Don’t Let Headache Pain Slow You Down
Everyone has probably experienced the pain of a headache. The good news is that you don’t have to give in to headache pain when it strikes.
Take Aim at Pain
Over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, often provide relief from headache pain. Other measures you can take include:
- Resting
- Placing warm compresses on your head or neck. Compresses are most effective for tension headaches.
- Taking a hot shower. Showering is especially helpful for tension headaches.
Lifestyle choices also may help control or even prevent headache pain. For example:
- Exercise. Get all types of exercise, which releases natural painkillers in your body called endorphins.
- Eliminate sources of tension. Have your eyes checked regularly. Correct poor posture to prevent muscle strain in the shoulders and neck.
- Know your triggers. In some people, certain foods can cause a migraine headache. Strong fumes or bright lights also can trigger migraines.
- Reduce stress. Massage, yoga, and meditation are great ways to help you relax.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Call your doctor if your headaches are becoming more frequent—or if they seem more severe and longer lasting than usual. And get help immediately if any of the following accompany your headache:
- Fever
- Loss of consciousness
- Eye or ear pain
- Dizziness, numbness, or paralysis
Squeeze Your Way Out of Stress
Reducing stress helps prevent the onset of headache. Call
May/June 2006 A Healthy Tomorrow
The editorial content of this online publication is taken from the print version of A Healthy Tomorrow published by Loma Linda University Medical Center.