Headaches
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Headaches are one of the most common afflictions in life. It is not life threatening but it can profoundly affect quality of life. There are different types of headaches.Some of them are discussed below:
Tension Headaches – They are the most common types of headaches experienced. The pain is described as being a mild to moderate constricting, pressing or tight pain on both sides of the head.
Migraine Headaches – They usually begin more frequently in the young, and are characterized by severe, throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head.
Cluster Headaches – They are the least common type of headaches. They are usually extremely painful and have a pattern of occurring in “clusters”, usually at the same time of the day for several weeks.
Rebound Headaches — headaches that keep coming back and may occur from overuse of painkillers. These may also be called medication overuse headaches.
Sinus Headaches – They cause pain in the front of your head and face. They are due to swelling in the sinus passages behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes.
The following are different treatments for Headches.Tretment varies in different persons depending upon the type and cause of headache.
Medications
Medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be taken for tension headaches. For migraine and cluster headaches, specific medication such as ergotamine and triptans may be used.
Lifestyle changes
It can help with your headache management. Exercise, good diet, rest and a reduction in stress can lessen your predisposition to headaches.
Cold Therapy
An ice pack or cold pack placed over the painful area during an acute headache attack, can temporarily provide some relief by numbing the soreness and reducing tension.
Biofeedback
In biofeedback, you can learn to put your nervous system into a state of deep relaxation. In this state, your muscles are loose and blood flows in a stable, even way to all parts of your body — the opposite of what happens during headaches.
Relaxation therapy
It can involve mental techniques to decrease body tension. Meditation in a relaxing environment is suggested to prevent headaches. Relaxation training helps to reduce internal tension, allowing a person to control headaches triggered by stress.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture points to treat headaches are located all over the body. During the acupuncture treatment, tiny needles will be placed along your legs, arms, shoulders, and perhaps even your big toe.
Massage therapy
A gentle massage using light and long sweeping strokes will increase blood flow to the head. It will also increase the levels of neurotransmitter seratonin, to increase sensation of pleasure and decrease sensation of pain.
Aromatherapy
Some essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, chamomile, rosemary, lemon and marjoram have a direct analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect and have been found to be helpful in easing tension headaches.
Homeopathy – It is worldwide popular as safe natural and effective pain management remedy. There are a number of medicines for both acute and chronic pain and are used depending on the type of painful condition. It is very suitable for long term management.
