Headache Remedies

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Along with stomach pain and back pain, headache is undoubtedly one of the most common ailments among the population. Technically defined headache, headache is defined as a generic pain, often quite disabling, which affects the region of the head and gradually radiates up to the neck. There are hundreds of forms of headache, essentially distinguished on the basis of the localization of the pain, its intensity, the cyclical nature of the disorder and the way it manifests itself. Given the heterogeneity of the headache, it is often difficult to trace immediately to the triggering cause.
Fortunately, the headache often resolves itself within a few hours: in this case, the disorder may be due to a very stressful day, tensions or a particular worry. In some women, the headache recurs punctually once a month near the menstrual cycle: in these cases, the most obvious explanation of the headache is to be found in the hormonal variation typical of the period.
Other times, however, the headache continually pounds the head, so much so that not even the classic analgesics seem to be of benefit: in these cases, the headache can have resulted in pathological. Some diseases, in fact, can start with this disorder: AIDS, anaphylaxis, atherosclerosis, San Antonio's fire, stroke, flu, hypertension, leukemia, meningitis, mononucleosis, premenstrual syndrome, sinusitis, chicken pox.

The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Headaches; 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. too

Taking part in a sporting activity even during headaches is a valid advice to help fight the disorder. However, it is recommended to avoid sports when the headache is very intense.

According to some sources, the headache goes away more quickly when you sleep on your stomach (supine position). Sleeping in an uncomfortable position or on your stomach can sometimes promote the contraction of the muscles in the neck, thus negatively affecting the headache

Hot / cold: some people benefit from the action of cold applied directly to the head, while others use hot showers or hot water bottles applied directly to the nape of the neck.

Breathe deeply: deep breathing encourages relaxation; consequently, it dispels the tension. The advice is to inhale starting from the abdomen, and then make the breath "go up" to the chest. Subsequently, exhale slowly.

Self-massage and do-it-yourself acupressure. Two key points to help relieve headaches are:

• Forehead skin area between thumb and forefinger: press this area between the fingers as much as possible, then release it slowly. Repeat several times
• Area immediately below the bony protrusions of the nape: exert a gentle pressure with the thumbs in this area

Practice a tight bandage on the head: an old remedy (but very effective) involves wrapping the head on a rather tight bandage to reduce the blood flow to the scalp, decreasing the typical pulsations of the headache

Turn off the light: Very bright lights, fluorescent lamps, and all light sources can trigger or worsen a headache. For this reason, when you leave the house, it is advisable to always wear sunglasses (especially in summer).

Always have dinner and lunch at the same time

Smiling: a good mood is a natural medicine that relieves pain

in exaggerated quantities, in the mistaken belief that headaches can only vanish when fought with high doses of medication

Timing: in order for a headache medication to act quickly, it is a good rule to take it from the very first symptoms. The longer you wait, the more intense the headache becomes and the more difficult it is to get rid of with drugs

Daily naps: Although a short nap can ease the headache, it is advisable to avoid too frequent naps. Such behavior can in fact favor the onset of headaches

Assume incorrect postures during work: to avoid stiffening the neck muscles, and therefore avoid headaches, it is advisable to assume a correct upright position and sit with your head held high. Especially for office work, it is recommended that you keep your head and back straight

Beware of body tension: Many patients complain of headaches when they are particularly tense. The warning signs are clenched teeth (bruxism), tight shoulders and clenched fists

Spray perfumed essences: perfumes, especially strong ones, can induce headaches and migraines in particularly sensitive subjects

Attention to sexual activity: individuals subject to migraines often experience headaches during sexual activity

Loud noises: Loud noise is a common trigger for headaches

Continuously chewing gum: this habit can stiffen the chewing muscles, favoring the onset of headaches

Smoking while driving: given that smoking is not a good habit, all the more reason you should avoid smoking while driving, even worse when the windows are open. In doing so, you risk taking a double dose of carbon monoxide, a risk factor for headaches

Beware of too high altitudes: high altitude can favor the onset of headaches. To avoid headaches, it is advisable to take a dose of vitamin C before traveling, and to continue taking the supplement throughout the holiday.

, as it is rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and E)

A good coffee: many people find that drinking a strong coffee is a surprising remedy for headaches. It is recommended to drink coffee as soon as symptoms begin. Do not overdo the cups of coffee.

Eat cold foods very slowly: ice creams and popsicles can somehow promote a headache because the palate suffers a sudden chill

Drink plenty of water to prevent hangover headaches

difficult to digest, such as dips, fries and foods rich in fat

Wine, beer and alcohol in general: alcohol abuse can cause the typical hangover headache

Hypersalty foods: Some people complain of headaches after a particularly salty meal

Milk and derivatives: some people are very sensitive to certain foods, even if they are not really allergic. Milk, for example, is a "dangerous" food as it favors the onset of headaches in many people

Foods rich in nitrates (e.g. canned meats, cured meats, marinated fish): these substances dilate blood vessels, setting the stage for headaches

Chocolate: people prone to headaches should limit the intake of chocolate, a food rich in tyramine (amine suspected in headaches)

Chinese food: Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer widely used in Chinese cooking to make bouillon cubes, soy sauce, snacks and soup preparations. It seems that Chinese food can somehow trigger headaches in sensitive people

Aspartame (sweetener)

Nuts and nuts in general

: natural remedies indicated to counteract the symptoms of stress headaches. It is sufficient to soak a sterile gauze in cold water - possibly enriched with bio-aromas - and apply it on the head (until it warms up to the same body temperature) to help fight headaches

Foods rich in vitamin C

Relaxing herbal teas based on lemon balm, valerian, chamomile: indicated to induce relaxation, these natural remedies can indirectly remove stress headaches

(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs):

• Ibuprofen (eg. Brufen, Moment, Subitene)
• Acetaminophen or Paracetamol (eg. Tachipirina, Efferalgan, Sanipirina):
• Acetylsalicylic acid (eg. Aspirin, salicin, Vivin C, Ascriptin)
• Naproxene (Aleve, Naprosyn, Prexan, Naprius)

Ergotamine (eg. Cafergot, Virdex): indicated for disabling forms of headache (acute migraine)

Isometeptene (eg. Octinum): powerful vasoconstrictor used as an alternative therapy to treat very severe headaches (migraines)

Women suffering from "cycle" headaches may require a medical consultation to take hormonal contraceptives such as pills, birth control patches or anything else. The headache can in fact be correlated with a hormonal change that occurs punctually during menstruation

) and magnesium

No to binges

Ensure regular rest for the body: avoid sleeping too much or too little

Yoga, pilates, or other relaxing activities are great tactics for preventing stress headaches

Do not abuse anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers: people who take these drugs for 3 days or more a week are at high risk of the headache coming back more often (rebound effect)

Don't skip meals: Fasting, for example, is a major factor in headaches

to treat or reduce headache symptoms