How To Subdue Recurring Headaches?

Headaches are a common problem affecting people of all ages. They arise due to various reasons- stress; poor neck position/ work ergonomics, overwork, degenerative changes in spine etc. Many other medical conditions such as infections, trauma, sinus problems, strokes etc. may contribute to or cause headaches.

Quite often the headaches tend to reoccur and are addressed as recurrent headaches. Headaches which persist for a long time are called chronic headaches. Depending on the severity and frequency, they may adversely affect the quality of life and in extreme cases can be quite disabling. Recurrent headaches are even more troublesome as they strike without warning not giving you the opportunity to plan your life.

There are several self measures that you can implement to reduce/control these headaches. One often underestimates the importance of simple measures but these can go a long way in helping control your headaches. These are to be used in combination with other measures suggested by your pain specialist and include the following:

A. General lifestyle modifications

1. Regulation of sleep cycle: Having a regular sleeping and wake up time can regulate the sleep cycle and help reduce the headaches. The environment of the bedroom is equally important as a dark, quiet and comfortable place will help you fall asleep sooner.

2. Unwind before going off to sleep: It is useful to wind down prior to going to bed. Some find a hot bath relaxing. Avoid watching TV in bed prior to going off to sleep.

3. Avoiding dehydration: Dehydration can by itself trigger headaches and make pre-existing headaches worse.

4. Regulating meal times: This reduces the chances of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which can trigger headaches. Avoid eating late and heavy meals.

5. Identifying triggers and precipitating factors: These may vary from individual to individual. From food items to flashing lights to watching TV to stress and season changes can all precipitate headaches. The triggers are numerous and you are the best person to identify and avoid these.

6. Regulating tea and coffee intake: Checking the daily intake of tea and coffee is important. Avoid having these drinks after early evening.

7. Give up smoking

8. Stress management and relaxation strategies: Managing your stress and relaxing your mind and body helps amazingly in getting rid of the headache. Apart from these measures, your pain specialist can help you further by using medicines and other interventions as required.

A. Medications: Medicines can be used either at the time of headaches to abort the acute attacks or as a preventative measure to reduce the chances of developing an acute episode. The preventative medicines are generally used for frequent/continuous headaches. Remember medications should be used under medical supervision as frequent or inappropriate usage can not only be dangerous but can also become a cause of headaches. This is known as Medication Overuse Headache. The different medicines used for recurrent headaches are:

1. Anti-seizure medicines: Several anti-seizure medicines help in the prevention different types of recurrent/chronic headaches including migraine.

2. Antidepressants: These medications, besides the pain relieving effects can also have other beneficial effects like reducing anxiety and sleep disturbances. Different drugs from different classes (such as Tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, etc) may be selected depending on your individual situation.

3. Beta blockers: Beta blockers, commonly used in management of high blood pressure and heart problems, help to prevent migraine-related headaches.

4. NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used over the counter medications which can help to reduce headaches. With prolonged use and in certain high risk groups they can produce significant side effects; hence it is best to use them under medical supervision.

B. Interventions: The list of interventions for recurrent headaches is long. These are used when simple measures such as life style changes and medications are not effective. The type of interventions used will depend on your diagnosis and may include nerve blocks, neck joint injections, radiofrequency treatment, botulinium toxin injections, etc.

Botulinum toxin: Onabotulinum toxin A or Botox injections can be used to get relief from recurrent headaches (especially migraines) and are used when routine medications are not effective.

C. Complementary & Alternative therapies: These include:

1. Acupuncture: This involves the use of thin needles, inserted at specific points along certain channels in the body for the purpose of pain relief.

2. Massage therapy: Massage therapy reduces stress and provides relaxation. It can help relieve tight areas/spasms in the muscles and provides relief.

3. Meditation and relaxation therapy

4. Herbs and nutrients: Several organic herbs help in preventing migraine headaches and reduce the intensity of headaches. In deficiency states, vitamin and mineral supplements can help to reduce headaches.

You should seek medical advice before embarking on any of these modalities.