Neurologist told about the treatment of headaches without medication

A headache is the body's signal that it needs to rest and take care of itself. On December 18, Anna Terekhova, a neurologist, algologist, head of the chronic pain treatment center of JSC "Medicine" (Clinic of Academician Roitberg), told Izvestia about how to cope with the disease without the use of medications.

According to her, tension headache is the most common type of headache, the cause of which is not fully known. It often occurs as a result of chronic stress and muscle tension, can be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness and squeezing of the head, tension in the neck and shoulders.

"Is it possible to cope with this ailment without medication? Yes, if the headache is episodic and bothers not more than 15 times a month," said Terekhova.

She said that one of the most effective methods to prevent and combat headaches is therapeutic massage of the head and cervical-collar zone, which not only eliminates the pain syndrome, but also relaxes the nervous system and restores blood flow.

In addition, to prevent tension headaches, the neurologist advised to avoid prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, spend more time in the fresh air, move more, avoid physical and emotional fatigue, watch your sleep and diet. In addition, the doctor recommended to learn breathing exercises and yoga, which promote relaxation, as well as to try to avoid stressful situations and work on the emotional state.

Terekhova emphasized that it is impossible to tolerate and ignore frequent and severe headaches.

"Ignoring tension headaches can lead to the consolidation of incorrect muscle and emotional stereotypes. Constant muscle spasm provokes chronic pain, worsens overall health and reduces quality of life. With time and abuse of analgesics, this condition can develop into more serious conditions such as abusive headaches," the expert warned.

Earlier, on December 15, Victoria Radko, orthodontist, head of orthodontic direction of the scientific and clinical center EUROKAPPA clinic, told Izvestia about non-obvious causes of headaches. According to her, they may arise due to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). According to various data, the prevalence of TMJ disorders among the world's adult population varies from 15 to 34%, she said.