are the result of medical conditions, but often, they’re simply a result of stress, dehydration, a late work night, or just overdoing it at your spin class.

While there are plenty of treatments to reduce headaches, including over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or prescription headache medications, they don’t always eliminate the symptoms.

And tempting though it may be, the solution isn’t to take more than the recommended dosage. In fact, many common (and super simple) lifestyle habits can help reduce your headache pain without you ever reaching for a pill.

Yes, massages may seem luxurious, but they’re also incredibly therapeutic. Sometimes headaches result from tension in the upper body due to muscle strain from poor posture or a rigorous workout routine.

Massage therapy may be able to reduce chronic pain as well as ease muscle tension that causes headaches.

Take the time to research types of massage (Swedish, deep tissue, shiatsu, etc.) and get reliable referrals for a practitioner near you who can effectively address your specific pain points.

Share on Pinterest

For muscle tension headaches, hot and/or cold compresses can offer relief. For the cold portion, place ice in a plastic bag covered with a thin cloth to avoid harming your skin. Place the ice pack on your forehead and/or cheeks, basically wherever the greatest source of pain is.

Just be sure to limit cold pack applications to no more than 10 minutes at a time.

For the hot portion, you can purchase a heat pack at most drugstores, or make your own using uncooked rice. Take a small pillowcase or piece of fabric and fill it about two-thirds full with uncooked rice. Sew or tie the open end together.

When needed, microwave the rice for one minute. Apply to the back of your neck or forehead for heated relief.

Share on Pinterest

Aromatherapy is the study of how certain smells can trigger positive and even healing responses in the brain.

Some smells have been reported to soothe and reduce the incidence of headaches. These include peppermint extract, eucalyptus, and lavender oil. They are readily available at many local health food stores or online.

Share on Pinterest

Acupuncture involves applying fine, sharp needles to key areas on the body as a means of promoting energy flow. It’s thought to stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving compounds, and according to the National Institutes of Health, has been shown to reduce headache frequency and severity.

Yes, breathing. You know, that thing you do all the time already! It may sound silly, but tension-related headaches can sometimes be relieved with regular breathing exercises that help focus your mind and ease your muscles.

Start by finding a quiet place with a comfortable chair in your home, office, or other location where you will not be distracted. Next, take slow, rhythmic breaths, breathing in for five seconds then out for five seconds. As you relax, your muscle tightness reduces.

You can also try a progressive relaxation technique by focusing on each major muscle group in your body. Start from your toes and work your way up.

Share on Pinterest

Dehydration can contribute to a headache, but it can be easily avoided. Grabbing a good old-fashioned glass of water can help as much as an electrolyte-containing beverage such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, or Powerade.

But just as there are drinks that can reduce headaches, there are those that can trigger them.

Drinking too much coffee or too many caffeine-filled soft drinks can lead to headaches. So if you normally start your day with a Starbucks quad latte, you may want to trade it for a toned-down mixture of half caffeinated and half decaffeinated.

Alcohol, and particularly red wine, can also lead to dehydration that triggers headaches.

We hear a lot about the health problems caused by lack of sleep, and not getting your nightly minimum can lead to chronic headaches. But knowing you need more sleep and actually getting it are two different things.

There are several ways you can improve the amount and quality of your sleep, including the following.

Commit to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at regular times. Even if you just go to bed 15 minutes earlier or sleep 15 minutes later, this can be a step in the right direction.

Avoid stimulants in the hours before bed. Stimulants like alcohol, sugar, nicotine, and caffeine can keep you from sleeping and keep you up at night with trips to the bathroom. Give your body time to wind down before your head actually hits the pillow.

Choose a relaxing activity before bed. Turn off the television or computer and treat yourself to a good book or a hot bath. It may sound old fashioned, but a little relaxation goes a long way!

Certain foods, while delicious, have been known to contribute to headaches. Try keeping a “headache diary” of the foods and drinks you consume on a daily basis or specifically when you experience a headache.

If you identify a particular trigger, avoid it for some time and see if the headaches reduce. Possible problem foods include:

Caffeine-containing foods and beverages. Examples include chocolate, coffee, cola, and tea.

