Headache or cephalgia is a common ailment, and most of us suffer from headache at one time or another. Pain or ache in any part of the head, forehead or neck may collectively be referred to as headache. Headache may occur due to multiple causes, and depending upon the cause, headache may be classified in to primary headaches, secondary headaches and cranial neuralgia, facial ache and other types.
Primary headaches are not associated with any disease. They spring on their own. Examples of primary headaches are migraine, tension headaches and cluster headache. Secondary headache is caused due to some major disease or ailment such as brain tumors, meningitis, encephalitis, and hemorrhage in brain, strokes, caffeine withdrawal and discontinuation of analgesics. The third type, cranial neuralgia or facial pain, is caused due to the inflammation of nerves in the head and upper neck.
Causes
1. Emotional stress
2. Fatigue
3. Excessive smoking and alcohol intake
4. Hang-over
5. High blood pressure
6. Allergy
7. Constipation
8. Nutritional deficiency
9. Lack of sleep
10. Prolonged manual labor or physical stress
11. Cold and flu
12. Chronic cough
13. Ear infection
14. Tooth infection
15. Sinus infection and blockage
16. Pneumonia and fever
17. Mumps
18. Measles
19. Tonsillitis
20. Eye infection
21. Eye strain
22. Glaucoma
2. Fatigue
3. Excessive smoking and alcohol intake
4. Hang-over
5. High blood pressure
6. Allergy
7. Constipation
8. Nutritional deficiency
9. Lack of sleep
10. Prolonged manual labor or physical stress
11. Cold and flu
12. Chronic cough
13. Ear infection
14. Tooth infection
15. Sinus infection and blockage
16. Pneumonia and fever
17. Mumps
18. Measles
19. Tonsillitis
20. Eye infection
21. Eye strain
22. Glaucoma
Home Remedies
1. Aromatherapy
Aromas have long been believed to have a powerful impact on our senses, our body, and our well being and this is why aromatherapy is very popular today. Everyone have different preferences on smell, and often associate a certain smell to something. To help relieve headache, use lavender or eucalyptus oil. Simply massage these oils to the head, or you can also opt to light aromatherapy candles. Another good suggestion is to put 5 drops of lavender oil in warm water. Soak a piece of cloth into the solution and then place it on the head or neck.
2. Massage
If you can get someone to knead your temples, forehead, and the back of your head, do so. Ask this person to use a bit of pressure when massaging to improve blood circulation, which may also be the cause of your headache. If you do not have anyone else to help, you can simply massage your head on your own. Pour a few drops of essential oils to hasten relief.
3. Exercise
People who have migraine should exercise regularly because it helps release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. But if you have not started any exercise program for quite some time now, be careful not to engage in rigid regimens right away as this might have a negative impact on your body and could worsen your migraine. It is recommended to spend 30 minutes a day to walk or jog outdoors to help reduce headaches, especially if it is a chronic problem.
4. Cold/Hot Compress
Try a cold pack, wrap it with towel and place it in the neck. If this will not work for you, the next alternative would be to soak a towel in hot water and place it in your neck or forehead. Here’s another excellent suggestion: dip your hands in hot water because this helps get rid of the pressure in the head.
Using one or two of these remedies should take away your headache in no time.
Always talk to a doctor before starting a cure.
Make sure to consult a doctor before using a home remedy
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