Ouch! This summer I had sinus headaches for the first time in ages. In the past I've had migraines. So this got me thinking about that most ordinary ailment.
13 facts about headaches.
1. It's estimated that 96% of adult Americans have at least one headache a year.
2. Most common is the tension headache, characterized by pressure starting at the temples and wrapping around the head.
3. For tension headaches, most of us reach for Advil (ibuprofen). This could be because we already have it on hand. Advil is also popular for muscle aches, menstrual cramps and arthritis, as well. I know I also have prescription strength ibuprofen in my cabinet for relief after my dental work.
4. Deep breathing and meditation have been effective for tension headaches. They don't work for me, but I think that's because the inside of my head is like an old-school pinball machine and I have a hard time quieting it.
5. Sinus headaches became my new and not-at-all-welcome companions. For me they were triggered by allergies. They can also be viral or bacterial.
6. Antibiotics are often necessary to cure bacterial sinus headaches. Neti pots and saline sprays are popular for the other types. I treat mine with Allegra (fexofenadine).
7. Migraines are so prevalent and debilitating that there's actually an American Migraine Foundation. They refer to migraines as, "a disabling disease that affects over 40 million people in the United States."
8. Many sufferers say they are tipped off to the onset of the migraine by seeing lights or dots. Not me. Mine were preceded by nausea, which is also rather common.
9. Sufferers report cold packs help with the pain. OTC medications containing acetaminophen and caffeine (like Excedrin) are popular. I found naproxen (Alleve) swallowed with Coke most effective.
10. Cluster headaches are concentrated around the eyes and temples. Sweats often accompany the pain.
11. In addition to OTC meds, magnesium can help cluster headaches. Bananas and almonds are also popular.
12. Ice pick headaches sound just awful! They involve brief but intense moments of sudden and intense pain.
13. Meds are not effective for ice pick headaches because, by the time you swallow the pain killer, the pain has passed.
Of course, I'm just a well-meaning blogger Gal. If you have recurring headaches, you should most definitely consult your doctor and not the internet.
Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.
