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Only five to seven percent of Americans who suffer chronic headaches seek medical help or headache treatment. For patients who get headaches almost regularly or have headaches that are increasingly unresponsive to over-the-counter medications, seeking medical help is a necessity to maintaining a healthy, happy life.
For a minor or occasional headache, treatment can be done at home. Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the first line of defense for treating the common headache. Other methods include:
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An ice pack on the forehead, eyes, temples or nape of the neck
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A warm bath or shower to help relieve tension
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A quiet, darkened room
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Simple relaxation techniques - Breathe deeply, relaxing your muscles and using visual images
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Progressive relaxation - Tense your toes slowly as you breathe in, then relax your toes as you let go of the tension and exhale. Work your way up the body, tensing and relaxing other muscles
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Exercise for 30 minutes at least three to four times a week - Any aerobic exercise slows your heart rate and releases painkilling chemicals in the brain
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Avoid foods associated with the onset of your headaches
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Limit caffeine intake
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Plenty of sleep
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Don't skip meals
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Have your eyes checked
For cluster or migraine headache treatment, consult a Mercy Neurological Institute specialist. There are effective medications and medical options to help treat the underlying causes of these headaches. For occasional at-home relief:
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Stay quiet and rest
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Use cold to numb the pain - Wrap ice or a cold can of soda in a cloth. Hold it against the site of pain for 10 minutes. Repeat every 20 minutes
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Avoid light - Wear dark glasses, turn out lights and close the curtains. When outdoors, wear a brimmed hat
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Drink lots of fluids - Sip caffeine-free flat soda to help relieve nausea
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Some can last weeks, months - even years. To help prevent them:
- Reduce stress by planning ahead and allowing yourself some relaxation time each day
- Improve your posture by sitting with your back straight and thighs parallel to the floor to relieve tension on other muscles and bones
- Relax sore muscles by applying heat or ice packs, or massaging them with your fingertips
Headaches can be a painful and even debilitating nuisance in your life; don't let them go untreated. Seek headache or migraine headache treatment from the neurology specialists at the Mercy Neurological Institute. Take your life back. |
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