How to Alleviate and Avoid Headaches

Alleviate headache pain

Everyone has experienced headaches at one time or another. The pain can range in intensity from dull and throbbing to excruciating. Headaches can occur in specific areas of the head or as a general discomfort or ache. Despite the location, the pain of a headache is not commonly related to the brain, but occurs outside of the skull in the blood vessels, muscles and nerves of the head and neck. When muscles and blood vessels swell or constrict, they can put strain on the nerves in the area, creating the pain associated with headaches.

Instructions

Alleviate and Avoid Headache Pain

1. 

   Identify your triggers for headache pain

   Identify triggers by noting what you were doing and where you were when the headache ocurred. Knowing the situation, or trigger, that caused your headache can help you avoid, or prepare for, the same situation in the future. Headaches occur for many reasons. They may be a symptom of another illness, such as the flu. Or they may be triggered by holding the head and neck in a specific position for a long period of time, such as when you're working on a computer. Headaches can also be caused by lack of sleep, hunger or prolonged sun exposure. Additional triggers may include, excitement, stress and worry, as well as pungent odors, certain foods and caffeine.

2. 

   Rest in a dark, quiet room to reduce pain.

   When a headache occurs, retreat to peace and quiet. Oftentimes, headaches will dissipate following a rest in a dark room. This removal from the trigger situation frequently brings relief in a short amount of time.

3. 

   Massage your head and neck to relieve tension.

   Utilizing massage techniques in the neck, shoulder and scalp area is another way to relieve the pain of a tension-related of headache. Many times headaches are caused by tension in the muscles of the neck, scalp and shoulders. This type of headache often occurs after performing a repetitive work activity or after working at a computer where the head and shoulders were kept in a specific position for an extended period of time.

4. 

   Over the counter pain medications can provide fast relief for headaches.

   If rest and massage do not relieve the headache pain, a pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, often provides relief.

5. In order to prevent future headaches, avoid known triggers, get plenty of rest every night and move around at least every 30 minutes when doing work that involves sitting for long periods.

Tips & Warnings

• If a headache persists over time, see a doctor.

• If a headache persists and involves severe pain, neck stiffness, dizziness, visual problems, or fever, see a doctor.

Resources

• Oooh, Your Aching Head!
• Headache
• National Headache Foundation