Headache is defined as a painful symptom that affects the head and sometimes radiates to the cervical area. It usually resolves spontaneously.
The various types of headache are distinguished by:
- Localization of pain.
- Intensity.
- Cyclicality.
- Characteristics of manifestation.
- Stress.
- Mental fatigue.
- Period.
- Excessive noises.
- Lack of sleep
- Hangover etc.
In some cases the headache is idiopathic and the reasons are not known.
Sometimes it is of such intensity and duration that it evolves into a real disorder (remember that recurrent and often drug-resistant headaches are the most important symptom of migraine).
At other times, headache can characterize the onset of many other disorders, such as viral, allergic, vascular, autoimmune, respiratory and / or ENT (see headache causes).
The material published is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Headache; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.
What to do
- Drug therapy: some drugs are able to reduce or clear the headache. The type of molecule, dosage and efficacy change according to the situation.
- Sleep: sleep is responsible for recharging the brain's energy.
- Maintain a correct posture: this concerns the standing, sitting and lying position.
If the headache is due to a muscle contracture or a strain on the nerves in the cervical area, correcting the posture (especially during sleep) helps prevent it. - Sleeping on your back with a suitable pillow.
- Practicing physical activity: it can be useful for weak and dull headaches.
- Apply a damp and cold cloth on the forehead: it gives a very pleasant sensation of relief, especially when the headache is localized in the front and caused by vasodilation.
- Apply a warm pillow (containing cherry seeds) behind the neck: it favors the remission of the headache when it is caused by an "inflammation of the cervical.
- Deep breathing and mental training: relaxation, especially that induced by advanced techniques, is able to significantly reduce headache. Sexual activity can also promote relaxation and headache remission.
- Self-massage and acupressure:
- Forehead skin: press this area between thumb and forefinger, then slowly release it and repeat several times.
- Area under the nape: compress by applying pressure with the pads of the thumbs.
- Tight bandage of the head: it is an old remedy that serves to reduce the blood flow to the scalp and decrease the pulsations typical of the headache.
- Dark: Bright light can make a headache arise or worsen. It is advisable to completely turn off the lights and, in case of sun, to use sunglasses with certified lenses.
- Regulate lifestyle habits, especially those of meals and sleep.
- Maintain a high mood level and treat any ailments such as anxious or depressive symptoms.
- Small doses of caffeine: If the etiology involves vasodilation, the vasoconstriction of caffeine can help decrease pain.
What NOT to do
In case of severe headache, it is best to avoid:
- Sleeping too much and overtime.
- Practicing intense motor activity.
- Sleeping in a prone position, assuming incorrect postures during work and other daily activities: muscle contraction and inflammation of the shoulders and / or neck can be responsible for the headache.
- Excess with alcohol: alcohol is notoriously a vasodilator.
- Excess with caffeine: it can create a physical dependence and require chronic intake in high doses to maintain normal vasoconstriction.
- Excess with painkillers: it is not said that increasing the dose can better fight the headache.
- Waiting too long before taking medications: Nobody wants to take medications to fight headaches, but sometimes it is unavoidable. The longer you wait, the more complicated the resolution becomes.
- Excess with environmental and personal deodorants: they can exacerbate the headache.
- Excessive stress on the brain: overstimulations such as those caused by sexual activity can lead to the onset and worsening of the headache.
- Loud noises.
- Chewing gum: It can stiffen the chewing muscles and promote headache.
- Smoking and carbon monoxide: creating a hypoxic condition can lead to the onset and worsening of headache.
- Altitude: high altitude can favor the onset of headache.
What to eat
Some foods can improve the metabolic condition and help prevent headache (see diet and headache). On the other hand, remember that there are no miraculous diets.
- Natural antioxidants: they are mainly:
- Vitamin A: contained mainly in liver, milk and cheeses, egg yolk in vegetables and red or orange fruits (carrots, peppers, melon, pumpkin, apricots, etc.).
- Vitamin C: contained mainly in some vegetables and herbs (lettuce, parsley, peppers, etc.) and in sour fruit, such as citrus fruits and kiwi.
- Vitamin E: contained mainly in the germ of cereals (wheat, corn, etc.), in some oily legumes (such as soy, peanuts, etc.), in dried fruit (for example in walnuts), in some fatty fruits (such as " avocado) and in extraction oils.
- Zinc and Selenium: contained in meat, fish products, eggs, milk and derivatives.
- Antioxidant polyphenols: in all fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains and legumes.
- Omega 3 fatty acids: they have a natural anti-inflammatory function and are mainly contained in: oily oily fish (sardines, mackerel, bonito, alletterato etc.), algae, certain oil seeds (flax, kiwi, grape seeds, etc.) and extraction oils.
- Coffee: For the reasons we have already described, a coffee could help fight headaches.
What NOT to Eat
- Poorly digestible foods: overcooked or raw, very fatty; for example: stew, beef tartare, fried etc.
- Very cold foods: popsicles, ice cream.
- Excess alcohol.
- Salty: some report the onset of headache after a very salty meal.
- Nitrates: contained in canned meats and cured meats, these substances tend to dilate blood vessels.
- Chocolate: It is rich in tyramine, an amine suspected of being involved in headache.
- Chinese food: it is rich in monosodium glutamate which, in some people, favors the onset of headaches.
- Aspartame: is a sweetener (sweetener) that in some people promotes the onset of headache.
Natural Cures and Remedies
- Cold compresses: simply soak a gauze or cloth in cold water and apply them on the forehead; repeat each time the temperature returns to normal. Bioaromas can also be used, but individual sensitivity must be respected.
- Supplements rich in vitamin C, other antioxidants and omega 3s.
- Herbal teas based on: lemon balm, valerian and chamomile. They are indicated to induce relaxation.
Pharmacological treatment
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs):
- Ibuprofen (for example Brufen, Moment, Subitene).
- Acetaminophen or Paracetamol (for example Tachipirina, Efferalgan, Sanipirina).
- Acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin, salicin, Vivin C, Ascriptin).
- Naproxen (e.g. Aleve, Naprosyn, Prexan, Naprius).
- Ergotamine (eg Cafergot, Virdex): indicated for disabling headaches (acute migraine).
- Isometeptene (e.g. Octinum): powerful vasoconstrictor used as an alternative therapy to treat very severe headaches (migraines).
- Birth control pill, patch or anything else: if the triggering agent is the hormonal change that occurs punctually during menstruation.
Prevention
- Sport and sexual activity: they work preventively against stress, therefore they can prevent the onset of headaches.
- Balanced diet.
- Exclusion of responsible foods: it is recommended to avoid foods potentially involved in headache.
- Integrate the diet with magnesium and vitamin C: ascorbic acid is a remedy indicated even before hiking in the high mountains
- Avoid binges.
- Get regular sleep.
- Practicing yoga, pilates, or other relaxing activities.
- Do not abuse anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers: the risk of rebound effect increases.
- Avoid fasting.
Medical treatments
- Specific cure for migraine.
- Specific treatment for metabolic disorders or tumors underlying the headache.
- Acupuncture: This is an alternative remedy that works in some cases.
