By Cory Stieg, Refinery29
Not to brag, but I get lots of headaches on pretty much a regular basis. Not just run-of-the-mill tension headaches, either: I deal with intensely stabbing and debilitating headaches each time I get a migraine. Although a headache is just one part of a migraine (there's also the disorienting visual aura, nausea, and vomiting), it's pretty brutal in and of itself.
The silver lining to these periodic episodes of torture is that now I have a wealth of knowledge about how to avoid headaches and how to treat the pain that comes when they strike. Migraines can strike at any time, so often you have to be creative with your solutions, because you may be stuck in a situation with a headache or migraine without your usual medications.
If this sounds like you right now, follow one of the tips ahead, which come from research on headaches and plenty of anecdotal experience. While they definitely can't cure a migraine (friendly reminder that there is no cure for migraines), they will help whatever headache pain you're dealing with.
Not to brag, but I get lots of headaches on pretty much a regular basis. Not just run-of-the-mill tension headaches, either: I deal with intensely stabbing and debilitating headaches each time I get a migraine. Although a headache is just one part of a migraine (there's also the disorienting visual aura, nausea, and vomiting), it's pretty brutal in and of itself.
The silver lining to these periodic episodes of torture is that now I have a wealth of knowledge about how to avoid headaches and how to treat the pain that comes when they strike. Migraines can strike at any time, so often you have to be creative with your solutions, because you may be stuck in a situation with a headache or migraine without your usual medications.
If this sounds like you right now, follow one of the tips ahead, which come from research on headaches and plenty of anecdotal experience. While they definitely can't cure a migraine (friendly reminder that there is no cure for migraines), they will help whatever headache pain you're dealing with.
Drink water.
You've probably heard this one a billion times before, but drinking water and staying hydrated is key to preventing or managing headaches. Headaches are often a symptom of dehydration, and in some cases, dehydration can trigger a migraine — so it goes both ways. Drinking enough water each day based on your needs (like how much you sweat and exercise) is one easy way that you can be proactive.
Wear an ice pack on your face.
Let me introduce you to my friend, the Headache Hat. The Headache Hat is a wearable ice pack that covers your eyes and blocks out all sunlight, which is key when you have a migraine. It's not the most flattering accessory out there, but it works wonders. Even if you have a plain tension headache, applying ice to your muscles can help to ease some of the muscular tension you might be feeling in your neck and shoulders.
Massage your body.
When you're riding out a brutal headache, sometimes you don't want to be touched — in fact, 80% of people with migraines also experience "allodynia," which is the experience of pain from light touch. But sometimes having someone give you a gentle massage, or using a massage tool like a foam roller or ball, can be pleasant during a headache. Additionally, there are some acupressure points that may help alleviate nausea that's often associated with migraines. Basically, do whatever feels good to you in your body.
Drink caffeine.
The reason why you'll see caffeine added to certain headache medications like Excedrin is because it's a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes your blood vessels constrict. When you get a headache, your blood vessels enlarge, and then caffeine helps bring them back to normal size. Everyone responds differently to caffeine, but the National Headache Foundation suggests that people with headaches stick to about 200-300 mg of caffeine (equal to two to three cups of coffee) daily.
Try CBD lotion.
Cannabidoil, aka CBD, is a wildly popular ingredient in many wellness products right now, and many people apply it topically for muscle or pain relief. There are a variety of creams or roll-on formulations that you can experiment rubbing on your forehead or neck during a headache. One product that's great for headaches in particular is the Wildflower CBD+ Healing Stick. Although it's on the pricier side, the hemp-based CBD formula also includes essential oils that are meant to help with inflammation and pain.
Take a nap.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is turn down and take a nap when you have a headache or migraine. But keep in mind that if you feel like you have to nap everyday because you're so tired, that can be a sign of sleep deprivation. What's most important is that you develop a consistent sleep schedule, because sleep loss and oversleeping can be headache triggers.
Rub some peppermint oil on your head.
Peppermint oil can be soothing on your forehead and temples during a headache, because it can have a slight numbing effect — it also smells delightful.
Eat something.
Going too long without eating can lower your blood sugar and trigger a headache. Some people might find that they wake up with a headache because their blood sugar is low. Eat a substantial snack — like something with fiber or protein — and see if it helps you feel more like yourself.
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