Headaches can quickly ruin a day, but relief can come through simple home remedies such as cold compresses or hot showers.
Many people find relief through over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB and others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and combination medications; migraine sufferers may find additional help through migraine preventative medicines such as triptans.
Hot and cold
Migraine headaches can produce intense, throbbing pain, nausea and an intolerence to noise or light, among other symptoms. Heat or cold therapies may offer temporary relief from these painful side effects.
Applying ice to the skin induces vasoconstriction, narrowing blood vessels and decreasing blood flow to an affected area – which in turn reduces inflammation and pain. Cold therapy has proven particularly helpful for relieving migraine and tension-type headache pain.
Warming the body through hot showers, soaks in hot tubs or wearing one of THERAdegPEARL’s microwaveable neck wraps can release tight muscles and increase circulation to help reduce tension headaches caused by stress-related triggers. However, to protect skin health it’s important not to overdo heat treatments; try keeping sessions under 20 minutes to prevent skin damage from overheating treatments.
Breathing exercises such as square or box breathing (inhale to a count of four, hold for four counts and exhale for four counts), guided imagery or relaxation therapy may help lower stress levels, which in turn may help relieve headaches.
Massage
Massage can provide immediate relief of headache pain by improving circulation, relaxing muscles and relieving tension. Massage therapy is also useful in addressing any potential root causes for headaches such as stress, tension, poor posture or sleeping patterns; regular sessions of this therapy can reduce both their duration and intensity – as well as prevent future migraine attacks altogether.
Trigger point therapy is an effective form of massage for relieving headaches. It involves applying pressure to tender spots in your neck and head called trigger points; often these points result from overworking the muscles due to poor posture or unusual sleeping positions.
Aromatherapy can also be effective at relieving headache symptoms by adding specific essential oils into your bloodstream, such as clary sage, spikenard, helichrysum or lavender essential oils.
Over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter pain medicines, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and acetaminophen can provide some relief for many headaches. Some individuals also find relief through long-term medications that help prevent migraines such as amitriptyline (Elavil) or topiramate (Topamax).
Many people who visit a headache specialist typically try multiple OTC remedies before receiving a prescription for medication specifically developed to treat headaches. When taken correctly and responsibly, such medicines can provide much-needed relief for many sufferers of headache.
Excedrin, Anacin and Fiorinal combination products available to treat headaches may contain ingredients you do not prefer – for instance butalbital (Fiorinal), which can lead to drug dependency if taken more than two days a week. A better choice would be purchasing each individual ingredient medicine separately and following package directions; your pharmacist can give advice regarding proper dosing and cautions as well as whether the product is covered under Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). They can also explain how each of their components might help ease your headache.
Exercise
Physical exercise may provide relief from headache pain. By improving overall health and promoting feelings of wellbeing, regular physical activity reduces risks such as high blood pressure, depression and obesity – as well as helping alleviate stress levels, boost mood, improve sleep patterns and decrease migraine attacks.
Studies show that those participating in strength training programs experience substantial reductions in both intensity and duration of headaches, due to improved thickness and strength of deep cervical muscles that play an essential role in relieving neck tension, strain and pain.
Beginning a new exercise regime gradually is key for avoiding triggers that might disrupt your routine and providing enough energy for you to complete workouts without suffering headaches. Be sure to consume ample fluids both before and after exercising for optimal results.