Opening Statement:
In today’s busy world, headaches have become increasingly common. Headaches and Migraines are often triggered by stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, or a combination of all three. While some headaches may be a simple annoyance, others can be debilitating, or a sign of a more serious condition. As a follow-up to a previous article, I wrote on June 12, 2023 on “National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, I wanted to share ways to find relief from headaches after researching on some of the techniques and vitamins out there to help us who suffer.
· Pain reliever medications Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain medication can help minimize headache pain. Medication should not be used more than 14 days a month since it can lead to more headaches.
· If you don’t find relief from OTC pain relievers, your doctor can find a treatment that works better. There are many different medications and treatment options available, depending on the cause.
· Light can often intensify headache pain, so find a comfortable, dark, quiet room to rest in. Sitting for 20 to 30 minutes can be beneficial.
· Intermittent use of hot and/ or cold compresses on the head can often help alleviate headaches.
An ice pack covered by a washcloth can be applied for no more than 10 minutes to the forehead or cheeks—or alternatively, a heat pack. This may improve some types of headache pain.
· Massages may seem like a luxurious choice, but they are often a therapeutic option for pain. Some headaches can be triggered by muscle tension in the upper body or neck due to poor posture or a rigorous exercise routine. Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and aid with chronic pain. You should ask your doctor if massage therapy is appropriate, and they can direct you to a practitioner that targets specific points of pain in the body, including in the head and neck.
· Acupuncture has become increasingly popular for pain relief. This technique involves applying thin needles to naturally stimulate the body’s pain-relieving compounds.
· Aromatherapy is a natural option that’s easy to do at home. Certain scents, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender, have shown to trigger positive and even healing responses in the brain.
· Breathing exercises is another easy, nonmedical solution that anyone can try. Slow rhythmic breaths can help relieve muscle tension.
· Key tips for overall health, and headache relief specifically, are getting enough sleep each night, eating regular healthy meals and drinking enough water. The quality of sleep achieved is just as important as the quantity. This can be improved by removing stimulants, such as screens, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, before bedtime, and instead trying a relaxing activity before bedtime.
· If you cannot get rid of your headache pain, or if the pain is severe or associated with other symptoms or conditions, consult a doctor. This may be a sign of a more serious problem.
Vitamins and Supplements for Migraine Headaches:
Migraine headaches can be draining, but some vitamins and supplements may bring you the relief you need. Migraines are severe headaches often accompanied by throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, typically on one side of the head. The good news is, there are steps you can take to lessen the pain associated with migraine attacks, as well as the frequency of such episodes. Studies have shown that some vitamins and supplements can alleviate some of these symptoms, but the long-term effects of this therapy are not known.
What Vitamins and Supplements Can Help?
· Vitamin B2 (riboflavin):
Some studies have shown that taking Vitamin B2 could be helpful in the treatment and prevention of migraines.
· Vitamin D:
Having a Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to increased migraine attacks.
· Magnesium:
Especially effective during premenstrual migraine attacks, magnesium is vital to maintaining nerve function, blood pressure and controlling migraines.
· Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10):
CoQ10 may reduce the frequency of migraine headaches.
· Zinc and Omega 3:
Zinc and omega 3 may also be beneficial for migraines.
Some of these supplements are not suitable for pregnant women, for those breastfeeding, those with underlying conditions or those who are taking other medications.
Closing Statement:
I have used many of these techniques for my migraines/headaches and found them to be extremely helpful as well as taking Vitamin B2. Everyone should always consult their doctor before adding new supplements to your diet. If you have a headache or migraine that lasts more than 2-days you should always call or make an appointment with your doctor, visit an urgent care center, or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital to be checked out. Sometimes these types of headaches or migraines could be sinus related or something more serious.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Personal Experience
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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