Stop Throbbing Headaches with Simple Techniques
Causes of Cephalalgia and Easy Methods to Relieve a Pounding Head
Jun 13, 2009
Constricted muscles in the shoulders, head, and neck areas are usually the cause of headaches. According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, “They are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Overworking, not getting enough sleep, missing meals, and using alcohol or street drugs can make [a person] more susceptible to them.”
The consumption of certain foods can also trigger headaches. Eating cheese, consuming chocolate, and partaking in Chinese food all can lead to headaches. The food preservative commonly found in Chinese food, monosodium glutamate (MSG) can be responsible. The next time Chinese food is on the menu, ask them to hold the MSG. Caffeine can also be a factor. People who consume coffee can get a pounding head by not getting their usual daily dose of caffeine.
How to Relieve a Headache
Fortunately, there are several things an individual can do to relieve the symptoms of a pounding headache. When it is first realized that a headache is coming on, stop the current activity and lie down in a quiet, dark place with an ice bag or cold pack on the forehead for 30 to 45 minutes.
Try to relax. If possible, get someone to massage the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Follow that with a hot bath. Relaxation exercises can help also. For more information on relaxation and reducing stress, go here.
Take aspirin or an aspirin substitute such as acetaminophen to prevent rebound headache, but don't take too much medication or take it after the pain is gone. Also eat very lightly and abstain from alcoholic beverages as long as the pain persists.
How to Prevent Future Headaches
To identify and remove the cause of recurring headaches, keep a record of the date and time of each occurrence. Write down what was being done when the headache began and with whom. It should also be noted what foods or beverages had been consumed, and any recent change in habits.
Most headaches are not serious. But if it doesn't respond to simple self-treatment or includes fever, facial soreness, and a nasal discharge, seek medical help. Also, if it occurs following an accident or injury, or if it's piercing or localized, see a doctor:
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Take the following symptoms seriously and see a health care provider immediately, even if it means going to the emergency room or calling 911.
Seek help promptly if:
- This is the first headache ever experienced, if it comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent, or it is the worst ever.
- The headache is associated with slurred speech, change in vision, problems moving arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss.
- If the headache gets progressively worse over a 24-hour period or is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, or localized in one eye with redness in that eye.
- Or the headache occurs with a head injury or the subject is over age 50 and the headaches just began, especially with impaired vision and pain while chewing.
See your doctor soon if:
- The headaches cause waking up from sleep or they are worse in the morning.
- A headache lasts more than a few days or there is a history of headaches but they have changed in pattern or intensity.
- Or if headaches occur frequently, and there is no known cause.
By trying these simple techniques, a sufferer can often reduce or even eliminate debilitating headaches.
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