There are several types of headaches – tension, cluster, migraine, ice pick, caffeine, spinal, hypertension and behind the eyes headaches. They can vary in intensity and regularity, from mild to unbearable, from once a month to every other day. Either way, there are ways to relieve this pain and get yourself on the right track again.
Medication
In most cases, headaches can be controlled with medications or by avoiding triggers that cause them. If you keep a headache diary to confirm the diagnosis, you might find the answer to managing your headache. These diaries can reveal patterns, triggers, lifestyle and environmental factors that impact your condition. This way, you’ll understand how much headache days affect your life, how dangerous they are and what not to do.
The majority of headache problems can be solved with treatment plans for both acute and preventative care. Preventive treatments are recommended for people with chronic diseases due to the possibility of medication overuse headaches. If you follow the dosage guidelines and don’t take them more than three times a week, you can safely use over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol or ibuprofen. These medications will relieve your pain and help you feel better.
Finding an effective medication with minimum side effects is one of the most important aspects when dealing with a headache. You’ll need to have open conversations with your doctor so that they can give you the proper treatment. Not every drug will work, and you can’t avoid every trigger every time. To get the proper treatment, you’ll need to balance your medications and lifestyle.
Massage
Headache massage for tension headaches is one of the most relaxing and effective therapies. It relieves stress and loosens the body and mind. Treatment for headaches with therapeutic massage also works wonderfully as a preventative measure, allowing you to go about your daily routine without feeling uncomfortable. They can be very effective if you do it the proper way.
To relieve a headache, it is necessary to relieve tension in the neck, head, and shoulders, stretch out tight and shortened muscles, and eliminate trigger points. By activating a better blood flow, you boost oxygen levels and provide more nutrients to your brain and muscles. This improved circulation stimulates the elimination of toxins built up in the body and will eliminate the symptoms.
You can prevent tension headaches and migraines by doing regular headache massages. By keeping your muscles healthy and reducing the stress to a minimum, you’ll reduce the intensity and regularity of the pain. Many people find this method sufficient and work on it every day so they can have a peaceful and pain-free life.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are known for their healing properties with illnesses such as earache, infection, inflammation, etc. This also includes headaches and migraines. You’ll feel the benefits and feel the pain ease away without enduring those horrible side effects from medications and different treatments. Here are some of the most effective essential oils for headaches:
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the most frequently used essential oils to treat headaches and migraine symptoms. It contains menthol, which can aid in relaxing the muscles and relieve pain. You can reduce the pain by applying diluter peppermint oil topically. You can use coconut oil as a carrier, mix them and apply it to the temples.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil has great anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a good analgesic found in nature. People have used it for hundreds of years to ease pain, improve blood flow and release stress, which helps in reducing headaches. Mix it with a carrier oil and massage it on the affected area when you want to use it. Sometimes even the smell of rosemary used in baths can ease the pain.
Lavender Oil
Many studies confirmed that lavender oil helps with headaches and migraines. During one of them, people who inhaled it for 15 minutes managed to reduce the pain significantly. You can use it in your baths, rub it on the skin or disperse it with a diffuser.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile is known to soothe the muscles and relax the body. That’s why people use it in treating tension headaches. It also helps with anxiety and insomnia, a big trigger. But take note, if you’re pregnant, don’t use it to ease the pain because it might cause miscarriage. You can use it the same as lavender oil.
Eucalyptus Oil
If sinus issues cause your headaches, this is where eucalyptus oil will help. It will open up your breathing passages and relieve the tension. When your sinuses are clear, you can breathe freely and get rid of that nasty headache. By adding a couple of drops in hot water and breathing the steam in, you can help yourself a lot.
Stay Hydrated
If you don’t drink enough water, you could get headaches and migraines. This theory was tested in a study to see if it could help with headaches. The researchers confirmed that 47% of those in the water-drinking group felt better after regular consumption. It’s not the cure for headaches but a confirmed aid in their treatment and prevention.
Doctors recommend that you should drink 6 cups of water each day. This way, you’ll stay hydrated and headache-free. If you’re exercising or doing similar activities, always boost this dosage. Another way to do it is to eat food that contains water, such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid alcohol and coffee, drinks that boost the fluid loss in the body. Also, if you feel this type of headache, take a break from physical activity and rest.
In Summary
Headaches can be serious if not treated the right way and on time. They can lead to serious complications and lower your quality of life. Try to find the most suitable treatment for yourself, because no two people are the same.