#headache hacks

[my-life-with-migraine]

[spoonhacks]

Headache Hacks

I have a headache so you’re getting a headache post! Not all headaches are the same or have the same cause but since I get a variety, I am a little bit of an expert. Here are some things that help: 1. You need to eat in order to take ibuprofen or your other favorite pain reliever. This is because these drugs irritate the stomach lining and you really don’t need to be more nauseous. Every time I think I can skip this step, I’m wrong. This doesn’t mean you need to eat a meal, just a little bit to cushion the blow. Foods that I can manage to get down at times like this: a small bit of fruit (probably not something acidic like citrus), cucumber (also contains vitamins and minerals that can help fight your headache, try it with a little salt), a spoonful of yogurt, applesauce. 2. Take your ibuprofen or other over the counter pain killer. Aspirin used to work better for me and now it doesn’t. Dealer’s choice. Tylenol is mostly for fever reduction and not for pain, so I’d say that’s the least effective for headaches. 3. If you have sensitivity to light/sound, try to find a quiet, dark place in your house to lie down. My bedroom doesn’t get 100% dark so sometimes this is the bathroom with pillows and blankets on the floor. If it’s less severe and you’re at your computer, at least dim your screen to be a little easier on yourself. 4. Hydrate. Sometimes if I have a migraine or other nauseous headache I can’t keep water down but I can keep down gatorade. I’m not sure why, but it works. Keep some on hand for occasions such as this. I have heard Pedialyte is good also but I haven’t personally tried it. 5. Try an ice pack. I like to hold one against the blood vessels on the sides of my head, over my eyes, or on the back of my neck depending upon the headache. 6. Take a bath. Something about the steam helps even if it’s not a sinus headache. Applying heat to your legs and feet also helps get the blood out of your head and into the rest of your body again where it belongs. 7. Floss your teeth. I know this is a weird one but if my headache involves my jaw/face, this seems to help. I’m guessing it stimulates your gums somehow? Maybe a blood flow thing. 8. Have a cup of coffee or other caffeine. This obviously assumes you are in good enough shape to keep it down. I usually go for coffee at the tail end of my headache. Some over the counter pain killers also come with caffeine in them, so that’s an all-in-one option. Caffeine constricts your blood vessels and can help relieve headache pain. 9. Use hydrating eyedrops. I dunno why, man, just do it. They help, especially if your headache includes behind-the-eyes pain.

10. Smoke some weed. Strains with a high CBD ratio are best for pain. This can also help with nausea. 11. Massage. Have someone rub your neck/temples/shoulders or wherever you need it. You can also do this yourself. Sometimes I rub my orbits (eye sockets) as well. Listen to your body to know where to press. I use a lot of pressure, but you will know best how hard to press and where. Sometimes a tennis ball on the floor is helpful for neck pain. Thanks for coming to my Headtalk. Feel free to add your own tips!