Headache Helpers

Lights are flashing, before your eyes,
With shapes you cannot recognize.
Your temples throb; your eyeballs pound,
But no one else can hear a sound.
Your body seems all racked with pain;
Here comes another bad migraine!

Anyone who's had a migraine headache knows exactly what no one else can ever understand.

Your head throbs. Your neck and back ache. Your stomach is queasy, and your body thermostat has gone haywire. Your hands and feet are chilly, although your forehead is on fire.

Look out! It's a full-blown migraine. Sure, you knew it was coming, the minute your vision began to change, and you saw blurry rings around bright objects. But now it has rocked your world, at least for today.

What can you do? Here are ten practical steps you can try.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Of course, medicines may help. For many, Excedrin often does the trick, if it's taken soon enough.

Nourishment

An empty stomach and low blood sugar are co-conspirators with this nasty vascular headache. When you do eat, watch out for salty foods, chocolate, fermented items, and MSG!

Compresses for Comfort

Try hot and cold compresses to see what works for you. If you can, try to lie down, and place a warm washcloth or heating pad on your forehead. An ice pack (at the base of your neck) may provide relief.

Lights Out

Darkness and quiet are good for migraine. In fact, they are exactly what you crave. If you cannot confine yourself to a dark room, try wearing sunglasses, even indoors.

Ointments and Creams

Try a topical treatment! Ben-Gay, Sports Creme, Icy-Hot or other menthol-heat creams can give you some comfort.

Oxygen

Fresh air helps a lot! Take a walk outside, and breathe deeply. Get your heart pumping and your blood moving. If you must drive, roll down the window and let the air blow against your forehead. (Some headache clinics actually experiment with oxygen therapy.)

Hydration

Drink lots of water. Even mild dehydration can trigger terrible headaches. Also, water will flush out your system and make you feel better. Did you ever notice how, just as a headache is dissipating, you have to make water? This is the first sign that you are feeling better!

Steam

A hot bath or shower can soothe a migraine. Let the steam penetrate your sinuses. Use water jets, if you have them. Eucalyptus bath products work wonders for migraines. Hot tubs and jacuzzis may offer headache relief as well.

Caffeine

Caffeine may help, because it actually constricts the blood vessels in your brain. This may relieve some of the pressure. Beware of caffeine, however, after mid-afternoon. No migraine sufferer wants to lose sleep! Also, watch out for rebound headaches, once the caffeine wears off. However, if you simply must complete your day, caffeine may help you stave off your suffering until you can get home and recover.

Rest

Sleep, if you can! That's the best remedy of all!