What causes a headache?
There can be more than one pathological processes acting simultaneously to cause a Headache. Most common of them are:
- INFLAMATION-
Headaches can be caused by inflammation of a part or organ of body; mostly because of an underlying medical condition, such as:
-
- Meningitis – meningitis headache
- Irritation of spine and/or neck – cervical headache
- Irritation of sinuses – sinus headache
- Irritation of ears
- Irritation of teeth
Headaches can occur due to the tightening or tensing of muscles of the face – that’s why they are called – Tension Headache.
- TRACTION –
There can be an abnormal growth or fluid collection in the head causing pain, such as –
- A tumor
- An abscess
- VASCULAR –
Headache can also occur due to change in the flow of blood in the blood vessels, such as –
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- How to manage a headache?
There are some simple tricks for fast relief –
- MASSAGE –
Sometimes headache can result from tension in the upper body, muscle strain from poor posture or a rigorous workout.
A nice gentle Massage may help reducing your pain by relaxing your muscle tension.
- HOT OR COLD APPLICATIONS –
Hot or cold compressions can also offer relief in muscle tension headaches.
! Just be cautious not to apply the cold application more than 10minutes at a time!
- BREATHING EXERCISE –
Breathing exercises are very helpful in tension related headaches.
- Arrangement – quite aerated undisturbed area
- Process – slowly inhale deep breath from nose and slowly exhale deep breath from mouth. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
- HYDRATON –
Dehydration can contribute to a headache – make sure to have enough amount of fluid intake.
! There are some drinks which can trigger a headache, such as –
- Too Strong coffee
- Alcohol – especially red wine – as it can cause dehydration!
- SLEEP –
Not getting enough amount of sleep can lead to headache.
Improve your quality of sleep by:
- Committing to a sleep schedule
- Avoiding stimulants an hour before bed
- Choosing a relaxing activity before bed
- DIET –
Take a look at your eating and drinking habits and try to avoid triggering foods and/or beverages. Possible problems can be:
- Caffeine containing food and beverages
- Monosodium glutamate containing food
- Nitrate containing food
- Tyramine containing food
- SOOTHING TEAS –
Some of the teas have pain relieving effect – but always take your doctors opinion before taking them.
A few of them are:
- Chamomile tea
- Ginger tea
- Dandelion tea