What causes a headache?

There can be more than one pathological processes acting simultaneously to cause a Headache. Most common of them are:

1. 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.

3. TRACTION –

There can be an abnormal growth or fluid collection in the head causing pain, such as –

• A tumor
• An abscess

4. 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 –

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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!

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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