Monosodium glutamate-containing foods. MSG is used as a preservative and has traditionally been used in some Asian cooking. It’s also found in foods like instant ramen noodles.

Nitrate-containing foods. Most simple meats, such as hot dogs, lunch meat, sausage, and pepperoni can cause headaches.

Tyramine-containing foods. Tyramine is a compound produced by the breakdown of an amino acid called tyrosine, and it’s found in foods like pizza and aged cheeses.

Share on Pinterest

The warmth and comfort of a steaming cup of herbal tea makes it an excellent way to wind down at night. Those same soothing qualities can have pain-relieving effects. Because herbs can interact with medical conditions and medications, it’s important to check with a doctor before drinking these teas.

Favorites for relaxation include chamomile, ginger, and dandelion.

Share on Pinterest

Rachel Nall is a Tennessee-based critical care nurse and freelance writer. She began her writing career with the Associated Press in Brussels, Belgium. Although she enjoys writing about a variety of topics, healthcare is her practice and passion. Nall is a full-time nurse at a 20-bed intensive care unit focusing primarily on cardiac care. She enjoys educating her patients and readers on how to live healthier and happier lives.

Try These 9 Simple Headache Hacks for Fast Relief

Some home remedies and lifestyle changes may help you get rid of headaches faster. This includes staying hydrated, changing your diet, or trying things like massage and acupuncture.

Relieving your headache

For many people in today’s busy world, headaches have become an increasingly common occurrence. Sometimes they are the result of medical conditions, but often, they’re simply a result of stress, dehydration, a late work night, or just overdoing it at your spin class.

While there are plenty of treatments to reduce headaches, including over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or prescription headache medications, they don’t always eliminate the symptoms.

And tempting though it may be, the solution isn’t to take more than the recommended dosage. In fact, many common (and super simple) lifestyle habits can help reduce your headache pain without you ever reaching for a pill.

Yes, massages may seem luxurious, but they’re also incredibly therapeutic. Sometimes headaches result from tension in the upper body due to muscle strain from poor posture or a rigorous workout routine.

Massage therapy may be able to reduce chronic pain as well as ease muscle tension that causes headaches.

Take the time to research types of massage (Swedish, deep tissue, shiatsu, etc.) and get reliable referrals for a practitioner near you who can effectively address your specific pain points.

Share on Pinterest

For muscle tension headaches, hot and/or cold compresses can offer relief. For the cold portion, place ice in a plastic bag covered with a thin cloth to avoid harming your skin. Place the ice pack on your forehead and/or cheeks, basically wherever the greatest source of pain is.

Just be sure to limit cold pack applications to no more than 10 minutes at a time.

For the hot portion, you can purchase a heat pack at most drugstores, or make your own using uncooked rice. Take a small pillowcase or piece of fabric and fill it about two-thirds full with uncooked rice. Sew or tie the open end together.

When needed, microwave the rice for one minute. Apply to the back of your neck or forehead for heated relief.

Share on Pinterest

Aromatherapy is the study of how certain smells can trigger positive and even healing responses in the brain.

Some smells have been reported to soothe and reduce the incidence of headaches. These include peppermint extract, eucalyptus, and lavender oil. They are readily available at many local health food stores or online.

Share on Pinterest

Acupuncture involves applying fine, sharp needles to key areas on the body as a means of promoting energy flow. It’s thought to stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving compounds, and according to the National Institutes of Health, has been shown to reduce headache frequency and severity.

Yes, breathing. You know, that thing you do all the time already! It may sound silly, but tension-related headaches can sometimes be relieved with regular breathing exercises that help focus your mind and ease your muscles.

Start by finding a quiet place with a comfortable chair in your home, office, or other location where you will not be distracted. Next, take slow, rhythmic breaths, breathing in for five seconds then out for five seconds. As you relax, your muscle tightness reduces.

You can also try a progressive relaxation technique by focusing on each major muscle group in your body. Start from your toes and work your way up.

