7 Tips To Manage Chronic Headaches

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August 25, 2022

The word ‘Headache’ is widely misunderstood due to its overuse today. Persistent headaches are a part of life for many with changing lifestyles and complex routines. Researchers and chronic headache specialists caution against the prevailing headache disorders worldwide. The more significant chunk of the population complains about migraines and other associated issues, especially in the United States.

Studies suggest that one-sixth of Americans struggle with instances of migraine that can continue for up to three months. Severe migraines remain a critical public health issue among women of childbearing age. Many pain management centers in the US actively participate in pain management programs.

Understanding Chronic Headaches

The hard-to-swallow fact is that not every discomfort going into your head is a headache. There can be more severe underlying conditions that must be made aware of. Headaches have distinctive characteristics based on symptoms, surroundings, and daily routine.

The tremors of chronic headaches are caused due to inflammation or uneasiness in blood vessels in and around the brain. It may also lead to a stroke or attack if it stretches for over three months. Symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to light, also point in the direction of migraine. A swinging mood or behavior may also be experienced hours or days before the headache strikes. Other symptoms might include irritation caused by visual, sensory, or mechanical objects.

Similarly, tension headaches can occur due to stress or tight muscles. In these cases, the pain level rises from feeble to moderate. On the other hand, cluster headaches usually occur in a series that may last for weeks or months. It carries severe pain in one part of the head, particularly behind one eye. A patient may also experience a swollen forehead, runny nose, or congestion. Today, let’s de-codify various chronic headaches and real-time solutions to deal with them.

Tips for Faster Relief

It is most commonly associated with the lumbar spine. Still, it can also affect the cervical and thoracic spine. The type of syndrome one develops entirely depends on the spinal area affected.

01. Stay Hydrated

One of the leading causes of prevailing headaches may be dehydration. It causes muscle tension and cramps in facial muscles. Drinking sufficient water can reduce the chances of pain. Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature. It keeps joints lubricated, delivers nutrients to cells, and helps proper organ functioning.

02. Physical Exercise

Just like iron gets rusted owing to its inactivity, human sluggishness invites many ailments to the physical state. Daily exercise helps to improve blood circulation and beat the ache. Regular exercise keeps one active and decreases the frequency of headaches. Initially, one can begin with shorter durations of physical activities, followed by gradation in intensity over time.

03. Apply A Cold Pack

Ice has always been the first choice in dealing with pain and inflammation. Applying this 150-year-old method of cold therapy is never a bad idea to overcome headaches. One may place an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a towel on the affected area. Icing indeed makes one feel better.

04. Consume Some Caffeine

‘A cup of Tea’ is undoubtedly used to depict something as easy-going, but having a cup of tea sometimes makes the headache go away quickly. An individual may have some tea or coffee to reduce their headache woes. The caffeine substances in coffee help slow down headaches. Its effect is as good as having pain alleviating medication.

05. Avoid Excessive Chewing

Disproportionate jaw movement might cause fatigue, and it can cause headaches and jaw pain. Other forms of chewing must be avoided, such as your fingernails, lips, the inside of your cheeks, or objects such as pens. Avoid foods that are crunchy or sticky, and take small bites. These subtle changes might help keep you away from regular migraines.

06. Dim The Lights

Bright or flickering lights can affect people’s routine if they are sensitive to migraine. Covering the windows with blackout curtains during the daytime may help reduce irritation. Health specialists recommend wearing sunglasses while going outside. Installing anti-glare screens on your computer and replacing your light fixtures with daylight-spectrum fluorescent bulbs can help manage the pain.

07. Practice Yoga And Meditation

Yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness techniques can help improve blood flow and prevent headaches. They not only regulate a seamless body flow but also help a person in reducing stress and anxiety. Individuals can find other ways to resolve tension if they cannot practice yoga.

Conclusion

Headache is among the top reasons for visits to the emergency departments in the United States. It accounts for roughly 3% of all emergency department visits annually. In the case of the reproductive age group of women, it is the third leading cause of emergency department visits.

The interventional pain management center in St Louis assists many people with their dedicated and qualified physicians. Let’s not live with pain. Consult and connect to a doctor as an initial step to ending your headache woes.