Nearly all of us have had a headache and many a times we fail to know when we are into one. Headache is a symptom associated with many illnesses. Many a times a headache is a nagging discomfort rather than an indicator of a serious problem and the pain can vary from being mild to severe. In the case of recurring or persistent headaches, when medications are simply not giving you relief, there are a wide range of other techniques you can consider for relief. This article list down few new approaches that help to fight persistent headaches better.
1. Electronic sensors
Latest in the field is the use of electronic sensors to monitor normal body functions such as tension developing in the muscles, body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Such measures aid in self-management or to deal with pain. Such behavior- therapy techniques have been found to be beneficial in case of tension and migraine headaches.
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches. In this therapy, fine needles are inserted inside the body to regulate the flow of energy and reduce pain.
3. Relaxation techniques
These in the form of massage, breathing exercises, yoga, listening to music help to a great extent. Massage of the shoulder muscles, neck, back have improved the quality of sleep, reduced the frequency of headaches in people. Slow breathing done in a proper way, helps to contract and relax various muscles group in the body. Meditation techniques can be used to manage distractions such as chronic pain and focus on positive affirmations.
4. Stretching exercise
Specific stretching exercises in regular workout sessions, targeting the neck, shoulders, forehead (hold and press), greatly benefits people affected by headaches. Such steps have been found to be tremendously useful to manage pain.
5. Regular exercise
Exercise, especially aerobic exercise in any form, included in your routine provides innumerable benefits. It helps in reducing the intensity, frequency of pain; it also helps to enhance your emotional well-being status which in turn helps in the self-management of pain.
6. Heat and cold compress
These have been found to provide relief from pulsating headaches like migraine.
8. Botox injections
These injections are taken on a weekly basis into the painful area of the head, have provided relief in people suffering from migraine headache.
9. Electrode implants and Tran cranial magnetic stimulation
They are the latest techniques in the field to manage pain. People suffering from cluster and persistent migraine headaches benefit from electrode implants inserted inside specific areas of the body and magnetic stimulation by placing electro-magnetic coils near the head.
Some over the counter medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen provide relief for common headache and beta-blockers are used in the case of migraines. Some soothing herbs like eucalyptus, peppermint and flax seed also have pain relieving properties. Taking vitamin supplements like riboflavin (Vitamin B2), magnesium, and co-enzyme Q10 can be helpful while following other headache-relief strategies.
Alternative treatments are definitely gaining popularity, but it has been found that most of the times having adequate rest, practicing some relaxation techniques are enough to get relief from the pain.
