Neurology-Online

Headache therapy

introduction

Almost all of us have had a headache at some point. Everyone knows this feeling and how disruptive it can be. Usually it is the most common form, tension headache. It can manifest itself as a dull pain in the neck area that spreads to the back of the head, as pain in the forehead area or as pain in the entire head.

The second most common type of headache is migraine, typically one-sided and often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. Another common type of headache is cluster headache. If you have a new severe headache, you should see a doctor and clarify the cause.

There are these therapy options:

Move! Sport plays a big role in tension headaches. Regular back fitness, swimming, yoga or endurance sports can make the pain go away and even prevent it.
Improvement of conditions in the workplace: e.g. an ergonomic chair, correct placement of the screen, consideration of light and noise conditions, etc.
Coping with stress through relaxation techniques: e.g. Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation. Massages can also relieve the pain.
A balanced diet with adequate fluid intake. Large amounts of coffee or alcohol should be avoided.
Acute therapy with peppermint oil on the temples or pain relievers such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or ASA. For a maximum of 10 days per month, if you have chronic pain, you should definitely see a doctor.

Home remedies for headaches

There are several home remedies that we can try at home for headaches. Peppermint oil is a very effective alternative to pain relievers. It can be applied extensively to the temples and forehead with a light massage. Warmth can also be very helpful, e.g. to relax the neck muscles. You can use a warm cherry stone pillow, a warm towel or a warm shower. The cold can sometimes help with a throbbing headache. Another pain reliever is willow bark. It contains Salicin derivativesthat are converted to salicylic acid. This is the basic ingredient of aspirin and has the same effect.

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These drugs can help

Several preparations are available for acute drug therapy: acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 500-1000 mg, paracetamol 500-1000 mg, ibuprofen 200-400 mg, naproxen 500-1000 mg or metamizole 500-1000 mg. These dosages represent a single dose. The maximum daily dose is different for each drug and should be observed. There are also combination products with 250 mg acetylsalicylic acid, 250 mg paracetamol and 65 mg caffeine. The pain medication also has side effects that one should be aware of. ASA is a blood thinner, ibuprofen should not be given in case of kidney failure, paracetamol is broken down by the liver and should not be taken in case of liver disease, in case of doubt you should always clarify the intake with your doctor or family doctor. In the case of stomach ulcers, regular pain medication or simultaneous use of cortisone, a stomach protection tablet (Pantoprazole) are taken in addition. It is important not to take the pain medication for more than 10 days a month, as this can also cause a headache, the so-called Analgesic headache. If the headache persists, you should see a doctor. In the acute phase of cluster headache, inhalation of 100% oxygen or ingestion of serotonin receptor antagonists such as B. Sumatriptan.

In the case of chronic tension headache, no typical painkillers are used, but e.g. certain antidepressants. The typical pain medication is not used as a migraine prophylaxis, but e.g. Metoprolol or Topimarat. The best drug pain therapy suitable for the respective headache should be prescribed by the attending physician, always paying attention to the dosage and the type of ingestion. For headache attacks or episodic headaches, suitable medication should be discussed in consultation with the attending physician.

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Relaxation techniques for headaches

A conscious relaxation of the muscles and the psyche can be very helpful for tension headaches. A well-known technique is Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation, which is based on the conscious tension and relaxation of certain muscle groups. This way you can focus your attention on your body again and train your relaxation.You can learn this technique as part of a course, but also independently. EMG biofeedback is also used as a relaxation technique. The principle is similar, here too you should consciously tense and relax the muscles. However, the states of the muscles are displayed visually by a device.

Also read our topic: Biofeedback training

Acupuncture for headaches

Acupuncture is an alternative healing method from traditional Chinese medicine. Pain or illnesses are treated by using needles. The basic idea is that the life energy of the body (Qi) runs in certain paths along the body on the skin. Disturbances in these pathways can be remedied by stitches with needles and thus treat the pain or the disease. There is still no scientific understanding of this method and, in the case of tension headache, only a low level of evidence. However, it is recognized as supportive therapy and can provide pain relief in some diseases.

Read more on this topic: Acupuncture for headaches

Osteopathy for headaches

Osteopathy belongs to the field of alternative medicine and originally comes from the USA. The basis of this therapeutic procedure consists in the context of all body structures and their functions. The main focus is on the musculoskeletal system, which is examined and treated exclusively with the hands. Tension, blockages or hardening are searched for and these are resolved again using certain manual techniques. In Germany, however, there is no standardized training to become an osteopath and therefore this professional title is not protected. One should be particularly careful with jerky movements of the cervical spine, since there are very important vessels that could be damaged.

movement and sport

To prevent tension headaches, the main priority is endurance sports. This includes, for example, cycling, swimming or running. This should also take place regularly, about two to three times a week. Other sports such as yoga, Pilates or back fitness can also be of great benefit to strengthen the back muscles. There are also many short neck and shoulder exercises that you can do in between at work. The most important thing is to start exercising and to find a routine for yourself.

For more information, see: Endurance sports

Avoid triggers

Almost more important than short-term therapy is good headache prophylaxis. To do this, it is very important to identify the triggers and avoid them. As mentioned above, tension in the neck and back muscles is often a trigger for tension headaches. This can be avoided through regular endurance sports and also through relaxation techniques. Adequate fluid intake is important, as is reduced coffee and alcohol consumption. Getting enough sleep and ergonomic working conditions are other important factors.