Share on Pinterest

Dehydration can contribute to a headache, but it can be easily avoided. Grabbing a good old-fashioned glass of water can help as much as an electrolyte-containing beverage such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, or Powerade.

But just as there are drinks that can reduce headaches, there are those that can trigger them.

Drinking too much coffee or too many caffeine-filled soft drinks can lead to headaches. So if you normally start your day with a Starbucks quad latte, you may want to trade it for a toned-down mixture of half caffeinated and half decaffeinated.

Alcohol, and particularly red wine, can also lead to dehydration that triggers headaches.

We hear a lot about the health problems caused by lack of sleep, and not getting your nightly minimum can lead to chronic headaches. But knowing you need more sleep and actually getting it are two different things.

There are several ways you can improve the amount and quality of your sleep, including the following.

Commit to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at regular times. Even if you just go to bed 15 minutes earlier or sleep 15 minutes later, this can be a step in the right direction.

Avoid stimulants in the hours before bed. Stimulants like alcohol, sugar, nicotine, and caffeine can keep you from sleeping and keep you up at night with trips to the bathroom. Give your body time to wind down before your head actually hits the pillow.

Choose a relaxing activity before bed. Turn off the television or computer and treat yourself to a good book or a hot bath. It may sound old fashioned, but a little relaxation goes a long way!

Certain foods, while delicious, have been known to contribute to headaches. Try keeping a “headache diary” of the foods and drinks you consume on a daily basis or specifically when you experience a headache.

If you identify a particular trigger, avoid it for some time and see if the headaches reduce. Possible problem foods include:

Caffeine-containing foods and beverages. Examples include chocolate, coffee, cola, and tea.

Monosodium glutamate-containing foods. MSG is used as a preservative and has traditionally been used in some Asian cooking. It’s also found in foods like instant ramen noodles.

Nitrate-containing foods. Most simple meats, such as hot dogs, lunch meat, sausage, and pepperoni can cause headaches.

Tyramine-containing foods. Tyramine is a compound produced by the breakdown of an amino acid called tyrosine, and it’s found in foods like pizza and aged cheeses.

Share on Pinterest

The warmth and comfort of a steaming cup of herbal tea makes it an excellent way to wind down at night. Those same soothing qualities can have pain-relieving effects. Because herbs can interact with medical conditions and medications, it’s important to check with a doctor before drinking these teas.

Favorites for relaxation include chamomile, ginger, and dandelion.

Share on Pinterest

Rachel Nall is a Tennessee-based critical care nurse and freelance writer. She began her writing career with the Associated Press in Brussels, Belgium. Although she enjoys writing about a variety of topics, healthcare is her practice and passion. Nall is a full-time nurse at a 20-bed intensive care unit focusing primarily on cardiac care. She enjoys educating her patients and readers on how to live healthier and happier lives.

Headache Clinic in Volgograd

Almost all people have experienced a headache at least once in their lives. But if for someone this is a rare occurrence, then for some it is a significant problem and torment. Most often, a person is simply trying to “drown out” the pain with medicines. But such a reaction is a signal from the body that something is wrong. And the problem must be solved, not hidden.

Headache is one of the most frequent visits to the doctor. It can be a symptom not only of pathological processes localized in the head area, but also a leading manifestation of many somatic and psychogenic diseases.

There are many methods and options for treating headaches today. And what works best for one person may not work for another. Therefore, the need for treatment in one way or another is determined by the doctor.

Methods of headache treatment in our clinic

Drug treatment

All medications are selected by the doctor individually

More details

Physiotherapy

Laser therapy MLS M6 or magnetotherapy BTL SIS

3

Read more

Acupuncture

After a course of acupuncture, as a rule, not only headaches disappear, but the general condition of the body improves

Read more

Botulinum therapy headache

More details

Massage or psychiatry

May be used as an adjunct. After all, sometimes headaches can be the cause of stress or overwork

More

What types of headaches do we deal with?

