A headache can put a huge wrench into your life, as well as the lives of all the people around you. And they always seem to hit at the worst possible times, don't they?
Stress, eating habits, lack of sleep, depression or even poor posture: The list of triggers is seemingly endless, as is how the time feels when you suffer through a headache.
Find out what to do when it's more than just a bad headache.
There are about 300 types of headaches, but only 10 percent of them have a known cause, say experts at Harvard Medical School. But it's worth a try to rid yourself of this common menace. That's why we've scoured the Internet to find the best in relief.
Because when a headache strikes, RELIEF is what everyone wants.
For when someone says to you, "Maybe it's your sinuses …"
If your forehead (especially behind and between the eyes) and the area above your nose is announcing itself with pain and pressure, is tender to the touch or hurts more when you bend over or lie down, you could have clogged sinuses. Wrap your achy head in this microwaveable heating or cooling pad for some soothing and plush relief.
For when your headache is a big fat pain in the neck …
Sometimes, headaches can be related to neck problems or poor posture. Those suboccipital muscles at the base of your skull can fight back and become tense and tender, sending pain upward. Take a time out with a cervical pillow like this one. It can help stretch, relax and decompress those pesky muscles and send discomfort packing.
For when you don't want to look on the bright side …
A headache can render the most dimly lit room brilliantly—and irritatingly—illuminated. If you suffer from photophobia (translation: light sensitivity or abnormal and extreme sensitivity to light) and all you want to do is throw a pillow over your head, try this pillowcase sleep mask, which literally allows you do to that and more.
For when the pain feels like it's before your very eyes …
Headaches can come from eyestrain, and if you work at a desk and use a computer, that can be the culprit. Some self-care measures like blinking often to refresh your eyes, adjusting your screen settings, adjusting your monitor so that it's directly in front of you (and about an arm's length away) can help. So can over-the-counter artificial tears. they can help prevent and relieve dry eyes which may be contributing to your headaches.
For when a remedy is essential …
Essential oils can be a helpful home remedy for headache relief and are shown by a number of studies to be beneficial. Among the oils that get thumbs-up: lavender, rosemary, peppermint, chamomile and eucalyptus. Make sure to dilute the oil you choose with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, before applying it to your skin.
