Headache sufferers often limit activities because of fear that a headache will pop up and interfere with whatever is planned. You can take steps to manage your headaches and improve your life.
- Change your lifestyle
Small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your headache symptoms. Start with one or two on the list and begin adding others:
- Maintain a BMI of less than 30
- Exercise daily to decrease stress and reduce tension held in the muscles
- Establish a consistent sleep routine
- Recognize your triggers and avoid them
- Avoid any form of nicotine
- Refrain from skipping meals
- Seek professional support for ongoing symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Track your headaches using a headache diary
- Establish a relationship with a healthcare professional who specializes in headaches, such as a neurologist
- Try medications
When lifestyle changes do not work, often medication will be a next step. Be sure to take medications as prescribed for optimal outcome. Treatments aimed at prevention can include:
- Antidepressants
- Beta blockers
- Anti-seizure medications
- Botox
Treatments aimed at pain relief can include:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as Ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.
- Triptans, such as Imitrex
- Narcotics
- Experiment with complementary approaches to prevention and pain management
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Craniosacral therapy
- Massage
- Meditation/relaxation techniques
- Cognitive therapies/stress management
- Ask your doctor about investigative procedures
While still under investigation by the FDA, a new technique known as Neurostimulator treatment can be used for migraine sufferers who do not respond to traditional treatments.
- Stop a headache at the onset
If you cannot stop a headache before it starts, take the following steps to keep it from getting worse:
- Apply an ice pack to the painful area of the head
- Take a warm bath or shower
- Take a nap
- Go for a walk
- Apply gentle, rotating pressure to the painful area using the index finger and thumb. Maintain pressure for 15 seconds, then release and repeat as needed.
- Dim lighting, get in a comfortable position and use Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Using the thumb and index finger of one hand, apply pressure to the webbed area of the opposite hand between the thumb and index finger
