Nothing is worse than having your day disrupted by the nagging pain of a headache. This is especially true if your attention and vision is affected by radiating pain. Most people turn to pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to help ease the worst of a headache symptoms, but if you are sensitive to these remedies, or prefer an all natural approach, then this is the article for you.
Headaches can range from mild to severe, and they can be caused by a wide range of reasons. Everything from injury to eye strain to overtiredness can bring a headache on, but what they all have in common is how they make life not quite as enjoyable. Treating the symptoms is the first step with any ailment. Once you feel better you can get down to business to discover why it occurred in the first place.
Why Headaches Occur
Headaches can be triggered by a wide variety of culprits, and may be an indicator of a serious problem when they occur on a regular basis. If you find that you have been experiencing headaches more than usual, or they are much more severe than what you are used to, you should always see your health care practitioner.
Otherwise, a headache can be brought on by many factors. Stress, diet, and poor sleep habits all have a tendency to be related to headache pain, as does muscle tension, injury, or illness. More seriously, headaches may be related to medication, hypertension, blood clots, tumors, or even stroke to name a few. If your headaches are constant or consistent, the cause behind their pain may be more serious and warrant a doctor’s care.
Types of Headaches
There are different types of headaches that you should be aware of so you can better treat the localization of pain and address the reason why you might be experiencing them.
Rebound
These headaches can localize just about anywhere and are often caused by the wearing off of a painkiller used to treat headache symptoms. They may cause insomnia, restlessness, and neck and shoulder pain.
Tension
These are often the most common headache and affect most people as the day wears on. They often feel like a tight band around the head or may have a constant dull pain on both sides of the head. Radial pain from the neck and shoulders is not uncommon since they are caused by muscle tension.
Cluster
Cluster headaches are donated by one-sided, sharp, severe pain, often radiating around or near an eye. They may last up to 3 hours, and occur in a pattern up to 8 times a day. Periods between these clusters are symptom free.
Thunderclap
These headaches are often described as the worst a person has ever felt. They come on suddenly and are severe within a minute of onset. They may be indicative of life threatening conditions and a doctor should be seen immediately.
Migraines
Migraines are unique in that they are often chronic, and are characterized by throbbing, pulsating pain on one side of the head. It may cause blurred vision, nausea, and even sensory disturbances.
Natural Remedies to Ease Symptoms
Although not a complete list, the following suggestions are things you can do right away when you start to feel a headache building. These can help alleviate the worst of your symptoms, or even get rid of minor symptoms all together.
Essential Oil Diffusion
There are many essential oils that help with migranes and other headache symptoms. Look for specific single oils and blends that have anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
Apply Cold or Hot Compresses
Play with what feels comfortable and apply either a hot, or cold compress to your area of pain and/or along the back of your neck. This can help with blood flow and trigger the nerves beneath the skin for a soothing sensation.
Darken the Room
Bright lights often magnify headache pain. This is especially true if your vision is being affected. Darken the room you are in and relax to allow your eyes to relax the strain they may be under.
Take Caffeine
Caffeine constricts blood vessels, increasing blood flow, and providing a possible relief to headache pain.
Take Ginger
Ginger can be diffused or taken internally, for example, in a tea, as it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that work to reduce headache discomfort. It also reduces stomach discomfort and nausea that may accompany a headache.
Hydrate
Many tension headaches and migraines are triggered by poor hydration. Be sure to get your daily water intake each day, and sip water when you feel symptoms coming on.
Meditate
Meditation can lower your heart rate, lower body temperature, and increase blood flow- all steps your body takes to help heal you both mentally and physically. Reduce stress, relieve tension, and calm yourself to alleviate symptoms.