Whether it’s thumping, pounding or searing, there’s little worse than a headache. They can put a stopper on our productivity and halt our enjoyment of life. If they just make you want to curl up into a ball, you’re not alone. Still, there are things you try to relieve a headache. Below, you’ll find six remedies to try.
If you are concerned about your headaches, make sure that you check the NHS advice for when to visit your GP or A&E.
1. Drink Some Water
It’s well known that dehydration can cause headaches, and when we’re busy it can be easy to forget to drink enough. When you feel a headache coming on, try drinking some water. If it’s caused by dehydration, you could well stop it in its tracks.
2. Relax In A Cool, Dark Room
Headaches can often be caused by bright lights. This may be from your computer screen, or perhaps a flickering overhead light. Lying down in a cool, dark room may help to relieve this type of headache. In order to avoid getting them in the future, consider getting an anti-glare screen for your computer, and a dimmer for your overhead lights.
3. Try A Hot Or Cold Compress
Migraines can be relieved with a cold pack (for example, a bag of frozen vegetables). Place it on your forehead for up to 15 minutes, then have a break. Sinus and tension headaches can be eased by placing a heating pad at the source of the pain.
4. Remove Pressure On Your Head
Sometimes, headaches can be caused by pressure from items such as swimming caps, glasses and even from a tight ponytail. Remove these items to reduce the pressure, and consider rethinking what you wear if the headaches come back.
5. Breathing Exercises
Simple breathing techniques can help you to relax and ease tension headaches. Try sitting comfortably with your eyes closed, and breath in for five seconds and out for five seconds. Repeat for as long as you like, until you feel relaxed. This can relieve a headache caused by stress.
6. Visit An Osteopath
Osteopathy is a gentle, safe therapy which can be used to treat the symptoms of cervicogenic headaches and migraines. Osteopaths use manual therapy to stretch, massage and manipulate your body, helping to restore balance in your body and relieve pain from headaches. If you have regular headaches, osteopathy can ease your pain. Osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council, and are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of health conditions.
Finding An Osteopath To Relieve A Headache
At Northwich Foot Clinic in Cheshire, we have an experienced and passionate osteopath who will be able to help you with your condition. Siân Steel is registered with the General Osteopathic Council, and she will be able to devise an individual treatment plan to help relieve your headaches. You can book your osteopathy appointment online through our booking form.
