Beneath are a number of methods that could aid ease the discomfort of the migraine. Not all approaches function for all sufferers. Though some migraineurs find comfort in chilly, a minimum of as several are additional uncomfortable inside the presence of cold. The exact same is true of warmth employed for pain relief-for some it assists, for other people it tends to make the discomfort worse.
Use a compress, hot or cold, to stage about the head where pain is most extreme. This really is frequently in the temple exactly where a substantial artery runs, or in front with the ear, one more arterial locale.
For patients who feel their migraine discomfort ‘stabbing into the again from the eye” a damp cloth (warm or cool) laid over the eyes frequently gives relief. As being a aspect advantage, covering the eyes within this method also eases the discomfort of photosensitivity for several sufferers.
Taking a sizzling or cold shower with the water redirected at the head and neck is one more method to try, as is taking a warm (neither hot nor cold) bath. The latter is additional enhanced using the use of appropriate aromatherapy approaches.
Some patients obtain relief in by alternating very hot and cold cloths at the stage exactly where the migraine pain is most powerful. At times hot and cold utilised concurrently can ease the pain. A migraineur may well utilize a cold compress on their forehead even though in the same time soaking their ft inside a container of warm h2o.
Hardly ever are individuals concurrently delicate to both hot and cold, however it should really be watched for.
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I found this great article by Dr. Carey Kilian that said this better than I ever could, so check out what he has to say about the basics of headache cures :
If you are looking for information on headache cures or prevention, then take a seat and get reading because these are the topics and issues I’m going to cover with this article.
Within this article the first thing we are going to discuss is the importance of understanding the different types of headaches, and we’ll then briefly touch on strategies to deal with them. After reading this article you should have a better understanding of what kinds of headaches you’re dealing with, and also where to find the appropriate information on treatment and preventative strategies.
First, let’s talk about headache types. There are more than a dozen headaches listed in the International Headache Classifications, from thunderclap headache to migraines, all of which have very different causes and solutions. While it is beyond the scope of this article to deal with every single type of headache, I would like to touch bases on the two most common headaches, namely: migraine, tension-type (stress) headaches.
Migraines – Certainly one of the worst types of headaches to deal with, migraines can be quite incapacitating. The are characterized by being pounding in nature, on most often affecting one side of the head. Sufferers often deal with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and an increase in symptoms with physical exertion. Some people also experience flashing lights, sounds, or other sensations prior to the headache starting, these are called ‘auras’.
Tension-type – While these types of headaches can also be on one side of the head, they usually progress to being on both sides, and are described as a sensation of tightening. These headaches are not aggravated by physical activity, and there is no nausea of vomiting.
It terms of treatment, migraine’s are not only one of the worst headaches to deal with, but often the most resistant to treatment. People are often put on either a preventative medication (taken daily) or an abortive medication (when the migraine starts). However, medication doesn’t have to be the only answer. There are many triggers that can cause migraines, and it is often best for an individual to keep a headache diary, and see if they can identify their own triggers. Some of the most common triggers include certain foods (red wine, processed meats), light, hormone fluctuations and changes in sleeping habits. There are many other triggers to consider as well, and taking the preventative approach to migraines is often best.
Tension-type headaches are cause by just that, tension! Most often a tightening of the upper back, shoulders, and neck muscles results in an irritation of many of the small nerves around the base of the skull, which then leads to a headache. Avoiding a building up of the stressors to begin with, such as prolonged desk work or eye strain, and activities including improper lifting techniques as a good start in terms of prevention. Treatment of these headaches should focus on relieving the tension through out the neck and upper back areas, and relieving the stress causing them. Often breathing exercises, and a simple routine of stretching throughout the day, or when the headache begins, can lead to quick relief from symptoms.
So, now that you understand three of the most common types of headaches you can start to seek out appropriate treatment and preventative options. Many headache cures exist, it’s just making sure you select the right ones for the headaches you’re experiencing. Also, if your headaches are unresponsive to any sort of treatment, and progressively getting worse, its in your best interest to consult a chiropractor or medical doctor so they can properly examine you, and find the root of your problems.
Doctor K has helped hundreds of people deal with their headaches, and has recently started a blog on headache cures, as well as preventative techniques to stop headaches before they start. If you regularly suffer from headaches, and are ready to find some real solutions, visit his ‘Headache Cures’ blog and watch for updates on working strategies you can start implementing today.
http://www.headache-cures.net/headache-cures/headache-cures-what-you-need-to-know-2
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Carney_Kilian
Now that you have a good overview, you can decide whether you should be looking for headache cures for the type of headache you have on this site or if perhaps what you have is not really a migraine. If it makes sense for you to stay and look for migraine headache help, then check out the rest of this site.
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While much research is still being done as to what causes headaches and searching for migraine cures, new medications have become available during the last decade. These new medicines may reduce the frequency and decrease the debilitating pain associated with migraine headaches. There are also preventative measures and self-help techniques patients may find helpful.
Some patients may experience various sensory warning signs that alert them of an impending migraine. Also known as an “aura,” these signs may include: visual disturbances such as blind spots, the appearance of flashing lights or zigzag lines. Patients may also feel tingling sensations in the hands or feet prior to a headache. Other signs are: an increase in energy level, an elated feeling, being thirstier than usual, crave sweets, become drowsy, moody or depressed. While auras may begin 15-30 minutes before, these sensations may happen anywhere from a day to several hours before a migraine strikes.
Nausea, vomiting, severe sensitivity to light and sound may accompany a migraine as well. The pain and other symptoms that result can leave a person unable to function normally for several hours or even days.
While the exact cause of headaches is unknown, there are some common triggers that have been discovered. Fluctuation of hormone levels in women before or after their period, as well as during pregnancy or menopause may be a culprit. Particular foods may trigger headaches as well. These include; alcohol, aged cheeses, caffeine, marinated, pickled or fermented foods, chocolate, aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate which is found in a variety of foods and spices. Stress, fatigue, changes in sleep schedule or environment, skipping meals as well as some medications can worsen or trigger a migraine.
Known to be hereditary, you are at increased risk if one and especially if both of your parents suffered from migraine headaches. While boys and girls are equally likely to experience migraines, the probability to suffer migraines increases for girls once they hit puberty. Young women are at the greatest risk of developing migraines.
In addition to drugs your doctor may prescribe for these debilitating headaches, there are some preventative measures you can take. If certain foods or drinks seem to trigger your migraines you may want to avoid them. Keep a regular sleep and meal schedule and reduce stress when possible. Participating in activities you enjoy for a short time each day may be helpful in alleviating stress. Some ideas are: reading, going for a walk, gardening, taking a bubble bath or listening to music. While too much physical activity may increase chances of a headache, regular moderate exercise my decrease your chances of a migraine. Exercises involving muscle relaxation may be particularly beneficial. These may include; yoga, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation techniques. Always check with your Dr. before beginning an exercise routine. Females that feel estrogen may be a trigger should talk to their doctor about alternatives to any medications they are taking that may contain this hormone.
Keeping a diary of foods you have eaten, a log of the time and length of headaches, noting increased levels of stress and anything that seems to alleviate headache symptoms may assist you and your doctor in preventing or decreasing your migraines. Avoiding light, sound stimuli and resting during an episode may provide some relief from symptoms. A cloth covered ice pack applied to the back of the neck and light pressure applied to painful areas may help as well. Until migraine cures are found, this is your best approach.
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