| Some headache sufferers swear by a brisk walk | | | | making your own pack from ice cubes, put them |
| in the cold air to clear their heads. For others, this | | | | in a strong plastic bag and then wrap in a towel |
| would be a trigger to bring on a humdinger that | | | | as before. |
| would fell an elephant. Some leap into a hot | | | | In either case, don't leave the cold pack on for |
| shower at the first sign of a headache. For | | | | more than half an hour. You can always apply it |
| others, this would be just the thing to bring one | | | | again after a short rest. |
| on. | | | | Cool your brain with ice cream! |
| Both hot and cold treatments can be hugely | | | | You know that piercing headache that you get |
| effective with bringing relief from headaches. | | | | when you eat an ice cream? Some people call it |
| Some people prefer hot, some cold and some like | | | | 'brain freeze'. It's not very comfortable but only |
| to alternate. This is such an individual thing. You | | | | lasts for a short time and is a great way to cool |
| have to cautiously experiment and find out what | | | | your brain down. It can stop a bad headache and |
| works for you. | | | | can prevent a migraine developing further by |
| Why do hot and cold work so well? | | | | cooling down the hypothalamus of your brain. This |
| It's all to do with the muscles and the blood | | | | area is thought to be involved with the creation |
| vessels. Many headache pains are caused by | | | | of migraines. |
| enlarged blood vessels pressing on surrounding | | | | Got your ice cream ready? Put a spoonful of ice |
| nerves. Applying something cold to the area can | | | | cream right into the back of your mouth. Keep it |
| help to constrict those vessels, reducing their | | | | there with your tongue until it melts. If it becomes |
| diameter and lessening the pounding headache. | | | | uncomfortable you'll have to swallow it and try |
| Some headaches are caused by tension and | | | | again. |
| anxiety. This tightens up the muscles which then | | | | What is the best hot or cold pack to buy? |
| pinch nerves and enlarge blood vessels. Applying | | | | If you've decided to go for a hot, or cold pack, or |
| cold or heat to them (or alternating between the | | | | both so that you can alternate, there are many |
| two) can loosen them up, releasing the pinched | | | | to choose from. They range from simple stick-on |
| nerves and calming down the blood vessels. | | | | cold forehead patches, to squashy rectangular |
| Diversion tactics | | | | packs and fully fitted masks. Take some time to |
| Another great way to use get rid of a headache | | | | decide which will be best for you. |
| is to sit and soak your feet and ankles in a bowl | | | | I'm too busy to stop and apply a pack. What can |
| or bucket of hot water. This works because the | | | | I do? |
| heat dilates, or enlarges the blood vessels in your | | | | This is a common problem for full-time workers |
| feet and legs and helps to draw the blood away | | | | and moms at home with small children. But |
| from the head. This releases pressure and calms | | | | remember, this is a damage limitation exercise. If |
| the headache. | | | | that headache or migraine gets a grip, you will be |
| You may find this even more effective if you | | | | out of action, no matter how busy you are. |
| apply cold to your forehead and temples at the | | | | There are cold packs available in the form of a |
| same time. This is because it will stop the heat | | | | band that you wear around your forehead and |
| from the foot-bath heating up your head as well - | | | | temples. They fasten with velcro, so you can put |
| which is what we're trying to avoid. When you're | | | | it on...and carry on. |
| finished, put on some thick, fluffy socks, to keep | | | | My neck and shoulders are so tight and giving me |
| your feet warm and keep the blood flow diverting | | | | a headache |
| away from your head. | | | | Try a moist heat neck wrap. It may help to |
| Note of caution | | | | relieve that tension. |
| If you don't own a cold pack - or you are trying | | | | My headache is from dental problems or TMJ |
| out the different variations before investing in | | | | Try a cold wrap that sits under your chin and |
| one, be careful how you apply cold. | | | | fastens over the top of your head. |
| A bag of frozen peas is ideal as it has a soothing | | | | My whole head is throbbing and hot. Help! |
| weight to it and it molds to your face, neck or | | | | Invest in a cooling ice pillow. These are also great |
| head. Be sure to wrap it in a cloth or thin towel to | | | | for menopausal women or those on tamoxifen, |
| avoid getting 'freezer burn' on your skin. If you're | | | | who suffer from hot flashes and night sweats. |