Headaches - any suggestions on getting rid of them?

Question

I woke up with one this morning, sometimes fresh air help - but not this morning. My job involves sitting in front of a computer all day, and yes I have my eyes tested regularly - just a few weeks ago was the last time.

I can NOT take anything that contains asprin or paracetamol, as this makes me really ill.

aimeeshopaholic - sex is NOT a good idea, as my desk is right in the middle of the office, and my partners is miles away working as a Bus Driver

To all the people who have suggested 4Head Stick that you rub on your temples- I have tried it before and unfortunately it had little or no affect

Answer 1

a really good tip i use is pull gently on your ear lobes...

Also, drink plenty of water, the most common cause of headaches is dehydration

hope you feel better soon

x x x

Answer 2

You said that sometimes fresh air helps. What about your sinuses? Mold, mildew, dust mites can be anywhere and quite invisible in the cleanest-looking areas. If you look at a diagram, you'll see that the sinus cavities are all around your eye area.

I agree with the water, and trying most of the other remedies (try anything til you find a cure, right?) Surprisingly, if you cut out sugar, after 3 days you won't be running for the ladies' room every 10 minutes.

Bookstores, teaching supply stores, maybe drugstores sell plastic diagrams of the body: skeleton, muscles and where they attach, etc.
If you woke up with the headache, it could be tension of the neck muscles building up from lack of stretching (I won't go into emotional tension). Try a couple of sessions with a massage therapist. You may discover hidden tension spots at the base of your skull and in your whole back. Since a massage IS expensive, pay attention, and see if you, hubby and/or a long-handled vibrating massager with a 6" diameter ball-ish pancake at the end that you can buy in a drugstore can massage away any knots in neck muscles or the tendons that attach the muscles to the base of your skull and down lower. Learn how to "roll" your head to massage neck and, shoulder muscles. Look at that chart.

Place the palms of each hand firmly on either side of your skull, then one on forehead, one on base of skull. Have one hand go up while the other goes down. Can you move your scalp side-to-side, diagonally, sort of sliding it over the bone? If you can't, your body is holding on to too much tension.

I find that taking off my bra works wonders after a long day - the straps give me a headache that I hardly notice coming on, but relief is almost instantaneous. No help AT work, unless you have a cubby and can discretely slip the straps down your arms a bit. Not very comfortable and the stress of being caught out can balance out the benefit!

In the time that I've sat here at the computer, I've just had to roll my head around like a stringless puppet. At first, I hear squishing sounds. I repeat a minute or so apart until I don't hear anything and I find that I feel better, even my eyes.

Answer 3

There is noting worse than a pounding headache when you have to work drink plenty of water the headache could be caused by dehydration and try to take a break from looking at the computer screen every now and then.

I bought the cooling patches that you use for headaches I cant remember the name of them but they come in strips and you can get them in any chemist, you cut them to size and out them on your forehead ore temples but in work I put it at the back of my neck so noboyd can see it, I find these a great help with my headaches.

Also you can buy a spray that help soothe the headache

Answer 4

A cold compress to the head usually does the trick for me. I find the colder the better. Try an icepack (maybe wrapped in a teatowel if that's too cold). Of course you can't really sit at your desk at work with this though.

If it's your computer giving you a headache, you should make sure you have periodic breaks, and look at something else, even if it's just to stare off into the middle distance.

Answer 5

ADVIL - it works.

I used to suffer from the same thing - constant headaches all the time. For me, i only use Tylenol when i'm sick, or have a cold, and my temp's not right where it should be. It's a fever reducer...and heck, i just learnt today lookin at the advil box, that is too.

So, look into that. Especially the Liqui-gels, they work wonders =)

If you can't afford the Advil, look into any form of ibuprofen at LEAST 200 mg's in strength. They Do come higher, but, i dunno if it's prescription only. I remember when i had a dentist pull my wisdom tooth, i had to get an ibuprofen prescription - 800 mg's a tab....2 at a time...omg, i saw colours that week lol.

Answer 6

Try lavender oil. A few drops on each temple will do the trick. And massage very gently with circular movements. Hope it works for you.

You may also consider your posture, as sitting badly often causes back and neck problems which can lead to tension headaches. Try one of those foot rest things under your desk - it helps you sit correctly which may help ease your headaches.

Answer 7

As sitting in front of the computer all day can cause those neck muscles to become sore and stiff, I started wearing a magnetic necklace and I don't have problems anymore. The magnets help increase circulation. I wear it all the time now, even at night, and I don't wake up with my neck stiff in the morning either.
http://www.yourwellnesshome.net/headachemigraine.html

Answer 8

you could try looking at your posture at work is the computer chair the correct height

how old is your mattress and pillows i know that an old matress can cause backache i guess it is possible it could cause headaches

have you changed your diet recently i know if i have too much cheese coffee marmite or chocolate i get headaches ( there are other dietry related triggers for headaches)

are you under any extra stress recently (good or bad stress)

if they continue and you cant find a cause may be worth a visit to the doctor he/she should be able to prescribed something if needed

good luck

Answer 9

Sometimes headaches are caused by dehydration. Drink loads of water throughout the day and see if it helps. I find it works at least 60% of the time. No harmful drugs or additives either!

Answer 10

In order to understand what may be causing your headache, we have to know where the headache is. Back, front,sides or top of head. If in the front, it could be sinus allergy or infection. If in the back - may be neck muscle spasms or tension. Ibuprofen can help. If headaches persist - see a doctor.

Answer 11

I learned that eating certain foods set mine off, oranges, dark chocolate were the main things. Could it be something you eat or drink? Make sure your room isnt too hot at night, have some air circulating the room. Have you tried that headache stick that your rub on your forehead? its really good.