Headache-Treatment and prevention

Headache-Treatment and prevention

There can be many reasons why you get a headache, and there are several different types of headaches. Non-prescription drugs such as Paracet and Ibux provide good pain relief and treatment for short-term, mild to moderate headaches, but there are also things you can do yourself to prevent the problems.

What type of headache do I have?

Do you have a fever, a cold, slept little, drank too much alcohol, ate little or been exposed to a lot of noise? Then you probably know why you have a headache. Stress, anxiety, overload, lack of sleep, too much alcohol, colds and poor eyesight - are all possible causes of headaches.

In this article, we will take a closer look at three other types of headache that can cause acute and mild to moderate pain; tension headache, neck headache and exertional headache.

If you think you have one of these three types, you may want to find out what triggers your headaches. Then it becomes easier to avoid new attacks and to choose the right treatment.

Tension headache

Tension headaches are the most common form of headache. The pain is mild to moderate, is usually on both sides of the head and is often described as a "tight band" pressing around the head.

Tension headaches are often triggered by some form of stress. It could be stress at work, problems that arise in your life, poor sleep, muscle tension or stressed muscles due to incorrect working posture.

Tension headaches are characterized by:

• Pressing, pressing pain - not throbbing.

• Mild to moderate pain, but may increase in strength throughout the day - rarely present in the morning.

• Dizziness is not uncommon.

• The pain is usually not worsened by physical activity.

• Does not induce vomiting.

• Rarely accompanied by fever or sensitivity to light and sound.

For some, a long time passes between each attack, while others suffer from frequent attacks.

If you often have tension headaches, you should discuss this with your doctor and get help to find the cause and the right treatment. Also be aware that excessive use of painkillers can cause headaches as a side effect.

Neck headache (cervicogenic headache)

Neck headache causes pain on one side of the head. The pain usually starts in the neck before spreading towards the forehead. You can also get radiation to the shoulder and arm. Neck headaches are more common in women than in men. The cause may be a previous head or neck injury, or wear and tear in the neck. It has been shown that being active and learning how to use your neck and back correctly can have a good effect on neck headaches. A physiotherapist can help you get started with the right exercise and give good advice on relaxation exercises.

Remember that you should not use painkillers for a long time if you suffer from headaches a lot. If the attacks come often and/or last a long time, you should talk to your doctor so that you get a proper examination of the neck.

Exertion headache

As the name suggests, this is a type of headache that comes on when you exert yourself. It is a relatively rare form of headache and it affects men more often than women.

Exertion headache is characterized by:

• Throbbing pain on both sides of head.

• Occurs at the same time as, or shortly after, physical exertion.

• Usually disappears shortly after exertion (from less than 5 minutes to a few hours).

• Seen most often in otherwise healthy men in their 20s.

It is not known what causes an exercise headache, but it is likely that it is caused by the pressure in the head increasing when you exert yourself. Activities such as weightlifting, running, rowing, tennis, swimming, heading football, diving and sex seem to cause headaches more often than lower intensity activity.

Some tips that can ease the attacks:

• Try to stop the activity that causes the headache as soon as you notice it coming on.

• Light warm-up before you start your workout.

• Avoid exercising when it is very hot.

If you get an intense headache of a type you haven't had before, you should contact a doctor for further examination and diagnosis.

What can I do when the headache first appears?

Migraine stick

Many people with headaches and migraines experience a good, pain-relieving effect by using a migraine stick. A migraine stick is a cooling stick with menthol that is applied to the temple for pain associated with headaches and migraines.

Pain-relieving drugs

Non-prescription painkillers such as Paracet and Ibux provide good pain relief for short-term headaches.

Paracetamol

Paracet contains paracetamol, which is recommended as the first choice for mild and moderate pain.

Paracetamol comes in different forms and strengths. You can read more about Paracet here. Remember to never take more than the recommended dose, and read the package leaflet carefully to avoid misuse.

Who should not use Paracetamol?

You should not use Paracet if you have or have had hepatitis or are allergic to the ingredients.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Paracet if any of the following applies to you:

• You have or have had liver or kidney problems.

