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Almost all headaches respond to lifestyle changes. Specific recommendations are suggested to limit the number or intensity of each type of headache.
Exercise helps control stress and can decrease the number and intensity of headaches.
For more information on starting a regular exercise program, click here .
Poor posture contributes to tension headaches. Do not slouch. Hold the phone, rather than cradling it on your shoulder, or use a headset. Consider seeing a physical or occupational therapist for posture tips more specific to your individual situation.
Stress can contribute to a headache. A mental health professional can work with you to develop stress management skills and learn relaxation techniques. The counselor may be able to help you identify events that trigger the headaches and work toward resolutions.
For more information on reducing stress, click here .
Overuse of analgesics (pain relievers) can aggravate your headache. Therefore, avoid excess use of these drugs.
Maintaining regular sleep routines will help you fall asleep. Sleep helps decrease tension and irritability.
For more information on getting a good night of sleep, click here .
Regular breaks help prevent your muscles from tightening up and can decrease stress.
Identifying what triggers migraines and what relieves them will help your doctor and you develop a plan to manage your migraines.
Stress can contribute to a headache. A mental health professional can work with you to develop stress management skills and learn relaxation techniques.
For more information on reducing stress, click here .
Exercise helps control stress. Regular swimming and walking can decrease the number and intensity of migraine headaches. However, exercise can trigger a migraine attack in certain individuals.
For more information on starting a regular exercise program, click here .
Some foods bring on migraines. These may include:
If low blood sugar precedes your migraines, eating small amounts of food more frequently may help prevent your blood sugar from dropping.
Sleeping and waking at regular times may help prevent headaches.
Seek out a doctor who is a headache specialist and work together to devise a plan for treatment of acute headaches and preventive treatment.
Even a small amount of alcohol can trigger a headache during a cluster period.
Stress can contribute to a headache. A mental health professional can work with you to develop stress management skills and learn relaxation techniques.
For more information on reducing stress, click here .
Tobacco may interfere with medication to relieve the headache.
For more information on quitting smoking, click here .
During cluster periods avoid:
This can be done by:
Allergic reactions increase the amount of secretions in and swelling of the nasal passages, which can lead to sinusitis .
Medical management of allergies and upper respiratory infections helps prevent sinusitis. If you are prone to sinus problems, ask your doctor about using a decongestant before air travel. A decongestant will help keep nasal passages open.
Hand washing helps prevent colds and other infections passed from the hand to the nose, mouth, or eyes. Colds increase the amount of secretions in and swelling of the nasal passages, which can lead to sinusitis.
For more information on washing your hands properly, click here .
Alcohol can cause swelling of nasal and sinus tissues.
Do not smoke; tobacco may interfere with medication to relieve the headache. Also, avoid second-hand smoke and polluted air.
For more information on quitting smoking, click here .
If you know that either your birth control pill or a vasodilator drug can trigger a migraine attack, let your doctor know so that an alternative treatment can be given.
Contact your doctor if your headaches do not respond to lifestyle changes and prescribed medications.
References
Headache—frequently asked questions. National Headache Foundation website. Available at: http://www.headaches.org/education/Tools_for_Sufferers/Headache_-_Frequently_Asked_Questions . Accessed September 11, 2008.
NINDS headache information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ . Updated July 2008. Accessed September 11, 2008.
Last reviewed July 2008 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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