Tips to get rid of a headache without taking medicines
One of the most common ailments that affect men, there are very few of us who can claim to have never had a headache. Some people have it more frequently than others. Popping a pill every time your head hurts is a very bad idea. It may help to ease the pain on an immediate basis, but in the long term, this habit will cost you. Not only may this lead to the formation of kidney stones, but it may also get you addicted.
This does not mean that every time you have a headache, there is nothing you can do about it and that you are supposed to suffer your way through it.
Read on to know how you can prevent a headache from getting the better of you (and that too without consuming any medicine).
1. Try to avoid chewing
We do not mean that you should not chew your food well before swallowing. Try to avoid crunchy and sticky food as well as chewing gum. Make it a practice to take small bites. Also, make sure that you do not
We do not mean that you should not chew your food well before swallowing. Try to avoid crunchy and s chew your fingernails or grind your teeth in your sleep.
If needed, seek medical help (often in the form of moth guards). This will go a long way in tackling headaches.
2. Use a cold pack
For people who suffer from migraine-related headaches, a simple cold compress will work wonders. Here, all you have to do is put the compress on your head for fifteen minutes and then take it off. Rest for half an hour and if the headache had not yet cured, repeat the process for a couple of times.
If you do not have a cold compress handy, take ice cubes and wrap them in a towel (or even a bag of frozen sausages will do) and use it as a compress
3. Go for self-massage
This step is recommended right at the onset of a headache. If you feel that you are getting a headache, start pressing your temples and messaging gently in a circular motion. You can then gently go down to your neck and then repeat the whole thing for 3-4 times.
This tip is most effective if your headache is caused due to stress.
4. Physical therapy
If you have muscle spasms in your shoulder or neck accompanying the headache, then you need to understand the root cause for it. In such cases, if you take medication, the headache will reoccur after a while.
The most effective course of action in such cases will be that of physical therapy and it is advisable that you talk to your doctor about the same.
5. Ease pressure on your scalp
Many of us wear a tight hat, swimming goggles or headbands. Women tie high ponytails (often too tight) to look smart. Often, you would notice that on such days you get a headache.
This type of headache is known as external compression headaches and is among the easiest to deal with. All you must do is let go of the pressure (ponytail, swimming goggles, headband, hat or others).
6. Adjust the lights
Migraine headaches are often caused when one is subjected to very bright lights or flickering lights. People who spend a lot of time in front of the computer screen also tend to have this type of headache. The easiest way to deal with that is to use blackout curtains to avoid the room from getting over lit. One may add an anti-glare screen to the computer screen or go for anti-glare spectacles.
It is advisable to wear sunglasses when going out in the sun. For the room, switching to daylight spectrum fluorescent bulbs are encouraged.
7. Relax yourself
When you are having a headache, it is important to distract your body. Not only will that help with the pain, but it will also help prevent the reoccurrence (also known as rebound headache). You may go for some yogic asanas, meditation, stretching or any form of progressive muscle relaxation.
If you are unsure of which one would be the aptest for you, consult your doctor about the same.
8. Use a heating pad
For people who suffer from sinus headache, holding a warm cloth near the head helps to ease the pain.
Putting a hot water bag or a hot compress near the back of the head, shoulder or neck also helps. The same can be said about a long hot shower.
9. Take ginger
Ginger has analgesic properties and is highly efficient in treating a headache. There are two ways in which you can go about it. You can brew some tea and put ginger to it. Make sure that you drink the tea while it is still warm.
Alternatively, you may chop ginger to fine pieces and place the same in your mouth. After a while when it gets wet with saliva, chew the same and eat it up.
10. Quit Smoking
Cigarette smoking induces cluster headaches. Thus, if you are a smoker and experiencing frequent headaches, the first thing to do would be to kick the butt. Take to anti-nicotine chewing gums and consult a doctor if you face any withdrawal syndrome.
Also, note that passive smoking may also be the cause of your headache. Try to avoid that as much as possible.
As you have seen above, a few lifestyle adjustments will go a long way in curbing frequent headaches. The key is identifying the type of headache you are suffering from, your triggers and then ensuring that you keep away from the same. You don't need tones of painkillers for it.
