| Migraine, tension headache |
How to help a headache.
How to help a headache . Overview Headaches are a common problem for most people, and they happen for different reasons. A sore neck is one type, but it usually happens with tension in the muscles around your upper back, jaw, or neck. Your brain may be sending an impulse signal that triggers the tightness, so your body reacts by making you feel throbbing and tense. Other causes include physical strain caused by long periods of sitting in front of computers as well as repetitive motions such as lifting boxes, pushing buttons on a keyboard, taking down phone books, moving furniture, typing or talking, or even watching TV. Physical problems can also cause headaches. Stress is another frequently associated cause. As we get older, our bodies have less energy to do many things, yet stress will add to the tension in our muscles. When you don't take care of yourself physically, you don’t do this very often, so your muscles become fatigued. This leads them to tighten and create aches in the neck, shoulders, jaw, jawline, lower back, or other parts of the body. The result of repeated stresses is the build-up of tension in nerves, which, if not controlled, results in these pains. Any kind of injury can cause this condition. People who work or wear heavy equipment or sports can suffer back or neck pains from lifting heavy objects or performing certain movements. Some people may experience a dull ache and no more or no longer want to move while waiting for their doctor's appointment. In this type of case, they are asking for help when they are at home. If you suspect you have had a bad accident, you should see a doctor immediately. You may also consult a friend to make sure he or she doesn't have the same type of headache. Also check your medications, especially prescription drugs, for possible side effects. Be sure to keep medical history information confidential. It is also important to read your doctor's recommendation carefully. Keep records of headache pills as well as any medications are taken recently. Most medicines do not have adequate warnings about side effects. Ask your doctor about over-the-counter medications or dietary changes. Some remedies may help relieve symptoms, but never give up trying to heal the pain yourself until the underlying problem is solved. Common Causes of Headaches. Headaches occur for several reasons, including muscle tension, cranial nerve irritation, nervous tissue inflammation, sore or sprained nerve endings That said, there are some differences in how you can treat migraines and cluster headaches. Cluster headache Pain from migraine can occur because of tension in areas of the head that control sensations in the whole face including the jaw, chin, nose, and forehead. The muscles in these regions become stiff, so you may not hear when you speak. There are various ways to relieve pressure from migraine, including rest and stretching, resting and exercising, using ice packs, using a hot bath or applying cool compresses, and avoiding stressful situations. Migraine patients are usually under antiemetic medication. Tension Headaches Inflammation of nearby fatty tissues, called neurovascular processes, causes tense spots (clusters) to appear in our heads. They're typically red and swollen and occur along lines of our major arteries and veins. These painful conditions are characterized by a dull ache on one side of the skull, as the pressure builds up. While treating migraines, avoid being sedentary or lying still in general for a few hours, as it makes tension headaches worse. Avoiding exercise and sleeping less than usual can also increase the tension of the head. Many specialists recommend having an acupuncture or acupressure session daily as prescribed by your regular physician. Treatment is also available through special treatment programs or individual techniques. Headache treatments and surgery Many kinds of treatments may help ease a headache or prevent it from coming back. Here are some examples: Medications Many medicines are used to treat migraines and cluster headaches, including anticonvulsants and antidepressants. Antidepressants and anti-seizure medications, like duloxetine (Cymbalta), are specially developed to handle mood disorders. For instance, a pill called citalopram helps treat depression, and clomipramine treats anxiety. Other medicines can relieve depression as well as help treat cluster headaches. Examples include amitriptyline (Elavil) and propranolol (Ludacris). Caffeinated beverages and decaffeinated coffee also can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. Another method is reducing stress or staying calm when you're feeling anxious or stressed before going to bed. Exercise Exercising has been shown to improve emotional health, mood, and sleep. Physical activity helps relax your muscles and keeps blood and oxygen flowing to muscles, which can treat headaches. Try relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, or qi gong. Massage Therapies Relaxation massages, also called trigger points, increase circulation to alleviate tension. Acupuncture Stimulation of specific points with needles is considered safe; however, more research is needed. Cryotherapy