General Health

Headache Treatment Do's and Don'ts

Tension headache? Migraine? Get rid of that banging headache with these practical tips.

Headaches can get in the way of your daily activities, so it’s important that you know how to treat them right away.

Types of headaches

Headeaches come in different forms. Tension headaches or chronic daily headaches are the most common type. These headaches can cause mild to moderate pain.

Migraines are pulsating headaches that typically occur on one side of the head caused by over-strained blood vessels. This type of headache can last anywhere from four hours to three days. Some migraines can be accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain or stomach upset. It is also possible that you can experience a combination of migraine and tension headaches.

How to treat headaches

Headaches are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them go untreated. Take note of these do’s and don’ts when it comes to relieving headaches:

Do--		Don’t--
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. As soon as you you start feeling a headache coming on, take a dose of a pain reliever like Biogesic. Paracetamol Biogesic is used for minor aches and paines, including headaches. Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, especially if you just vomited or experiencing a hangover. Take small sips of room temperature water throughout the day. Take a break in a quiet, low-lit space. Sensory reduction helps relieve some of the tension. Massage your scalp. Place your thumbs on your temples and move your fingers in small, circular motions. This helps improve circulation, which in turn relieves the pain of your headache. Recognize your triggers. If you experience headaches often, it helps to keep note of the possible causes, intensity and frequency of your headaches.		Delay treatment. Take control of your headache right away. Consume too much caffeine. Try to lessen your caffeine intake, especially if you typically consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine today (roughly the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee). Try alternative therapies without consulting your doctor. Clinical studies on non-traditional methods like accupuncture or special vitamins have yielded mixed results. Talk to your doctor before trying other therapies. Don’t skip meals. Going without food for long periods can cause low blood suger, which can result in headaches. Ignore other signs. If you are experiencing decreased cognitive function, muscle tension, or increasing frequency and intensity, seek medical attention.

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