Thread by @AVONHMO

Did you know?
Headaches are the most common form of pain in the world.

For most people, popping ibuprofen solves the problem but if your headaches are persistent & medications aren't helping, here are 10 other treatments you can consider.

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1. Massages

In a small study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, people with migraines who had six weekly massage sessions had less frequent migraines and better sleep than those who didn't.

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2. Stretches

Headache-relieving stretches can get at muscle tension that contributes to pain. Add them to your workout or use them when a headache looms.

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2b. Try these three stretches: neck range of motion (chin forward, upward, and toward each shoulder); shoulder shrugs (shrug up, up and forward, and up and back); and neck isometrics (press palm into the forehead & hold; press hand on each side of the head).

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3. Meditation

Various meditation techniques can be used to focus attention and quiet the mind from distractions such as chronic pain.

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4. Take Some Ginger

A recent study found that taking ginger, in addition to regular, over-the-counter pain meds, eased migraines. You can try a supplement or maybe brew some ginger tea.

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5. Acupuncture

An expert analysis, known as a Cochrane review, found acupuncture could help prevent acute migraines, as well as drug treatments do and with fewer adverse side effects.

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www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab0…

5b. Evidence also suggests that acupuncture could help people with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches.

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6. Relaxation exercises

Deep breathing, relaxing to music, or using mental imagery can help people unwind and possibly help with headaches too. Additional research is needed, however.

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7. Try a Cold Pack

If you have a migraine, place a cold pack on your forehead. Ice cubes wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen peas, or even a cold shower may lessen the pain. Keep the compress on your head for 15 minutes, then take a break for 15 minutes.

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8. Avoid Nitrates and Nitrites

Nitrites and nitrates in processed meats and monosodium glutamate (MSG) used in foods as a flavour enhancer have been linked to migraines. Some heart medicines also contain nitrate.

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8b. Caffeine, alcohol, phenylethylamine (found in chocolate and cheese), tyramine (found in nuts and fermented meats, cheeses, and soy), and aspartame (in many artificially sweetened foods) are headache triggers for some.

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9. Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress

If you have a tension headache, place a heating pad on your neck or the back of your head. If you have a sinus headache, hold a warm cloth to the area that hurts. A warm shower might also do the trick.

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10. Dim the Lights

Bright or flickering light, even from your computer screen, can cause migraine headaches. If you’re prone to them, cover your windows with blackout curtains during the day. You might also add anti-glare screens to your computer.

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