It hammers, throbs, and stings – headaches manifest in different ways. They occur without warning, primarily in stressful and hectic situations, and impair our everyday life. If the pain stimulus is limited to one side of the head, this indicates the onset of a migraine. To be able to concentrate on your work or leisure activities again, you need quick help.
Distinguishing between different forms of sudden headache
A frequently occurring pain stimulus is the tension headache. Contrary to what the name suggests, it does not stem from tension in the neck or shoulder area. Its cause lies in our body's own pain defense system. If there is a deficiency of the neurotransmitter serotonin there, the risk of headaches occurring without warning increases.
These manifest as a dull throbbing or pulling sensation. Triggering factors for headaches include:
- Weather changes,
- Functional disorders of the masticatory system,
- Lack of sleep,
- Anxiety and depression,
- Unfavorable lighting, or
- Chronic stress in private and professional life.
Furthermore, these headaches result from muscular stress, which primarily manifests through poor posture. Other reasons for tense muscles and the resulting pain in the forehead and temple area include monotonous sitting positions. If you work at your desk for several hours without a break, the risk of this tension pain increases.
Another type of headache is the migraine. Inflammatory and circulatory disease mechanisms are responsible for the sudden pain attack. Migraine is not curable in terms of its cause. However, there is a chance to successfully treat and control the pain. The neurotransmitter serotonin once again influences the headache.
Women are affected by migraines more often than men on average. Triggering factors include:
- Hormonal influences,
- Changes in the sleep-wake rhythm,
- Hunger,
- Weather changes,
- Stress.
Additionally, stimulants such as nicotine and alcohol affect migraines. The same applies to certain foods such as milk, dark chocolate, or bananas.
What helps quickly and sustainably against headaches?
To get To quickly combat a headache during work, numerous people reach for painkillers. The choice often falls on paracetamol, ibuprofen, or ASA (aspirin). If a tension headache occurs within your own four walls, there are simple remedies to dispel the unpleasant feeling. A helpful home remedy is heat. A hot bath relaxes the body and mind. At the same time, it stimulates blood circulation.Alternatively, you can choose the opposite and cool down. The majority of those affected feel relief when they place a cold washcloth or a cooling pad on their forehead. It also helps to rub the temples with peppermint oil. Additionally, rest has a beneficial effect on pain management. A conscious break with relaxation exercises helps the body to loosen up. Loosening exercises in the head, neck, and shoulder area have a positive influence.
Herbal remedies that fight headaches include meadowsweet and willow bark. Brewed as a tea, these plants have a pain-relieving effect.
Which remedies provide relief for migraines?
In the case of an acute migraine attack, very few people can avoid painkillers. However, there are ways to prevent the pain. If an attack is imminent, drink a cup of strong coffee. This dilates the blood vessels. If nausea is manageable, lighter home remedies such as tea made from ginger, cloves, and chamomile flowers are sufficient. Furthermore, warm foot baths are a means of prevention. They lower the stress level, reducing the risk of a migraine.
You can positively influence the frequency of headache attacks through progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen. Alternatively, you can opt for acupuncture.
Preventing headaches – is it possible?
Headache intensity varies individually. The occurrence of the pain stimulus depends on various factors for those affected. Therefore, several treatment methods are possible. There are no general tips that put an end to headaches. Small behavioral changes can reduce the frequency of attacks.
Limit your media usage and pay attention to good posture. An ergonomic workplace prevents your muscles from tensing up and triggering tension headaches. Furthermore, it is recommended to ensure a good room climate. Ventilate the room you are in several times a day.
Posted on: 12/23/2020
