MedicalToday

Prevention

Lifestyle modification is one measure that people can take to lower their risk of tension headaches. They should get enough sleep and eat nutritious meals at regular times. Skipping meals, using unbalanced fad diets to lose weight, and insufficient or poor-quality sleep can bring on tension headaches.

Some headaches may be prevented by avoiding substances and situations that trigger them, or by employing alternative therapies, such as yoga and regular exercise. Proper lighting may prevent headaches caused by eyestrain. Because food allergies are often linked with headaches, especially cluster strain headaches and migraines, identification and elimination of the allergy causing food(s) from the diet can be an important preventive measure. Women with migraines often benefit by switching from oral contraceptives to another method of birth control, or by discontinuing estrogen replacement therapy.

Alternative Treatment

Alternative remedies can lessen the frequency and severity of headaches. Common treatments include:

• Acupressure. The stomach (3) and large intestine (4) points relieve sinus headaches.

• Acupuncture. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) panel concluded that acupuncture may be a useful treatment for headache.

• Aerobic exercise. Regular aerobic exercise reduces the frequency and intensity of headaches.

• Aromatherapy. Massage using the essential oils of lavender, rosemary, or peppermint relieves headache.

• Autogenic therapy. Headache may be relieved by learning to put oneself in a semi-hypnotic state.

• Chiropractic. Cervical manipulation may relieve tension headaches.

• Heat and/or cold. A hot shower or bath can ease tension headaches. Vascular headache may be relieved by placing an ice pack on the forehead, or the feet in hot water and a cold pack on the forehead (hydrotherapy treatment).

• Herbals. Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) can be used for migraine; goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) for sinus headache; valerian (Valeriana officinalis), skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), or passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) for tension headache; and cayenne (in nostrils) for cluster headache. A German remedy made from butterbur root (Petasites hybridus) is now available in the United States under the brand name Petadolex. The herb, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat headaches related to anxiety.

• Holistic medicine. Headaches may be caused by constipation and liver malfunction. Apple-spinach juice relieves constipation, and a blend of carrot, beet, celery, and parsley juices treats the liver.

• Homeopathy. Remedies are chosen for each patient and may include Belladonna (throbbing headache), Bryonia (splitting headache), Kali bichromicum (sinus headache), and Nux vomica (tension headache with nausea and vomiting).

• Massage. Firm massage of the forehead, neck, and scalp may relieve headache.

• Osteopathy. Headache is treated with neuromuscular manipulation and massage of the head, neck, and upper back.

• Pressure. A headband tied tightly around the head may relieve migraines in some patients.

• Reflexology. Headache is treated using the solar plexus, ear, eye, and head points.

• Relaxation techniques. Meditation, biofeedback, and yoga may relieve headache.

• Supplements. Vitamins B2 and B12, niacin, and magnesium (a mineral) may help treat or prevent headache.

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This effective headache treatment electrically stimulates nerves and blocks pain transmission.

• Visualization. This relaxation technique controls the images in the mind, replacing negative thoughts and images with positive ones that enhance relaxation.