subject: RELIEF FROM HEADACHES - SINUS, TENSION, AND MORE [print this page]
For a tension headache, relief will come from relaxation. Those tense muscles need to relax to alleviate the pain and tension. A good way to take the edge off of a tension headache is to take a few minutes, or more to lie down in a queit, dark room.
Use an ice pack for the pain. I lie down with my head resting on the ice pack and take a nap. I usually lay on my back with the back of my head resting on the ice pack. Or, if the pain is worse at my temple, I will lie on my side, while resting the side of my head (temple) on the ice pack. This is one of the most effective ways to alleviate the pain for most people.
Try to look for patterns so you can catch a headache before it begins and hopefully nip it in the bud.
Taking a pain killer is another highly effective solution. Try sipping on coffee right after taking the pain medicine. The coffee will help your body to absorb the pain killer much quicker, giving you faster and more relief. Most people find that caffeine is helpful, especially for a menstrual related headache, and other menstrual related pains as well.
Some headaches can be caused from dehydration. Make sure you keep yourself well hydrated to avoid this. If you feel a headache coming on, try to drink a full glass of water. That will also, exclude dehydration as a issue.
Many people will get a headache from not eating. Make sure you eat at least one good, healthy and filling meal each day. Eating a healthy snack for lunch or breakfast or whenever you feel a headache coming, can be helpful.
Constipation is another common cause for headaches. It may sound unbelievable but it is true. Remember this, and try to keep yourself as regular as possible to avoid the problems from constipation. I find eating things like activia yogurt, delivers great results.
If you get headaches after sitting at the computer or a desk for a period of time, try taking a few minutes out of each session by getting up and walking around the room. Also, remember to check your posture too. Poor posture can easily cause a headache, so pay attention next time you start to slump at the computer.
Now, for the dreaded sinus headaches. If you have suffered from a sinus headache then, you know what it's like to be desperate enough to try anything to get rid of it. It makes you feel foggy, and just plain miserable.
Try inhaling steam. Fill a pot with tap water and bring it to a boil. After you turn off the stove, take a towel and place it over your head and your head over the pot. Just be careful not to get too close. Get comfortable and sit there breathing in and out deeply. This helps break down the mucus buildup and clear your sinuses. You can also add your favorite herbs to the water to help.
Or you can use steam from a microwaved wet wash cloth. Lie down and place the warm cloth over your nose and eyes to relieve pressure.
