What causes headaches? How are headaches diagnosed? What are the different types of headaches and their symptoms? Find the answers to these questions and more in our comprehensive article.

Understanding the Different Types of Headaches

Headaches are a common affliction that can range from mild to severe, and can be categorized into several distinct types. The most prevalent types are migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches.

Migraines

Migraines are a type of headache that often involve symptoms beyond just pain, such as nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Migraines can be accompanied by distinct phases, including a premonition phase, an aura phase, a headache phase, and a resolution phase.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are often caused by stress and tight muscles. Symptoms of tension headaches include a dull, band-like pain that may involve the back of the head or neck, but typically do not cause nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are characterized by severe, one-sided pain behind the eye, often accompanied by a red and watery eye, a drooping eyelid, and nasal congestion. These headaches typically occur in a series that may last for weeks or months.

Causes and Symptoms of Headaches

Headaches can be classified as either primary or secondary. Primary headaches are the main medical problem, while secondary headaches are related to an underlying condition.

Causes of Headaches

Factors that can contribute to primary headaches include muscle tension, exposure to certain foods, dehydration, and hormonal changes. Secondary headaches can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, such as neck injuries, eye problems, jaw or teeth issues, or sinus infections.

Symptoms of Headaches

Headache symptoms can vary depending on the type of headache. Common symptoms include a slow onset of the headache, pain on both sides of the head, a dull or band-like pain, and pain in the back of the head or neck. Tension headaches typically do not cause nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity.

Diagnosing Headaches

When diagnosing a headache, your healthcare provider will conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and potentially diagnostic testing.

Questions During the Exam

During the exam, your doctor may ask questions such as when the headaches occur, the location of the pain, the nature of the pain, how long the headaches last, any changes in behavior or personality, and whether there is a history of head injury or stress.

Diagnostic Testing

If your doctor suspects a primary headache type, such as migraine or tension-type, and the neurological exam is normal, no further testing may be needed. However, if the headache is not a primary type, additional tests may be ordered to determine the underlying cause, such as blood tests, sinus x-rays, or imaging procedures like MRI.

Treating Headaches

The treatment for headaches will depend on the type and underlying cause. Treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery or other interventions.

Medication Options

Medications used to treat headaches can include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications for migraines or cluster headaches, and preventive medications to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle modifications, such as stress management, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding potential triggers, can also be effective in managing headaches.

Preventing Headaches

In addition to treating headaches, there are steps you can take to help prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Identifying and Avoiding Triggers

Keeping a headache diary can help you identify potential triggers, such as certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, or changes in sleep patterns. Avoiding these triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Practicing stress management techniques, getting regular exercise, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule can all contribute to the prevention of headaches.

Conclusion

Headaches are a common and often debilitating condition, but understanding the different types, causes, and treatment options can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. By working closely with a healthcare provider, individuals can develop an effective plan to prevent and treat their headaches.

Headache | Johns Hopkins Medicine

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face. Headaches vary greatly in terms of the location and intensity of the pain, and how often the headaches occur. The brain tissue doesn’t have pain-sensitive nerve fibers and doesn’t feel pain. But, other parts of the head can be responsible for a headache including:

• A network of nerves that extends over the scalp

• Certain nerves in the face, mouth, and throat

• Muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders

• Blood vessels found along the surface and at the base of the brain

Different types of headaches include:

Migraine

In this type of headache, symptoms other than pain occur as part of the headache. Nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and other visual symptoms typically occur with migraines. Migraines also have distinct phases. Not all people have each phase, however. The phases of a migraine headache may include:

• Premonition or prodromal phase. A change in mood or behavior may occur hours or days before the headache.

• Aura phase. A group of visual, sensory, or motor symptoms can precede the headache. Examples include vision changes, hallucinations, numbness, changes in speech, and muscle weakness.

• Headache phase. Period during the actual headache with throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. Sensitivity to light and motion are common, as are depression, fatigue, and anxiety.

