However, a doctor has revealed that there could be a couple of symptoms that point to a "deadly" headache, and that you might have to seek medical help for the agonizing pain.
Dr. Michael Munger, the president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, explained that if you have more than two headaches a week for three weeks, you might need to consult a healthcare professional. He cautioned that, while you don't need to panic since this scenario doesn't necessarily guarantee a medical emergency, it could hint at "a potential medical problem."
Dr. Munger shared that consulting a healthcare professional will help you identify the root cause of the headache. (Related: Holistic treatment for tension headaches: Manage pain, regain functionality and quality of life with aerobic exercise and Body Awareness Therapy.)
He advised that it's not good to simply endure the headaches, which is the case with some of his patients who often complain about their headaches. Sometimes, a headache, which is "widely considered the worst kind of pain," can be the symptom of another condition such as a brain tumor or an aneurysm.
Dr. Munger added that this only happens in rare cases and that people shouldn't overreact, although it's just as bad to underreact to the possible causes of headaches.
Nauman Tariq, director of the Headache Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, advised that patients shouldn't use painkillers all the time. Even though over-the-counter drugs may seem safe, they can be a health hazard after long-term or frequent use. According to various studies, aside from causing ulcers, kidney problems, and liver damage, over-the-counter painkillers might even be worse for headaches.
Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) believe that at least 50 percent of the adult population "endures at least one headache" annually, such as migraines, sinus headaches, and tension headaches. These headaches can last at least several hours, but they either go away on their own or with the use of over-the-counter medication.
Sufferers must also consult a general practitioner (GP) if they are plagued with headaches that can't be eased with painkillers. Keep in mind that if you're suffering from a headache accompanied by blurry vision, drowsiness, or a sore scalp, you must call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
The National Health Service (NHS) explained that headaches are sometimes caused by cold or flu, which are common illnesses during winter. The NHS added that other possible causes of "agonizing headaches" include dehydration, eyesight problems, overuse of painkillers, and stress.
Last November, research findings determined that headaches cause more suffering than the pain felt in other parts of the body. Researchers from Duke University shared that discomfort always feels "worse in the head," even if you feel the same force in another part of your body. The scientists also identified "a previously unknown network of nerves" which send pain signals from the heads directly to the part of the brain that processes emotion.
Natural remedies for headaches
If you're looking for natural remedies for headaches, skip the painkillers and try some of the options below:
- Basil – This herb is a muscle relaxant and is used to treat mild headaches caused by tense muscles. Basil also has calming and analgesic effects. You can make basil tea by putting three to four basil leaves in a cup of boiling water. Let this simmer for a couple of minutes, and you can add honey before drinking the tea.
- Ginger – Ginger can help reduce the inflammation of blood vessels in the head, which offers relief from a headache. A mixture of equal parts ginger juice and lemon juice consumed once or twice a day can help ease headaches.
- Lavender oil – The soothing scent of lavender essential oil helps relieve tension headaches, and it can also improve migraine symptoms. Apply a couple of drops of lavender essential oil on a tissue and inhale it.
- Mint juice – Menthol and menthone, the primary components of mint, can help alleviate headaches. Extract mint juice from a handful of mint leaves and apply it on the forehead and temples to ease headaches.
You can read more articles about herbal medicine and other natural cures at Healing.news.
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