Eight tips for headaches
October 14, 2015Eight tips for headaches
The most common recurring headaches are tension headaches, which feel like a tight iron band around the head. In many cases, muscle tension and stress are the trigger. Here are eight tips for easing the pain.
A break every now and then
Tension headaches often occur after sitting for hours. You should take regular breaks to prevent this. Go outside and fill your lungs with fresh air. Take deep breaths, even if only for five minutes. It will relax your muscles and recharge your batteries.
Move
You can prevent headaches with simple routine exercises. Lean back and stretch your neck muscles by gently turning your head to both sides. Then tilt your head to your right and left shoulders. Finally, slowly roll your shoulders in a circular motion. That's how you loosen tense muscles.
Relaxation helps
If you regularly suffer from tension headaches, keep an eye on your stress levels. Stress and pressure affect the brain's metabolism, making it more sensitive to pain stimuli. Look for opportunities to relax. For example, set aside a few minutes every day to lie down in a quiet room. You could listen to relaxing music or consciously do nothing.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil can relax and ease tension headaches. According to a study by Kiel University, it's even as effective as some other painkillers. Simply get a ten-percent peppermint solution from the pharmacy and apply it to your forehead, temples and neck. This usually brings an improvement within 15 minutes.
The power of water
Hot showers or baths have been kown to provide quick relief for tension headaches, as the heat relaxes tense muscles. You should take between 10 and 20 minutes. Hay flower bath scents are said to reinforce the relaxing effect.
Massages for headaches
A massage can loosen tense muscles. Place your fingertips or the ball of your hand on your temples and gently massage in circulating motions. Then place your thumbs on the back of the head and your index and middle fingers on your forehead. Gently massage these areas for at least five minutes.
See an eye specialist
Does the headache tend to occur in the evening? Maybe an eye problem is the cause. Among the possibilities are: eye strain, inflamations, rising intraocular pressure or an uncorrected vision defect.
Painkiller headaches
Painkillers are supposed to relieve headaches. But be careful: if you take too many, the pills can have just the opposite effect. This is called a medication-induced headache. Your nervous system heightens its pain sensitivity if you take painkillers too often. Many take even more painkillers - and start a vicious circle. You should see a doctor after four consecutive days of using painkillers.
Eight tips for headaches
The most common recurring headaches are tension headaches, which feel like a tight iron band around the head. In many cases, muscle tension and stress are the trigger. Here are eight tips for easing the pain.
A break every now and then
Tension headaches often occur after sitting for hours. You should take regular breaks to prevent this. Go outside and fill your lungs with fresh air. Take deep breaths, even if only for five minutes. It will relax your muscles and recharge your batteries.
Move
You can prevent headaches with simple routine exercises. Lean back and stretch your neck muscles by gently turning your head to both sides. Then tilt your head to your right and left shoulders. Finally, slowly roll your shoulders in a circular motion. That's how you loosen tense muscles.
Relaxation helps
If you regularly suffer from tension headaches, keep an eye on your stress levels. Stress and pressure affect the brain's metabolism, making it more sensitive to pain stimuli. Look for opportunities to relax. For example, set aside a few minutes every day to lie down in a quiet room. You could listen to relaxing music or consciously do nothing.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil can relax and ease tension headaches. According to a study by Kiel University, it's even as effective as some other painkillers. Simply get a ten-percent peppermint solution from the pharmacy and apply it to your forehead, temples and neck. This usually brings an improvement within 15 minutes.
The power of water
Hot showers or baths have been kown to provide quick relief for tension headaches, as the heat relaxes tense muscles. You should take between 10 and 20 minutes. Hay flower bath scents are said to reinforce the relaxing effect.
Massages for headaches
A massage can loosen tense muscles. Place your fingertips or the ball of your hand on your temples and gently massage in circulating motions. Then place your thumbs on the back of the head and your index and middle fingers on your forehead. Gently massage these areas for at least five minutes.
See an eye specialist
Does the headache tend to occur in the evening? Maybe an eye problem is the cause. Among the possibilities are: eye strain, inflamations, rising intraocular pressure or an uncorrected vision defect.
Painkiller headaches
Painkillers are supposed to relieve headaches. But be careful: if you take too many, the pills can have just the opposite effect. This is called a medication-induced headache. Your nervous system heightens its pain sensitivity if you take painkillers too often. Many take even more painkillers - and start a vicious circle. You should see a doctor after four consecutive days of using painkillers.