• Resolution phase. Pain lessens during this phase, but may be replaced with fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating. Some people feel refreshed after an attack, others do not.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress and tight muscles are often factors in tension-type headaches. These are common symptoms of a tension-type headache:

• Slow onset of the headache

• Head usually hurts on both sides

• Pain is dull or feels like a band or vice around the head

• Pain may involve the back part of the head or neck

• Pain is mild to moderate, but not severe

• Tension type headaches typically do not cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Cluster headaches

These are the most common symptoms of a cluster headache:

Cluster headaches usually occur in a series that may last weeks or months.

These are the most common symptoms of a cluster headache:

• Severe pain on one side of the head, usually behind one eye

• The eye that is affected may be red and watery with a droopy lid and small pupil

• Swelling of the eyelid

• Runny nose or congestion

• Swelling of the forehead

What causes a headache?

Headaches are classified as primary or secondary.

• A primary headache means the headache itself is the main medical problem, although other factors, such as muscle tension or exposure to certain foods, may be identified. Other contributing factors include medicines, dehydration, or hormone changes.

• A secondary headache is related to an underlying medical condition. An example of this would be a headache due to neck injury, eye problems, jaw, teeth or sinus infection.

What are the symptoms of a headache?

Headache symptoms depend on the type of headache. The frequency of headaches and the intensity of the symptoms may vary, too. Typical headache symptoms include:

• Slow onset of the headache

• Head usually hurts on both sides

• Pain is dull or feels like a band or vice around the head

• Pain may involve the back part of the head or neck

• Pain is mild to moderate, but not severe

Tension type headaches typically do not cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light (photophobia).

The symptoms of a headache may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is a headache diagnosed?

Your doctor will want to do a comprehensive medical evaluation and diagnostic testing. He or she will also ask about your medical history, and do physical exam and certain tests.

Questions commonly asked during the exam may include:

• When do headaches occur?

• What is the location of the headache?

• What do the headaches feel like?

• How long do the headaches last?

• Have there been changes in behavior or personality?

• Do changes in position or sitting up cause the headache?

• Do you have trouble sleeping?

• Do you have a history of stress?

• Is there a history of head injury?

If your doctor suspects migraine or tension-type headaches and the neurological exam is normal, no further testing may be needed. However, if it is not a primary type headache, then other tests may be done to find the cause.

Tests used to find the cause of a headache may include:

• Blood tests. Various blood chemistry and other lab tests may be run to check for underlying conditions.

• Sinus x-rays. An imaging procedure done to evaluate for congestion or other problems that may be corrected.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A test that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

• Computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan). An imaging test that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.

How are headaches treated?

Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:

• How old you are

• Your overall health and medical history

• How sick you are

• How well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies

• How long the condition is expected to last

• Your opinion or preference

The goal of treatment is to stop headaches from occurring. Effective headache management depends on finding what type of headache you have and may include:

• Avoiding known triggers, such as certain foods and beverages, lack of sleep, and fasting

• Changing eating habits

• Exercise

• Resting in a quiet, dark environment

• Medicines, as recommended by your healthcare provider

• Stress management

Migraine and cluster headaches may need specific medicine management including:

• Abortive medicines. Medicines prescribed by your healthcare provider act on specific receptors in nerves and blood vessels in the head to stop a headache in progress.

• Rescue medicines. Medicines bought over-the-counter, such as pain relievers, to stop the headache.

• Preventive medicines. Medicines prescribed by your healthcare provider taken daily to reduce the onset of headaches.

Some headaches may need immediate medical attention including hospitalization for observation, diagnostic testing, or even surgery. Treatment is individualized depending on the underlying condition causing the headache. Full recovery depends on the type of headache and other medical problems that may be present.

Can headaches be prevented?

When headache triggers are known, avoiding the triggers can prevent a headache. Reducing stress can minimize or prevent headaches caused by stress. Migraine and cluster headaches may be prevented by taking a daily preventive medicines.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Most headaches can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, call your healthcare provider right away if a severe headache is accompanied by:

Symptoms that may suggest a more serious headache include:

• Worst headache ever, or new type of headache

• Recurring headaches in children

• Headaches that start early in the morning

• Headache that follows a head injury

• Pain that is worsened by strain, such as a cough or a sneeze

• Vomiting without nausea

• Sudden onset of pain

• Headache that is becoming more severe or continuous

• Personality changes

• Seizures

Key points about headaches

• A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face area.