may stimulate the natural release of chemicals that relax the skin and calm the nervous system, and sometimes help relieve tension headaches. Cryotherapy takes place in a vacuum chamber, where infrared light passes through a tube or patch for a short time. Some evidence suggests that cryotherapy may relieve tension headaches. Use cold or warm compresses instead of electric stimulation. Cold therapies involve placing chilled towels or ice cubes on any irritated area, which are then moved to help the pain dissipate. Hot therapy involves heating compresses or water to temperatures below freezing for 30 to 60 seconds each time, followed by cooling using a cold towel or ice. Heat therapy uses either heated pads or microwaveable devices to heat patches. An alternative approach is pulsating electromagnetic radiofrequency, known to stimulate nerve cells. Laser and Radiofrequency Therapy Radiation therapy are widely used. Laser therapy works by targeting and destroying the cause of pain, which is often the outermost part of the headache. One advantage of laser therapy is its ability to affect deeper tissue. Radiofrequency therapy stimulates superficial cells, releasing pain-reducing substances. Both heat therapy and laser therapy are considered safer in terms of causing permanent damage because they cause only temporary discomfort or discomfort. Still, they can produce lasting pain relief. Do not use cold or electrical shock on headache-prone patients. Stretching Stretch exercises are recommended for several reasons. First, they require relatively little effort and can be done almost anywhere with a flexible mat. Second, your muscles also need to stretch. Third, flexibility training reduces tension headaches and prevents flare-ups of headaches in adults who smoke. Yoga Can improve overall fitness and function. Researchers in Germany conducted three studies examining aerobic exercise and yoga in participants with cluster headaches. Participants were asked to compare their performance on two tests taken during a period of low-intensity exercise to examine whether yoga or moderate aerobic exercise could provide better performance. Results indicated that yoga improved participants' blood flow and heart rhythm. On average, aerobic exercise is associated with greater improvements in cardiac function than non-cardiovascular exercise. Another study looked at chronic fatigue syndrome and found that yoga practice reduced fatigue in participants. Find out more. Alternative treatments A recent trial found that acupuncture in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly improved headache-related disability in individuals with both migraine and cluster headaches. Although this study involved fewer participants than those reviewed here, future researchers need to validate this data with larger sample sizes and more diverse population groups. In another trial, people with severe headaches took 12 acupuncture sessions over 21 weeks instead of CBT. Those with mild headaches responded to acupuncture as effectively as those treated with CBT, with both styles showing significant improvements in symptoms. The placebo group did better, and it wasn't clear why acupuncture was associated with better outcomes. More Studies Needed To gain further insights into the effectiveness of acupuncture and other complementary treatments, scientists are exploring how to expand trials with more diverse populations and randomized controlled trials. Several projects are investigating combining acupuncture and massage, e.g., clinical trials are underway at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. With more research to come, we hope to eventually learn effective treatment methods for a wide range of headache types. Our Body Language We all know the basic tips for preventing headaches from happening, so we won't miss them. Good posture Tips to Improve Posture Include good posture and good alignment of your facial features. Remember, sitting too close to your desk or leaning forward is also a contributor to tension headaches. Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals and use proper hygiene equipment. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, hypnosis, and walking meditation. Don't drink caffeine or alcohol near your computer or mobile device. Use an ergonomic chair to support and protect your spine better. Reduce stress Chronic anxiety can contribute to tension headaches. Anxiety and stress are linked to tension headaches because anxiety increases the sympathetic nervous system's "fight or flight" response. High levels of cortisol can cause increased sensitivity of the pituitary gland to stress, resulting in a surge of stress hormones. Stress management apps for relieving anxiety are available in many places, including online. Practicing mindfulness exercises like meditation, yoga, or yoga with friends is also helpful. Take frequent breaks, rest, and go for walks to recharge. Seek counseling Help from someone who understands what you're experiencing. Talking or listening to someone else gives you comfort and lets you vent, rather than just thinking about it. Learn more about other sources of professional support.
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