• You have weakened nutritional status due to alcohol abuse, refusal to eat or malnutrition. The highest recommended dosage of Paracet should not be used for a long time, because it entails an increased risk of liver damage.

• In cases of fever in children. Treatment should be short-term.

• In case of fever and pain of unknown cause.

With long-term use (more than 3 months) of Paracet with intake every other day or more often, headaches may develop or worsen and should not be treated by increasing the dose. If you suspect a headache caused by Paracet, a doctor should be contacted.

Ibux

Ibux is another over-the-counter medicine for mild to moderate pain. Ibux contains ibuprofen which, in addition to the pain-relieving effect, also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Stiff and tight muscles in the neck and shoulders can cause both neck headaches and tension headaches. If this is the cause of your headache, Ibux could be a good alternative.

You can read more about Ibux here and anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) here.

Remember to never take more than the recommended dose, and read the package leaflet carefully to avoid misuse.

You should not use Ibux…

• if you are allergic to ibuprofen or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.

• if you have stomach ulcers, or have previously had repeated cases of stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach/intestines.

• if you have previously had stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach/intestines when using anti-inflammatory/pain-relieving agents (NSAIDs).

• if acetylsalicylic acid or other anti-inflammatory/pain-relieving agents have caused asthma, hives or nasal congestion.

• if you have severe heart failure and/or kidney failure.

• if you are more than 6 months pregnant.

What can I do to avoid headaches?

Pain is a warning

What is pain? Pain is the body's way of telling us that everything is not as it should be. Pain simply protects us from danger. Let's take a simple example: if you sit hour after hour in front of the PC without taking breaks, the muscles in your neck and shoulders can start to grumble. If you continue in the same way day after day, stiff and sore muscles can cause headaches. Your body tells you loud and clear that you should take breaks, stretch a bit, go for a walk and shake your head.

Stress down

Easy to say, not so easy to achieve in practice. Because if the tasks are piling up, the problems are in a queue, and everyone is hustling, then more is needed than taking a breath and lowering the shoulders. You can try relaxation exercises, yoga, massage - or go for a nice walk. Some find mindfulness meditation helps with tension headaches, while others swear by a sweaty workout with a high heart rate. It is important to find an activity that fits into the life you live. If you get stressed by thinking that you have to make it to your yoga class in addition to everything else you have on your schedule, then maybe that's not the best way for you to de-stress.

Tips. Try to finish one thing at a time. Maybe you can get better at saying no when you don't have time?

Become more active

Many people have a good effect from moving more - becoming more active. Exercise, relaxation exercises, swimming, cycling, jogging and walking are examples of activity that can prevent or reduce tension headaches. Start carefully and gently if you are not used to being active. Anything is better than nothing.

Tips. If you have a sedentary job: Set a notification on your mobile so you can take a break once an hour. Stand up and touch your head, neck and shoulders.

Get enough sleep

Enough sleep gives the body a chance to recover and rest. Most people need 7-8 hours of sleep per night. If you think a lack of sleep may be the reason why you keep getting headaches, you can try changing your sleeping routine. You can read more about sleep here.

Drink enough water

An adult person consists of approx. 50% water, so it's clear we need a refill. Water is important for normal body function. How much we need depends on the level of activity and climate, and the need can vary from day to day. A moderately active adult needs 1-1.5 liters of fluid per day. A sign that you are not getting enough water can be a headache.

Check your vision

Do you squint a lot when you read? Or has it been a while since you checked whether the glasses you use have the right strength? If you suffer from headaches and feel that your eyes are getting "tired", it can certainly be an idea to make an appointment with an optician to have your vision checked.

Find some breathing room!

And it doesn't matter what it is that makes you relax - breathe out - feel alive!

It can be a top hike or sitting and watching the grass grow. As long as it is YOUR breathing space.

When should I see a doctor for a headache?

Occasionally, headaches can be a sign of another illness. You should contact your doctor if you experience:

• Unexplained headache.

• Increasing headache.

• Sudden and very severe headache.

• Fever with stiff neck, rash and cramps.

• Double vision, pronounced weakness, loss of balance, numbness or difficulty speaking.

• If you have fallen or hit your head and get a headache after this.

• If you are older than 55 years and the headache is new.