• Types of headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster.

• Headaches can be primary or secondary. If it is secondary, it is caused by another condition.

• Avoiding headache triggers is the best prevention.

• Mild to moderate headaches can be managed with over-the-counter medicines, but tell your healthcare provider if your headache is severe and you have other symptoms.

What Can It Tell You?

The location of your head pain can be an important clue in determining what type of headache you have and the potential remedies.

Headaches are very common. In fact, it’s estimated that about half to three quarters of adults have experienced some type of headache within the last year.

Chronic headache, which means 15 or more headache days every month, affects between 1.7 to 4 percent of adults.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of headaches based on location, as well as when it’s important to seek medical care.

The whole-head headache can feel like there’s a tight band around your head. This often indicates a tension headache, the most common primary headache disorder.

However, it’s important to point out that there are times when migraine pain can be holocranial. This means the pain can be felt around the head instead of just on one side.

With a tension headache, pain and pressure may extend to your neck, and you may also feel pain and tenderness around your forehead.

Tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions in your head and neck. This type of headache tends to last a few hours, but can linger for days.

A tension headache can be caused by stress or neck problems. However, you might also have an all-over headache from:

• caffeine withdrawal
• physical exertion
• hunger
• hangover
• fatigue
• having a cold or flu
• head trauma
• eye strain or staring at a computer for too long
• using too much headache medicine, also known as rebound headache

An occasional tension headache doesn’t typically require medical attention. Do see your doctor if you experience 15 or more headache days per month.

Migraine

Whether it’s the left side or the right side, one-sided head pain often indicates migraine.

Migraine is a primary headache disorder that causes recurrent attacks. Symptoms of migraine typically include:

• throbbing, pulsating pain
• nausea or vomiting
• aura
• noise, light, and odor sensitivities
• difficulty focusing

Migraine can be caused by a variety of contributing factors, including changes in brain chemicals. In particular, a decrease in serotonin levels.

Many other factors may also trigger an attack, such as:

• loud sounds
• bright or flashing lights
• specific odors
• certain foods
• changes in weather conditions
• lack of sleep
• hormonal changes
• skipping meals
• dehydration

These triggers vary from person to person. It can even be a combination of factors that bring on an attack. It’s not always possible to identify triggers.

Cluster headache

Cluster headache is another primary headache disorder that causes pain on one side of the head.

The pain is often located behind or around one of your eyes. In some cases, the pain may spread to your forehead, side of your head, nose, neck, or shoulders on the same side.

Cluster headaches tend to occur in cycles or, as the name suggests, “clusters.” You may experience headaches for a few weeks or months, followed by a remission period.

These headaches often come on suddenly and the pain usually becomes severe within about 10 minutes of starting.

Some common symptoms of a cluster headache include:

• burning, stabbing pain behind or around one eye
• a red, teary eye
• a smaller, constricted pupil
• a drooping eyelid
• puffiness under or around one or both eyes
• runny or stuffy nose
• facial flushing
• feeling restless

Once you get the right diagnosis, migraine and cluster headaches can be treated and managed.

Medication overuse and head trauma can also cause pain on one side of the head.

A headache behind your eyes and nasal passages can be due to allergies, such as hay fever, which can also produce symptoms similar to that of the common cold.

However, true sinus headaches tend to be rare. These headaches usually turn out to be migraine, which can cause pain over the sinuses.

A headache behind your eyes is rarely related to eyestrain.

If you think you’re having sinus headaches, consider seeing your doctor to get a diagnosis. Your doctor can help determine if your headache is truly caused by allergies, or if it could be migraine.

Pain in the back of your head can be due to arthritis of the neck. Pain tends to get worse when you move.

This type of headache can also be due to poor posture or neck problems such as a herniated disc.

A back of the head headache, often accompanied by neck pain, can also be a sign of a low-pressure headache, otherwise known as spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). It’s caused by low spinal fluid pressure in the brain.

Another sign of SIH is that the pain eases when you lie down, but worsens when you:

• sit upright
• stand
• cough or sneeze
• strain
• engage in physical activity

This type of headache can occur following a lumbar puncture. If you’ve recently had this procedure and develop a headache, see your doctor as soon as possible for treatment.

