How to get rid of headache on top of head
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Effective Strategies to Alleviate Headache on Top of the Head
Headaches, particularly those affecting the top of the head, can be debilitating and significantly impact daily life. Various strategies, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, have been explored to manage and alleviate this type of pain. This article synthesizes the latest research on effective methods to get rid of headaches on the top of the head, focusing on complementary and integrative medicine, physical therapy, behavioral treatments, and self-administered techniques.
Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) for Headache Relief
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, has shown positive effects on managing headaches, particularly migraines and tension-type headaches. Acupuncture involves the needling of specific points on the body and has been found to influence various physiological variables related to pain relief1 6. Studies suggest that acupuncture can be a low-risk intervention for reducing the frequency and intensity of headache attacks6.
Nutritional and Herbal Supplements
Nutraceuticals, such as magnesium, riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid, have been reported to help in headache management. Herbal preparations like feverfew and butterbur are also noted for their potential benefits4. These supplements can be considered as part of a broader strategy to manage headache symptoms.
Mind-Body Strategies
Mindfulness meditation and other mind-body strategies, such as yoga and biofeedback, have been shown to reduce pain intensity and headache frequency. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs, in particular, have demonstrated significant improvements in pain management for headache sufferers1 7 8.
Physical Therapy and Manual Interventions
Spinal Manipulation and Chiropractic Care
Physical therapies, including spinal joint manipulation and chiropractic care, are proposed to be effective for tension-type headaches (TTH) and cervicogenic headaches (CeH). These interventions focus on addressing musculoskeletal disorders that contribute to headache pain3 4.
Massage and Acupressure
Massage therapy, particularly on the temples and nape, has been found to be beneficial for tension-type headaches. Acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, can also reduce headache intensity and frequency. A case study demonstrated that acupressure significantly decreased pain intensity in a patient with tension-type headaches9 10.
Behavioral and Nonpharmacologic Treatments
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emphasize acceptance and lifestyle changes over avoidance of headache triggers. ACT has shown substantial improvements in disability, quality of life, and functional status among headache sufferers7. These therapies can be particularly useful for individuals who experience side effects from medications or have other medical conditions that limit drug use5.
Self-Administered Pain-Relieving Techniques
Self-administered techniques, such as applying cold or heat, compression, and massage, are commonly used by headache sufferers. Although these methods often provide only temporary relief, they are frequently employed due to their ease of use and immediate effects. Compression and cold application are particularly effective for migraines, while massage is more beneficial for tension-type headaches9.
Conclusion
Managing headaches on the top of the head requires a multifaceted approach that includes complementary and integrative medicine, physical therapy, behavioral treatments, and self-administered techniques. While traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and nutraceuticals offer promising results, physical therapies and behavioral interventions like CBT and ACT provide additional avenues for relief. Self-administered techniques, though often temporary, can offer immediate comfort. Combining these strategies can lead to more effective and comprehensive headache management. Further research is needed to refine these approaches and determine the most effective combinations for individual patients.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Complementary and integrative medicine in the management of headache
Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, massage, yoga, biofeedback, and meditation may improve migraine and tension headaches, while not being studied or effective for cluster headaches.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedPhysical therapy for headaches
Multimodal approaches involving different interventions are more effective for patients with tension-type headache, migraine, and cervicogenic headache.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAlternative Headache Treatments: Nutraceuticals, Behavioral and Physical Treatments
Nutraceuticals, behavioral therapies, and physical treatments show promise in managing headache disorders.
Literature ReviewBehavioral and Other Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Headache
Nondrug therapies can be effective for headache management, especially for those with side effects from medications, other medical conditions, or inadequate response to medications.
Very Rigorous JournalAcupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine
Acupuncture may be a low-risk, effective alternative for episodic migraine prevention, with potential benefits similar to analgesia.
Highly CitedAcceptance and Commitment Therapy for Primary Headache Sufferers: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Efficacy.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) improves disability, functioning, and quality of life in primary headache patients compared to wait-list control.
RCTMindfulness Meditation for Primary Headache Pain: A Meta-Analysis
Mindfulness meditation may reduce pain intensity and is a promising treatment option for primary headache patients.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedSelf-Administered Pain-Relieving Manoeuvres in Primary Headaches
Self-administered pain-relieving manoeuvres are common in primary headache patients, but their efficacy in reducing pain is limited, with only 8% showing good or excellent pain control.
Observational StudyACUPRESSURE AS METHOD FOR REDUCING HEAD PAIN IN TENSION TYPE HEADACHE: CASE REPORT
Acupressure can be an alternative and complementary therapy to reduce the intensity and frequency of tension type headache attacks without using drugs.
Case Report