By Naseerah Nanabhai
13:08:2021

Headaches are an all-too-frequent annoyance. At best, they can make the simplest tasks more complex and at worst, they can have you recuperating in bed for hours. There are different headache disorders, each with varying areas of pain and intensity; some common ones include:

• Migraine: involves intense throbbing pain in one area of the head or neck and can include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vision changes.

• Tension-type headache involves mild to moderate, dull pain and can be described as feeling as a band tightened across your head.

• Cluster headache: causes intense pain, usually on one side of the head or around one eye, and may include nasal discharge and tearing eyes.

• Sinus headaches are secondary headaches due to pressure build-up from inflammation. Generally, it includes a runny nose, swelling in the face, and itchy eyes.

Naturally, headaches can be prevented or relieved using one or more of the following remedies:

• Hydrate: drinking more water and less dehydrated beverages can help prevent and or relieve headaches.

• Use a hot or cold compress: These help numb painful areas and constrict and relax blood vessels. A cold compress is suggested for migraine headaches and a warm one for tension headaches.

• Relaxation techniques: practising breathing exercises is a perfect remedy for cluster headaches.

• Reduce screen time: screen time is believed to cause neck tension which interferes with sleep and causes headaches; thus, taking frequent breaks from your computer or cell phone screen can prevent and relieve headaches.

• Healthy lifestyle: make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy balanced meals and avoid stress to prevent frequent headaches.

These home remedies will help you relieve and prevent headaches naturally. If you experience consistent and severe headaches, you should seek medical attention, which may require medication or lifestyle changes.