If you have any type of chronic headache, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor or healthcare provider. Headaches are considered chronic if they happen 15 days or more per month.

By identifying your specific type of headache, your doctor can determine the best type of treatment. Getting the right kind of treatment for your headache may help improve your overall quality of life.

Sometimes, a headache can indicate a more serious medical condition such as:

• aneurysm
• stroke
• meningitis
• encephalitis (inflammation of the brain tissue)
• brain tumor

Signs that you may need immediate medical attention for a headache include:

• sudden onset of severe headache
• a rigid neck
• double vision
• weakness or paralysis on one side of your body
• numbness on either side of the body
• balance and coordination problems
• speech difficulties
• high fever
• lethargy
• reduced or altered consciousness level
• hallucinations

Everyone is different, so it may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for your headaches.

Here are some ways that you may be able to help ease your headache pain with self-care:

• Lie down in a dark, quiet room. Take a nap if you can.
• Apply ice or a cold compress to the area that hurts. Some people find that heat works better.
• Drink water to stay hydrated.
• Do some deep breathing exercises.
• Take over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories as directed. Be careful, because taking too many can lead to rebound headaches.
• Drink a little caffeine.

For chronic headaches, your doctor may prescribe medications based on the specific type of headache you have. These medicines include:

• triptans
• ergot derivative drugs
• combination analgesics and caffeine

Preventive medications for chronic headache include:

• anticonvulsants
• beta-blockers
• calcium channel blockers
• calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists
• onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• tricyclic antidepressants

The area of your head that hurts can tell you something about the type of headache you’re having. Other symptoms and the frequency of your headache pain can tell you a lot more.

If your headaches aren’t too severe or frequent, home remedies and OTC medicines may help get you through them.

If you get headaches frequently, or the pain disrupts your daily life, be sure to follow up with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A headache that’s accompanied by certain symptoms can be a sign of a more serious condition. If you have head pain with symptoms such as partial paralysis, high fever, blurred vision, or speech difficulties, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

simple and effective ways to relieve pain

Contents

• 1 How to get rid of a headache: simple and effective ways
  • 1.1 Common causes of headaches
  • 1.2 Using drugs
  • 1.3 Using natural oils and essential oils 9 0008
  • 1.4 Physiotherapy to relieve headaches
  • 1.5 Diversify your lifestyle to avoid headaches
  • 1.6 Relaxing music to relieve headaches
  • 1. 7 Massage to relieve tension in the head
  • 1.8 Coping with headaches: avoiding stressful situations
  • 1.9 How are nutrition and headaches related?
    • 1.9.1 Avoid certain foods
    • 1.9.2 Increase your water intake
    • 1.9.3 Try anti-inflammatories
  • 1.10 Hot or cold compress for headache relief
  • 1.11 Heat therapy: an effective treatment for headaches pain
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What causes headaches and what treatments are available?
      • 1.13.0.2 What is the best analgesic for headaches?
      • 1.13.0.3 What foods should be eaten to prevent headaches?
      • 1.13.0.4 What massage techniques can help with headaches?
      • 1.13.0.5 What weather factor can cause a headache?
      • 1.13.0.6 Can stress cause headaches and how to deal with it?

If you are experiencing headaches, it is worth taking steps to relieve them. In this article, we talk about effective ways to deal with a headache that will help you deal with it quickly and safely.

Headache is an unpleasant condition that every person faces repeatedly in life. It can be caused by various factors, ranging from lack of sleep and overwork to serious illnesses.

What should I do if my head hurts? In this article, you will find simple and effective ways to relieve pain. It is important to understand that such pain can only be a symptom of another condition, therefore, if it constantly recurs, becomes stronger or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is necessary to see a doctor.

The key to managing headaches is preventing them from occurring and eliminating their cause. However, if headaches have already arisen, then we can use the means to alleviate this condition.

There are many ways that can reduce the intensity of a headache, and each person can choose the most suitable for himself. In this article, we will look at the most simple and effective ways, which you can learn more about by reading the article to the end.

