According to the American College of Physicians, 70 percent of people in the U.S. experience at least one headache a year. A headache can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Depending on the cause--tension in the scalp and neck, inflamed blood vessels in the head, an underlying medical condition or stress-- treatment can vary. Although medications can treat headache symptoms, natural remedies can also effectively reduce headache pain.
Avoid Headache Triggers
Keep a diary or log of all precursors to headache development. That is, if you notice the onset of a headache after you eat a certain food ingredient, such as a particular additive, then avoid that ingredient in the future. Likewise, if a certain perfume or scent sets you off, then do what you can to avoid it. For example, ask your coworker whether she wouldn't mind switching her perfume or wearing less, explaining that it possibly causes you to develop a headache.
Heated Massage
When muscular tension in the upper back, neck or scalp appears to be the issue, heating and relaxing the neck can reduce the pain of tension headaches, according to Medline Plus. Run a hot shower over your neck and back to dull the ache. As your tension subsides, so will your headaches, although it may take some additional rest and time.
Stress Reduction
Headaches can occur in response to stress, causing you to tense up in your shoulders and neck and to breathe uneasily. The Mayo Clinic suggests engaging in various stress-reducing activities to lower your stress level and reduce your headache symptoms.
For starters, simplify your life. Cut out unnecessary engagements and make time to have a little fun. If you cannot drop everything, then learn to better manage your time, doing what you can in the most productive and relaxing way possible. Eat a healthy diet of fruits, low-fat proteins, vegetables and whole grains to keep your body awake and alive. Also boost your physical activity level, partaking in daily walking, jogging and exercising whenever you can.
Get Rest
Most headaches fade in time as the body recovers. Take it easy for a bit, eat a light meal and sleep it off. If your headaches persist for more than two to three days, especially severely, then seek a physician, as it may pertain to an underlying cause that cannot be treated by a natural home remedy.
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