Types of headaches, pain management and supplements that may prevent future migraine attacks
When a headache hits, finding relief is the only thing you want. While the so-called “McMigraine Hack” of a diet soda plus french fries sounds like a tasty way to alleviate a headache, there are better ways.
“About one in 10 people are diagnosed with migraine headaches worldwide,” says Lindsey Houghton, MD, neurologist with Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute, part of Jefferson Health. She outlines types of headache pain and what you can do to soothe them.
If you have at least two of these symptoms, a migraine may be on the move:
“People are much more likely to experience additional symptoms with migraine such as nausea, light and sound sensitivity, visual changes, numbness and tingling, language symptoms, vertigo and brain fog,” Dr. Houghton says.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, a tension headache may be taking over:
“The second you notice your symptoms, try to treat it right away to get rid of your headache faster,” Dr. Houghton says.
For tension headaches, Dr. Houghton recommends nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as an initial option for treatment (ibuprofen or naproxen), unless you’ve been advised by your physician to not take them.
Many people who suffer with migraines find that over-the-counter medication does not eliminate their pain fully.
“A good migraine medication is one you take as soon as you notice symptoms, and within two to four hours the headache is completely gone,” Dr. Houghton says.
One of the most common types of medication used to treat migraines is triptans. Some side effects of this medication include feeling tired or feeling heaviness in your shoulders or chest.
“I’m a big supporter of using in-the-moment strategies to help you feel better during a migraine,” says Dr. Houghton. “Some people may want to darken the lights and lie down. Others may find cold caps or peppermint oil as helpful methods to distract them from the pain.”
“Any symptom that is new or frightening should be evaluated,” says Dr. Houghton. “If you haven’t experienced visual symptoms before with your headache such as partial vision loss, head to the emergency room.”
If you’re looking for a preventive approach to help reduce the number of headaches you have and their severity, two supplements may help, though Dr. Houghton advises that you should speak with your doctor before starting either one. Each can cause complications for people with certain conditions, including chronic kidney disease, or interactions with some medications. Commonly recommended doses include:
Migraines or headaches can occur without warning, however there are a few things that may increase your chances of having a headache:
Tired eyes from looking at a screen or even reading for a long time can lead to eyestrain. This can be a cause of tension headaches.
Some people may use blue-light blocking glasses especially if most of their day is spent working on a computer. While studies vary, Dr. Houghton encourages people to use them if they find them helpful. Her No. 1 tip for preventing eyestrain is to move your gaze regularly.
“For every 30 to 60 minutes of sustained use of a computer or looking at a screen, take three to five minutes of visual rest,” says Dr. Houghton. “Go outside if you can or look out a window at the horizon.”
If you’re dehydrated and haven’t eaten enough, that’s a recipe for a headache. Dr. Houghton suggests drinking electrolytes daily. Without them, it’s common to end up with a headache. Electrolytes may not be as exciting as french fries, but they are more effective.
Some research suggests that foods containing nitrites like aged cheeses and processed meats may be migraine triggers. Check out our tips on how to eat better and “un-process” your diet.
While some studies show that caffeine can be helpful to treat headaches, too much of it may increase the number of headaches you have, Dr. Houghton says. Limit your caffeine to 200 milligrams a day (about one or two drinks) and avoid drinking caffeinated beverages after 2 p.m.
When you need relief, curbing your headache with the viral “McMigraine Hack” may cross your mind, especially if you don’t have anything with you to help. The diet soda and french fries combo has become a go-to order for those dealing with a headache because of the caffeine and sodium content.
“This shouldn’t be your go-to form of treatment for migraines. There are medications that are reliable and effective in relieving a headache,” says Dr. Houghton. “But in a pinch, this isn’t an unreasonable thing to try if you’re waiting to see your doctor or haven’t found a medication that works for you.”
