If you’re one of the unlucky few who experience headaches on a regular basis, you have probably been briefed by your doctor about what can trigger migraines and other forms of headaches. Once you’ve identified which triggers apply to you, it’s only normal to begin avoiding these triggers. What most people who suffer from severe and chronic headaches don’t know is that there are certain headache and migraine triggers that are actually quite helpful in relieving the pain or even prevent headaches from occurring.
Trigger Turned Cure
Aside from taking Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), there are other ways to soothe the pain caused by a migraine or other forms of headaches. In some cases, the food, activities, or situations that can trigger a headache for some people are also the same things that can help other headache sufferers. Since headache triggers are not the same for everyone, it would be safe to try these remedies if they’re not the cause of your headaches. Here are 5 headache triggers that can double as cures.
- Extreme Temperatures – Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, extreme temperatures can cause headaches. Some people experience pain in hot conditions, while others react to cold weather. However, during a migraine attack, using these same conditions can help soothe it. Using hot or cold compress can help relieve the pain and discomfort felt during a migraine attack.
- Exercise – Exertion headaches aren’t common, but when they do occur, it can be very unpleasant. A lot of people who suffer from exertion headaches usually do so after a long run or a rigorous workout. For other people, on the other hand, a regular exercise routine improves blood flow to the brain and prevents the occurrence of migraines.
- Sleep – Taking a nap in the afternoon can disrupt our regular sleep patterns and a lot of people who sleep too much or don’t get enough sleep at night often get migraines when they wake up. Those who suffer from migraines, however, find that taking a nap in a dark and quiet room during the onset of the headache can help prevent it from progressing any further.
- Orgasm – There are certain people who experience another form of exertion headaches that occur right before or during orgasm. These headaches occur suddenly and are very severe. Most cases are benign, but they can also be signs of an underlying condition such as bleeding in the brain. For others, having sex and experiencing orgasm upon a migraine’s onset can stop it from turning into a full blown headache.
- Caffeinated Food and Beverages – One common migraine trigger is caffeine. This is why a lot of people are laying off the coffee, cola and other food items that may contain caffeine. On the other hand, caffeine is also known to be a good pain reliever aid, and some over-the-counter headache and migraine medication also contain a small amount of caffeine to help amplify the drug’s effects.
Just like these triggers don’t apply to everyone who suffers a migraine, these remedies may not work for some people. The best thing to do is to consult a doctor to ask what home remedies and cures are safe for them to use.