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Headache syndrome has many causes. Most of us have different ways of managing pain. But if the headache is chronic or migraine, it usually lasts a long time and when the headache occurs, should ice be applied?
1. Some pain relief solutions for the head area
Headache is often a manifestation of a blockage of a blood vessel in the brain. The pain may be long-lasting or short-lived. However, the effect is directly on the central nervous system, so it can cause the sufferer to have a nervous breakdown when the pain is cyclical for a long time.
Usually mild pain can use plaster or warm massage. Even you need to drink enough water every day to promote the movement of blood qi. In some cases, the doctor will ask the patient to take pain medication. Painkillers often lose their effectiveness when used in high doses. At the same time, taking too much will make the body become dependent on the drug. Therefore, this method should only be used with prolonged and severe pain.
Another way used to relieve headaches is to apply ice. Symptoms of pain or migraine can pay attention to this approach. The cold compress method will numb the nerve to reduce pain sensation. So you should use it on the head or neck area.
2. Explain the reason why applying ice relieves headaches
Unlike pain relievers, ice is considered an age-old method. According to research documents, people began to know how to numb the nerves by cryotherapy about 150 years ago. A foreign medical doctor has said that this method in addition to reducing pain also reduces inflammation quite effectively. However, we should consider carefully when choosing ice to limit headaches, especially migraines.
The researcher thinks that the constriction of the blood vessel due to the blockage is the cause of the pain. Our brain can mistakenly record information when applying ice instead of signaling pain, it will report that the feeling is cold. A detailed analysis of the effects and manifestations is the basis for the conclusion of an ice headache. is that Okay .
The use of cold towels on the neck when pain is just starting to be tested. The patients found a significant reduction in pain frequency and intensity when they presented with a migraine. Since then, doctors believe that the cold helps the blood in the carotid arteries to be cooled. As a result, the brain limits the risk of inflammation and the pain caused by migraine syndrome is controlled.
3. Instructions for applying ice to relieve headaches properly
Instead of going to the hospital or consulting a doctor, applying ice can be easily done at home. However, the brain is a sensitive area that needs attention and care, so many patients hesitate with self-treatment methods. Therefore, you should still consult more instructions from your doctor instead of trying to use folk methods or any other method that leads to dangerous sequelae.
When using ice to relieve headaches, you should do it for about 15-20 minutes. Each pain condition will need to find the right place to apply cold to be effective. Past clinical trials have shown that a cold towel wrapped around the neck is a good pain reliever and is common in patients with persistent migraine attacks.
In addition to using a towel, you can consider using an ice pack. The base of the skull or where the pain occurs are the main sites. If using a dedicated bag, it can be easily moved when applying. When applying, the body will go through 4 stages: feeling a little cold, the body heats up, feeling the conflict between hot and cold, and finally numbing to relieve pain. When numbness occurs, you should stop to avoid frostbite or serious damage to the skin. Especially this method should not be used if you have sensitive skin.
Ice for headache relief can be easily done at home. By numbing and tricking the nerves that the body is feeling cold, you will effectively reduce pain. At the same time, these methods are cost-effective and relatively safe, so they can be used for reference. However, you should still be examined to determine the cause of the disease.
Can the above be an explanation for an ice headache? You can refer to many different information to choose from. However, do not encourage patients to use or abuse to numb the pain around the head. If you need assistance it is best to contact a specialist. The medical diagnosis will determine the root cause of the disease to provide a suitable intensive treatment plan.
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Reference source: healthline.com
