IF you woke up with a pounding headache this morning, you’re definitely not alone.
A 2022 study discovered that around one in six people worldwide will experience some form of head pain each day.
One in six people worldwide will experience a headache todayShutterstock
Norwegian authors found that most will suffer from a migraine or tension headache.
And while many can be treated with common painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin, some – including a tension headache – can often be treated in other ways.
Anisha Joshi, an osteopath who owns several clinics in the UK, offers her surprising tips she shares with clients who struggle with headaches.
1. Massage your neck
Relaxing and loosening your neck and back muscles can help relieve tension which may be the cause of headaches, the expert explains.
Some studies suggest tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become too tense or contract.
“Try using your fingers to massage the base of your skull for about 30 seconds,” she tells The Sun.
2. Strengthen your neck muscles
Spending a few moments each day dedicated to strengthening your neck muscles could help prevent headaches in the future, Anisha suggests.
“Putting your hand on the side of your head and pushing in each direction for about 10 seconds can also help,” she adds.
3. Drink more water
We are always being told to drink more water.
But how much do we really need to be drinking to stay hydrated?
According to the osteopath, we should be aiming for at least 1.5 litres a day – or eight glasses.
“This will keep you nice and hydrated, meaning that your brain and other tissues don’t shrink, pulling away from the skull and therefore putting pressure on the nerves and causing you pain,” she explains.
4. Get enough sleep
Countless studies have touted the numerous health benefits of some extra shut-eye.
So it’s hardly surprising that a good night’s sleep can also stop you getting bad headaches.
For adults aged between 18 and 80, the NHS recommends a healthy sleep can range between six and 11 hours.
Anisha suggests people get between seven to nine hours each night.
“This will make sure that your body is always well rested and help fight off any illnesses you have which may result in you feeling run down or having a headache,” she explains.
5. Get your teeth checked
Often, morning headaches are the direct result of jaw pain, which can come from clenching your mouth at night.
“If your teeth don’t line up properly this can cause the muscles in the jaw to work harder, eventually leading to strain and this can be the cause of your headaches,” Anisha says.
Try visiting your dentist who can help with your jaw alignment or offer a mouthguard to wear at night which can help reduce tension, she adds.