Recurring headaches can be one of the most difficult things to deal with. You never know when they’re going to happen or how bad they’re going to be. If you have frequent, recurring headaches, fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent them. Here are just a few options.
1. Consider visiting a chiropractor.
If the bones in your neck and upper back are out of whack, that can cause stress and tension in your neck and head. A chiropractor can find these issues and adjust them, reducing the frequency and intensity of the headaches. You may only need a single visit to start feeling better.
2. Be aware of stress.
We don’t even realize it, but stress can have a negative impact on our physical bodies. Be aware of times that are particularly stressful in your day or week, and see if it corresponds to the headaches. Do they happen more often? Are they worse? If there does seem to be a connection, learn some stress-managing techniques and do them as soon as you feel a headache coming on. If they are brought up on by stress and tension, they will disappear when you reign in your stress.
3. Exercise regularly and sleep well.
Lack of exercise and sleep both contribute to frequent headaches. Taking care of the rest of your body can often make a difference. Make sure you’re getting 20-30 minutes of exercise a day and 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you regularly get less, it might be time to make a change in your schedule. Working this into your life can not only reduce headaches, but you’ll feel more energetic and healthier overall.
4. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever.
It may take a couple of tries to find the headache medication that works for you. Start with some basic non-prescription options. Take one dose as soon as you feel any indication that a headache is going to start – slight pressure as the base of your neck, an aching in your eyes. If this does not help prevent it, you can consider asking your doctor for a prescription for something stronger.
5. Use face massage.
Learn how to massage your face, head, and neck to relieve tension. Do this on a regular basis, but do it especially when you are in the midst of a headache. It helps to relax the muscles that are clenching and making your head hurt.
These are some easy ways to prevent most headaches before they arrive and treat the ones that make it through. If none of these methods relieve your headaches, or if they get worse, you should make sure and consult a doctor, as there may be an underlying cause that can be treated with medical help. For most people, however, these tried-and-true methods do the trick. Give them a shot and see what it’s like to live without headaches.