✓ Episodic tension headache
✓ Chronic tension headache
✓ Episodic migraine
✓ Chronic migraine
✓ Cluster headache
✓ Cervicogenic headache
✓ Headache due to infection
✓ Post-traumatic headache
✓ Headache associated with with increased intracranial pressure
✓ Trigeminal headaches

Additional diagnostics

In most cases, to determine the exact cause of the headache or to rule out a number of pathologies, the doctor may recommend additional diagnostics. This may be MRI, CT, ultrasound or laboratory research methods. The necessary additional method is determined only by a doctor at an internal consultation.

Specialists

Viktoria Vladimirovna Zhurbenko

Head physician, neurologist, botulinum toxin therapist

More about the doctor

Make an appointment

Gordeeva Irina Evgenievna

Neurologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences

More about the doctor

Make an appointment

Shusha nova Irina Vladimirovna

Neurologist

More about the doctor

Make an appointment

Safronova Anastasia Yurievna

Neurologist

More about the doctor

Make an appointment

Ilyasova Irina Mikhailovna

Neurologist of the first category

More about the doctor

Make an appointment

What helps with severe headache

• Adult
• Headache
• Selected 901 11

Severe headache can lead to unpleasant consequences in life and on workplace. Read what causes and how to relieve pain.

What is a headache?

Each of us has had a headache at least once in our lives, but can we hardly give a precise definition of the concept of “headache”? Do you know what is the real cause of a headache?

The concept of “headache” itself is too broad. In a narrow sense, there are several types of pain. The most common are tension headache, cluster headache, and migraine.

With tension headache, there is a feeling of pressure in the temporal and occipital region. It seems as if the head is squeezed by a hoop.

Cluster headache is rare. It can bother you for weeks and even months or appear periodically. Cluster headache is characterized by short attacks of extremely intense unilateral pain in or around one eye. It can provoke a runny nose and / or nasal congestion, redness of the eyes and watery eyes. ¹

Migraine is less common than, for example, tension-type headache. But it is a migraine that causes more trouble, often covering one half of the head. As a rule, these are recurring pains in the frontal and temporal parts of the head. Migraine may be accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms: nausea and vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and sound (aura).

What are the causes of headaches?

There are several factors that can cause headaches. These are stress, fatigue, malnutrition. Different types of headaches can occur for different reasons. For example, the cause of a migraine is in the brain itself. The pain that a person experiences with a migraine is one of the effects of a disturbance in the structures of the brain that are responsible for conducting pain signals and other sensations. It is also known that people are born with a predisposition to migraines, provided that this kind of headache occurred in one of the parents. ² However, it is difficult to predict who may become a victim of migraine, and with what frequency it will follow a person later.

Scientists are still investigating the true causes of cluster headaches. It is generally accepted that these pains arise due to the expansion of the blood vessels of the brain, which, in turn, is a consequence of changes in the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that is responsible for changing the biological rhythms of a person.

Science knows much more about tension headaches. The occurrence of pain is associated with the muscles of the head, neck and face. When these muscles are tense, they produce special chemicals – prostaglandins – that stimulate pain receptors and make us feel pain. If this happens, then something is wrong in the body. Pain is a warning signal.

Stress, anxiety and poor posture can trigger tension headaches, which means that the headache may be caused by an uncomfortable posture. Bright sunlight, dehydration, and crossed eyes can also cause tension headaches. ³

What can be done?

There are several ways to help get rid of a headache. These include relaxation techniques and exercise programs for back and neck pain. In any case, if you suspect that you are suffering from a migraine or cluster headache, you should consult a doctor. Pain medications can help with tension headaches.

As we have already said, headaches are caused by prostaglandins, which are produced due to muscle tension. Nurofen® is an over-the-counter pain reliever. The active ingredient in its composition is ibuprofen. The mechanism of action of ibuprofen is associated with blocking the production of prostaglandins, including in the muscles of the head and neck.

If you have difficulty identifying the type of headache, you should consult a doctor. If a headache occurs after any event or injury, and increases day by day, accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms (fever, nausea, speech problems), you should immediately consult a doctor.

REFERENCES:

• 1

  Headaches – WHO Factsheet N°277, October 2012 (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs277/en/)

• 2 90 004 Information for migraine patients – Russian Headache Society (http://headache-society.