Preventing headaches

Mike Olbinski · June 14th, 2006, 05:19 AM

So I play hoops in the mornings...sometimes for a few hours.

When I'm done, and head home and try to work...I'm usually overcome with the usual body aches, but a major headache as well...makes it hard to concentrate on work.

Any ideas here? Am I not drinking enough water ahead of time?

Even Advil wont end the headache really...it usually goes away in the afternoons...

dreamcastrocks · June 14th, 2006, 06:32 AM

Water is probably the biggest reason why. If you play for a few hours, you may need to drink up to a gallon of water before playing to make sure that you are not dehydrated.

I also know that depending on where you play, you may not get much of a chance to drink water between games. The warmer the water the better too... ewwww

Mike Olbinski · June 14th, 2006, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamcastrocks

Water is probably the biggest reason why. If you play for a few hours, you may need to drink up to a gallon of water before playing to make sure that you are not dehydrated.

I also know that depending on where you play, you may not get much of a chance to drink water between games. The warmer the water the better too... ewwww

Yeah, I think I probably don't drink enough before I play...

I need to carry a big jug with me there...have it in the fridge and ready to go.

CQ · June 14th, 2006, 08:13 AM

I get headaches a lot. More water before playing can't hurt, that's for sure!!! I know that for me, aspartame causes horrid migraines. Spending too much time in the sun also gives me headaches.

Here's a site I found with some helpful info:

http://www.disabled-world.com/artman...eadaches.shtml

Quote:

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Some headache sufferers notice a connection with eating or drinking foods with aspartame. For those who are sensitive to the chemical it may cause blood vessels to expand in the brain and trigger a headache.

Caffeine is used to treat headaches. Its proprieties can assist pain medication in providing relief and can be found in medications to treat migraines. However, too much caffeine can have a 'rebound' effect and actually cause headaches. If you suffer from regular headaches you should avoid daily use of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and certain sodas.

According to the McKinley Health Center, avoiding tobacco can also reduce headaches.

Skipping meals may cause headaches in some people, so eating regular meals may prevent headaches in these individuals.

REDUCE THE STRESS

Getting enough sleep is important for everyone. If you suffer from tension headaches you may find getting your eight hours every night reduces the amount or intensity of your headaches. On the other hand, oversleeping can bring on a headache if you don't get up at your regular time (such as on the weekend or during holidays).

Some headaches also seem to be aggravated by too much sun. Excessive exercise outdoors and lack of hydration can lead to headaches. Keep eyes shaded and be sure to drink plenty of water when outdoors.

Not surprisingly it was recently found that women wearing tight ponytails had an increased risk of tension headaches. Releasing or loosening the hair and performing a brief massage to the head can bring almost immediate relief.

MEDICATE

What you may think is a sinus headache may actually be a migraine. A consultation with your doctor may determine if you should switch to a migraine medication.

According to the NHF, tension headaches caused by stress should respond to reducing the stress or use of over-the-counter analgesics. However, if headaches occur almost daily you need to look for ways of dealing with the stress and discuss other options with your doctor.

As with caffeine, regular daily use of over the counter medications can actually cause headaches.

If headaches occur for long periods, are unusually intense or do not respond to pain medication after several days you should seek treatment and diagnosis from a health care professional.

Leading a healthy and active lifestyle has many health benefits, including a reduction of tension-type headaches. Combining a healthy lifestyle with avoidance of triggers may help you find relief from tension-type headaches.

thirty-two · June 14th, 2006, 10:35 AM

If you rub the little area in between your thumb and pointer finger, it's supposed to help relieve headaches. Probably doesn't work for everyone but it's worth a shot!

nathan · June 14th, 2006, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CQ

aspartame causes horrid migraines.

MSG causes a lot of migraines in some people as well.

jenna2891 · June 14th, 2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CQ

aspartame causes horrid migraines.

i have that same problem. even one sip of a diet soda and i get a crippling headache.

PortlandCardFan · June 16th, 2006, 09:47 AM

Water, try to eat a small piece of candy (Jolly Rancher, or similar). When I went mountain biking a lot a friend of mine use to get massive headaches and blurred vision (vertigo). If he ate a piece of candy before and after it seemed to help his blood sugar.

Mike Olbinski · June 19th, 2006, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortlandCardFan

Water, try to eat a small piece of candy (Jolly Rancher, or similar). When I went mountain biking a lot a friend of mine use to get massive headaches and blurred vision (vertigo). If he ate a piece of candy before and after it seemed to help his blood sugar.

Interesting...I'll give it a shot.