Headache Rescue 101

If you suffer from chronic headaches, you probably feel quite frustrated. This simple primer will help you identify what is causing your headaches so you can find ways to eliminate them. 

When you have a headache, basically you’re responding to the swelling of vains and muscles in your scalp. Those sensitive nerves shout an alarm to the brain, telling you in no uncertain terms that they do not like this swelling. The end result is a terrible headache. 

The majority of headaches are caused by tension. A tension headache feels as if someone wrapped a rubber band around your head. Usually tension headaches are concentrated either on the upper neck and across the back of the head, or in a swarth across your forehead. Tension headaches are usually triggered by excessive noise, high-sugar foods, sleep deprivation, or stress. Most people find relief from tension headaches by napping, massaging pressure points, using a cool wet cloth, or merely escaping stressful conditions. 

Another common headache is the sinus headache. You may feel this headache radiating down from the crown to spots on your face, as pressure from the sinus cavities causes this condition. You can usually get rid of a sinus headache by drinking hot beverages, massaging your facial tissue, breathing in steam, and clearing mucus from your sinus cavities. 

One of the worst kinds of headaches is the migraine. Migraines are so intense that they often cause nausea, vomiting, the seeing of stars, unbearable pain, feeling faint, and the inability to handle light, strong smells, or any kind of noise. You maybe able to cope with your migraine if you can find a dark, peaceful place where you will not be disturbed. 

You should be alarmed if you have a headache that is severe enough to produce convulsions, excessive fever, communication problems, or muscle control issues. Head to your doctor’s office to eliminate the possibility of encephalitis, meningitis, or stroke. 

You will usually be able to fight off headaches by adjusting your diet or surroundings. You may find that a good rest and a couple of analgesics (such as ibuprofen) will do the trick. However, you will want to take precautions if you can’t get rid of a headache easily or if they recur.