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Page 26
Treatments for Headaches
Despite taking preventive measures, almost everyone gets a headache sometimes. Here are some suggestions for immediate headache relief. Ice packs are among the most effective nondrug treatments. The earlier an ice pack is used to treat a headache, the better. Besides applying it to the painful area, try placing it on the back of the neck, forehead and temples.
For tension headache.
Try heat or ice packs, a hot shower and rest. Take a break from a stressful situation.
For migraine.
Sleep. Take a nap in a dark, quiet room. Press an ice pack to the back of your neck and apply gentle pressure to painful scalp areas.
Over the long term try these steps:
   Control triggers. See page 35
   Keep a headache calendar to help identify those factors that cause your headaches so you can avoid them.
   Limit the use of pain relievers.
   If you smoke, quit. Smoking may bring on either a migraine or a cluster headache and increase its intensity.
   Manage stress. Exercise regularly. However, if physical activity brings on a migraine, make sure you first warm up slowly.
Sometimes depression, anxiety or other kinds of emotional problems are associated with chronic and severe headaches. In fact headaches can be an important marker

 
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