Headaches can determine our everyday life.
However, it is not always necessary to resort to painkillers to combat pain.
Frankfurt – Headaches can come in very different forms and affect different areas of the head.
Whether stabbing, pounding or dull, behind the forehead, in the neck or on one side of the temple - headaches are not only unpleasant, they can affect our entire well-being.
The International Headache Society (IHS) classifies over 200 types of headache.
In order to fight the pain, you should first identify the cause.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of headaches:
too little liquid
strong tension and concentration over a longer period of time
stress
Lack of sleep or irregular sleep
weather changes
Tips for headaches: Drinking a lot or going for a walk can help
Painkillers promise quick relief, but the tablets should not be taken carelessly.
Sometimes drinking more fluids can help.
A break from screens, a walk in the fresh air or a short meditation can also work wonders.
However, if that's not enough, there are a few tricks sufferers can try before resorting to painkillers.
Sustainably reduce stress – with proven relaxation techniques
Sustainably reduce stress – with proven relaxation techniques
Heat, for example, can help with tension headaches.
Miriam Ortiz from the university outpatient clinic for naturopathy at the Berlin Charité recommends a warm cherry stone pillow or a warm, moist compress on the neck.
A few small exercises in between can also help to prevent existing headaches from getting worse and new ones from occurring.
The online portal
cephalache.de,
for example, recommends exercises such as shoulder circles or lateral stretching of the neck.
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Headaches are annoying and uncomfortable, but you don't always have to take painkillers.
Sometimes simple tricks can help.
(symbol photo)
© Arman Zhenikeyev/Imago
Cooling can help with a throbbing headache.
“A cold arm bath according to Kneipp increases blood circulation in the arms and thus ensures changed circulatory conditions in the upper half of the body.
This circulation-stimulating and refreshing application can be helpful when headaches are accompanied by tiredness and low blood pressure," the doctor told
Apotheken Umschau
.
Headache: Head massage or peppermint oil instead of painkillers
A 30-minute massage can also help with tension headaches, according to a study by the National Headache Foundation.
Those affected can run their fingertips in a circular motion over their temples, one finger width next to their eyebrows.
Breathe in and out deeply and close your eyes.
Editor's note:
The information given in this article does not replace a visit to a doctor.
Only experts can make the right diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy.
The German Migraine and Headache Society recommends the use of peppermint oil as an alternative to painkillers for tension headaches.
The oil should be applied liberally to the forehead and temples.
The cooling effect of the oil can promote blood circulation and relieve discomfort.
(hg)
Rubric list image: © Arman Zhenikeyev/Imago