How to avoid Headache Pain

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By starlet67
User-Submitted Article

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what a pain!

Most of us are familiar with headache pain.
That throbbing ache that moves over your
forehead or concentrates just above your eyes.
The pain can be moderate and sometime even
servere enough to interfer with our daily lives.
The following are some ways you can prevent
headache pain before it starts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure, also called atmospheric pressure
has been known to cause headache pain when it is
low. When the pressure drops, usually before rain
or a storm, it triggers headache pain for many people.
Why is this? There is no scientific proof, but the
theory is that the changes in atmospheric pressure
may affect the receptors in the brain that regulate
blood pressure. When the barometric pressure drops,
it may cause the blood vessels in your head to dilate
and this causes the headache pain. If you suffer from
“pressure” headaches, you can offer predict rain before
the weatherman! The best line of defense is to see your
doctor and discuss your treatment options so that
the next time you feel that ache starting up,
you can be armed with some pain relief.
It best to take your meds at the first sign
of a headache so that is doesn't have a chance
to build momentum, causing you more pain.
Step 2

Strong Scents or Odors

Strong perfumes, or strong odors like paint,
nail polish remover and some household cleaning
products can trigger headache pain.
You may have to eliminate wearing any kind
of fragrance and switch to “green” cleaning
products around your home.
Step 3

Headbands

Avoid wearing tight headbands like the plastic ones
and also avoid ponytails with tight bands.
Step 4

Strenuous Exercise

If you are prone to migraine headaches,
you may want to avoid doing strenuous exercises.
Try walking, swimming or yoga and pilates.
Low-impact aerobics may also be an option.
Step 5

Aged Cheese

This may be hard to avoid all together but
try to cut back on aged cheeses. Eat them
in moderation only. There is a compound
in aged foods called Tyramine. This
substance causes blood vessels to dilate,
resulting in headache pain.
Other foods containing Tyramine are
meat, fish, chicken, eggs, nuts and alcoholic
beverages. Avoid anything aged or fermented.
Step 6

Nitrates

Cold cuts like processed sandwich meats
should be eliminated since they contain both
tyramine and nitrates, along with other additives
which have been shown to trigger headache pain
in some people.
Step 7

Skipping Meals

A low drop in blood sugar as a result of skipping meals
can cause headache pain. Try to keep healthy snacks
handy in case you don't have time to eat a regular meal.
Good choices include: an apple or some air popped popcorn.
Step 8

Stop Smoking and Avoid Second-hand Smoke

The nicotine in cigarette smoke cause the blood
vessels to constrict and this can result in headache
pain, particularly if you suffer from cluster headaches.
Step 9

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that is found in coffee, sodas
and chocolate. Too much caffeine can trigger headache
pain and yet you will find it in headache pain relievers
like Exedrin. This is the crazy world we live in!
So, moderation is key. If you are addicted
to caffeine (and you certainly wouldn't be alone!)
Try weaning off gradually. This is very important because
caffeine withdrawal can actually cause headaches!
Taper off slowly and switch to the decaf versions of
your favorite coffee or other drinks.
Then, when you do feel a headache coming on, you
can pop some pain reliever with a cup of coffee and
get rid of it quick!
Step 10

Stress

These days, it's almost impossible to avoid stress.
The best thing you can do to minimize your stress
level is to be organized and learn to say no!
Remember you are only one person and there
are only 24 hours in each day. Do the best you
can and look for ways to relax and take a break
when you need it. Don't be afraid to ask for
help and avoid taking on too much responsibility.