Common Causes of Headaches

Headaches can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from nervous system disturbances to fatigue and heat. One common factor is stress, which can lead to cramps and muscle tension, causing headaches.

Another common factor is malnutrition and lack of water in the body. Eating large amounts of fatty foods, alcohol and coffee can trigger a headache. It is important to provide your body with enough water to prevent dehydration.

• Stress – increased tension of the nervous system, causing convulsions and muscle tension;
• Lack of sleep – lack of nightly rest can lead to fatigue and headaches;
• Chronic conditions – such as hypertension and migraine may increase the likelihood of headaches;
• Improper diet – large amounts of fatty foods, alcohol and coffee can cause headache;
• Dehydration – lack of water in the body can cause headaches and aggravate existing diseases.

Medications

Medications are one of the most common ways to deal with headaches. Many pain relievers are available without a prescription, but more powerful drugs require a doctor’s consultation.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help to cope with the pain associated with inflammation. Ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, and other NSAIDs can be bought at pharmacies without a prescription.

Triptans are suitable for the treatment of migraine. They reduce the constriction of cerebral vessels, making pressure less painful. Triptans are only available with a doctor’s prescription.

Acetaminophen may help with mild to moderate pain. It does not affect inflammation, but has a healing effect and blocks pain signals in the central nervous system.

Some medicines may cause side effects such as nausea or vomiting. Always follow the instructions on the package and consult your doctor if you have any health conditions that may affect the medications you take.

Using natural oils and essential oils

Natural oils and essential oils can help relieve headaches. Some of them have antibacterial properties that can help with infection-related headaches.

Lavender oil can also help with stress headaches. Its calming properties can help relieve tension and calm the nervous system.

Peppermint oil can reduce headaches and relieve migraine symptoms. It can also help reduce stress levels and calm the nervous system.

1. Natural and essential oils can help relieve headaches;
2. Rosemary oil can reduce stress levels;
3. Lavender oil can calm the nervous system;
4. Peppermint oil can relieve migraine symptoms and reduce stress levels.

But before using oils, you need to make sure that you are not allergic to them. It is also recommended to mix the oils with a carrier such as olive or coconut oil to avoid skin irritation.

Physiotherapy for headache relief

Physiotherapy is one of the effective methods for headache relief. This method uses various types of physical treatments that can reduce pain, restore normal blood flow to the brain, and reduce the possibility of new episodes of pain.

Another method of physiotherapy is electrical stimulation. This method uses electrical impulses to stimulate the muscles of the head and neck. It helps improve blood circulation, relax muscles and reduce pain.

• A good option for physiotherapy is laser treatment. Laser therapy reduces inflammation and increases blood flow, which helps reduce pain and speed up muscle healing.
• Activation of acupuncture points is an effective method of physiotherapy for headaches. Acupuncture allows the body to cope with pain on its own.

The use of physiotherapy can help relieve headaches, reduce their frequency and reduce muscle tension. However, before using this method, you should familiarize yourself with its contraindications and consult a doctor.

Diversify your lifestyle to avoid headaches

Headache can be caused by many things – overexertion, stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, eye strain, and even the weather. To avoid headaches, you need to take care of your health and change your lifestyle.

• Exercise regularly. Physical activity improves blood circulation, reduces stress and increases the level of endorphins – hormones of happiness.
• Eat right. Avoid foods that cause allergic reactions, eat more fruits and vegetables, sources of vitamins and minerals.
• Rest and get enough sleep. Set aside time for rest and relaxation, observe the daily routine and sleep at least 8 hours a day.
• Take breaks while working at the computer. Vision needs a break of 10-15 minutes every 2 hours.

It is important to remember that a headache can be a sign of a more serious condition such as migraine or hypertension. If the pain in the head becomes constant, be sure to consult a doctor for examination and diagnosis.

Relaxing music to relieve headaches

Music is one of the effective ways to relieve headaches. Some sounds may have calming properties that can help reduce pain in the head. Relaxing music can match your mood and therefore listening to this music can help relieve mental stress.

Not only can relaxing music help with headaches, but also music in the classical and jazz genres, which are often recognized for their versatile therapeutic properties. Meditation sounds and tranquilizers can also help relieve stress and lower anxiety levels.

