5 Steps to Relieve a Headache - Wellness 101 Show #headache

And now it’s time for another Wellness 101…How to Stop a Headache…presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Uh oh…looks like somebody’s got a headache again. Unfortunately, you’re not alone. According to the National Headache Foundation, over 45 million Americans suffer from headaches every year.

The most common type of headache is the TENSION HEADACHE. Tension headaches are usually associated with a dull, squeezing, steady pain, typically located in the forehead, neck and shoulders and can last from 30 minutes, up to a few days. Some causes of tension headaches include: Stress, Fatigue, Certain Foods, Caffeine Withdrawal and Eye strain.

The 2nd most common type of headache is the MIGRAINE HEADACHE. Migraines are associated with dull pain in the temple and side of the head that becomes throbbing and sometimes even debilitating. Common symptoms include nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some triggers for migraine headaches include: Stress, Changes in Weather, Certain Foods, or bright lights and can last for a few hours or up to several days.

The 3rd type of headache is the CLUSTER HEADACHE. Clusters, although rare and more commonly found in men (90% more likely), are groups of severe headaches that can last for weeks and attacks can happen once or twice a day. The pain is usually centralized around one eye, behind, or on one side of the head. This type of headache comes on suddenly, peaks quickly, and can last up to 3 hours.

Headaches can certainly be an everyday struggle; but the good news is that we’ve got 5 simple steps for you to help ease the pain.

STEP ONE: Try an Icepack or Cold Compress
An Icepack, ice cubes in a zip lock bag, or even a bag of frozen vegetables will do the trick. The cold can constrict blood vessels, which reduces inflammation and can help reduce the neurotransmission of pain to the brain.

STEP TWO: Lower the Lights
Bright light, or even the flickering light from a TV or computer screen can cause a headache. Try turning off or dimming the lights inside your home or office. Consider using backout curtains on your windows during the day and wearing sunglasses when outside. It’s also a good idea to avoid the TV or the computer until your headache has subsided.

STEP THREE: Consider a Heating Pad or Muscle Rub
Placing a heating pad or muscle rub on your neck and shoulders can help your muscles relax by increasing the blood flow to that area, thus easing the tension on your head.

STEP FOUR: Keep Calm and Relax
One of the best things you can do for a headache is slow down and chill out. Whether it’s stretching, yoga, or meditation…learning how to keep calm can work wonders on a headache and can assist with you having fewer headaches in the future.

STEP FIVE: Take Meds with a Little Caffeine
When all else fails, consider taking some over the counter pain relievers with a little bit of caffeine (*talk with your doctor before taking any medication). Having coffee, tea or something with a little caffeine in it coupled with a pain reliever can ease your headache if you catch it early enough. A word of caution here, too much caffeine can actually cause a headache, so keep the caffeine to a minimum for maximum relief.

Folks...if you’re struggling with headaches on a daily basis, don't hesitate to reach out to our friends at St. Luke's University Health Network! They can give you a bunch more tips and tricks on how to keep your squash…pain free. Don’t forget… smash that like button, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and share to all who are suffering. Until next time, this is Mr. Wellness saying…be well…and follow the steps to a healthier you!

*DISCLAIMER – This video does not provide medical advice! The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this video are for informational purposes only. No material in this video is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you saw in this video.

[powsome]

Please help me ! Suddenly I had a strong negative thought in my head, causing me to suffer painful headache in a certain region in my head. That region became numb all of a sudden after the pain, and when I try to concentrate in that region of my head, it has that weak sensation. It's as if that region is being detached from the rest of my brain. Up until now, I still have this feeling. I am very worried about this!! I hope you can help me! 😥😥😥

[ClusterHeadSurvivor]

Your information is false on cluster headaches.