No matter what genre or type of music you prefer, choosing relaxing music for headaches can help reduce pain and relax your mental state.

• Tip: Try creating your own list of headache relief music to make sure the music suits your personal tastes.
• Tip: With many music services, you can find playlists suitable for stress and pain relief.

Head massage to relieve tension

Massage is one of the most effective ways to relieve headaches. Head massage can help relax muscles and reduce tension that can be causing pain.

There are different head massage techniques, all of which can be effective. One such technique, head massage, can help relieve head tension and reduce pain.

To perform a massage, you need to place your fingers on the back of your head and gradually begin to make circular movements, gradually increasing pressure on the soft tissues of the head. This will help improve blood circulation and increase oxygen supply to the head, which can help reduce pain.

Massage massage can be performed anywhere – at work, at home or even during long trips. This is a simple and effective way to relieve tension in the head and reduce pain.

Coping with headaches: avoiding stressful situations

Stressful situations can lead to headaches and make them worse. To minimize your exposure to these situations, you need to develop stress management strategies. For example, try to find ways to relax and be alone, such as yoga or meditation. In addition, it is important to maintain healthy relationships with the people around you and avoid conflict situations.

Plan ahead

In order to avoid sudden stressful situations, it is worth planning your day in advance and taking into account possible obstacles and problems. A good way is to use a planner or diary, where you can write down all your tasks for the day, as well as plan your rest and relaxation time. This approach can help you reduce your stress levels and avoid headaches.

Keep your thoughts under control

Often thoughts and feelings can be a source of our stress and, accordingly, a headache. Therefore, it is important to learn to control our thoughts and not allow them to influence us and our emotional sphere. To do this, you can use meditation and visualization techniques to help you improve your concentration and focus on positive thoughts.

• Find ways to relax and be alone, such as meditation or yoga
• Plan your day in advance and keep in mind obstacles and problems
• Use thought and experience control techniques such as meditation and visualization

What is the relationship between nutrition and headaches?

Many of us don’t think about what we eat until we have a headache. However, diet can be essential to our health and well-being, including headaches.

Avoid certain foods

Certain foods in our diet can cause headaches. For example, savory foods can cause blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to headaches. In addition, alcohol and chocolate may contain ingredients that cause headaches. Try to avoid these foods to reduce your chances of getting headaches.

Increase your water intake

Headaches can be caused by dehydration – lack of fluid in the body. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of headaches.

Try anti-inflammatories

Some foods, such as salmon, nuts, and olive oil, contain anti-inflammatories that can help relieve headaches. Include them in your diet and enjoy their benefits.

• Food can play an important role in whether or not a headache is caused.
• Avoid spicy, alcoholic and chocolate foods to reduce the chance of headaches.
• Drink enough water to prevent dehydration, which can lead to headaches.
• Foods containing anti-inflammatories, such as salmon, nuts, and olive oil, can help relieve headaches.

Hot or cold compress for headache relief

When you have a headache, you usually want to get rid of it as soon as possible. One easy way to relieve a headache is to apply a heat or cold compress. However, before taking action, it is necessary to understand which of them will be more effective in a particular situation.

Cold compress – usually used in cases where pain causes inflammation or vasodilation. For example, with migraine or headache, which is associated with vasospasm. A cold compress minimizes blood flow to the affected area, which can reduce inflammation and pain. To do this, you can use ice, food conditioners or ice bags.

Heat compress – should be used when the headache is caused by muscle tension or spasms. Heat reduces muscle tension and opens blood vessels. Heat compresses can be done using hot water, warm towels, heating pads, or grain-filled pillows.

• Cold compress: reduces blood flow, relieves inflammation;
• Thermal compress: relieves muscle tension, opens blood vessels.

However, before applying the compress, you must familiarize yourself with all contraindications and do not use them in cases where there is a threat of an exacerbation of the disease. Therefore, it is always best to consult your doctor before using any headache relief methods.

Heat therapy: an effective remedy for headaches

Heat treatments are an easy and affordable way to relieve headaches. Heat dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation, which helps to relax tense muscles and reduce pain. It is important to remember that heat therapy is not recommended for acute headache or high body temperature.

The Hot Neck Compress is one of the easiest ways to apply heat therapy. To do this, bend the towel in half, pour hot water and squeeze. Wrap a hot towel around your neck and relax for a few minutes.

Steam bath is another way to use heat therapy for headaches. For the procedure, you need to heat the water, pour it into a deep bowl and bend over the steam, covering your head with a towel. It is necessary to breathe over the steam quickly and deeply for 5-10 minutes.

• Dry heat can also help relieve headaches. To do this, you can use a pillow with grain or sand, which must be heated in the microwave or on the stove, and attach it to the neck or head area.
• The heated beach ball is another easy and affordable solution. The ball must be heated on the stove, then wrapped in a towel and applied to the head or neck area.

Please note that heat therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and may not be suitable for every headache. If symptoms persist, seek qualified medical attention.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What causes headaches and what treatments are available?

Headaches can be caused by various factors such as muscle tension, stress, bad weather, hunger, poisoning, etc. Various methods are used to treat headaches, such as analgesics, massage, physiotherapy, yoga, aromatherapy, etc.

Which analgesic is best for headaches?

It is best to use analgesics containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen, such as paracetamol, nurofen, ibuklin, etc. However, before using it is necessary to consult a doctor and read the instructions for use.

What foods should I eat to prevent headaches?

For the prevention of headaches, it is recommended to eat fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables containing magnesium, vitamin B2 and C. It is also important to drink enough water throughout the day.

What massage techniques can help with headaches?

For headaches, a massage of the neck, temporal region and temporal arches can give a good effect. You can also try acupressure, which applies pressure to specific points on the face, neck, and arms.

What weather factor can cause a headache?

Headaches can be caused by changes in atmospheric pressure, high humidity, high winds or weather migraines. The reason should be clarified with the attending physician.

Can stress cause headaches and how to deal with it?

Yes, persistent stress can be one of the causes of headaches. To combat stress, you can use various methods, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, relaxation, etc. It is also very important to communicate with loved ones and do not forget about rest and hobbies.

Headache? We will help! – GKB Konchalovsky

At the Pain Treatment Center of the City Clinical Hospital named after. M.P. Konchalovsky, you can get advice from leading specialists of the clinic and undergo a comprehensive examination and treatment for headaches.

Often in everyday life we ​​get used to taking pills to relieve pain, but do not treat the cause itself. And in the struggle for quick relief from headaches, we actually lose the most important thing – precious time for proper diagnosis and treatment.

There are many causes of headaches. But this is the important signal that the body sends us. It cannot be ignored. Buying pharmacy drugs in search of the fastest acting is not the best way to treat.

Pay attention to the regularity and cyclical nature of the headache. This is the first symptom of having a chronic illness or severe stress.

You can sign up for a doctor’s consultation, as well as clarify background information in WhatsApp and Telegram by sending a message to 8-968-710-66-86.

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Headache has different localization and, depending on this, carries information about various possible diseases. It can be very strong, have a pulsating, prolonged or sudden character.

Major headache diseases:

• Brain tumors
• Chronic cerebral ischemia
• Neuralgias of the facial and occipital nerves
• Migraine
• Stress
• Post covid syndrome
• Cluster headaches
• Post-traumatic syndromes

The main task in the diagnosis of headache is to identify the cause of its occurrence. To do this, the doctor examines the patient, collects an anamnesis, reveals the nature, area of ​​localization of the pain syndrome and the frequency of symptoms.

To obtain complete information, the patient may undergo additional studies, such as: MRI / CT, radiography, angiography, vascular ultrasound, laboratory tests.

Attention! The service is paid.
Check the cost of the procedure with the administrator
by phone +7-968-710-66-86

may become irreversible.

In our Pain Center you will be able to receive consultations from leading specialists and undergo comprehensive treatment. In addition to traditional drug therapy, an effective method of relieving pain is a course of drug blockades. To achieve the maximum effect, the main treatment can be combined with a course of massage, physiotherapy exercises and physiotherapy. It is also necessary to change the living conditions – eat right, alternate work and rest, avoid stress.