DEEP FREEZE | Preventing and Treating Headaches this Summer
When we think about summer we immediately think of sun, sea, outdoors and adventure! You may be planning some serious training sessions this summer or simply looking forward to a lazy beach holiday with hours in the African sun.
However, did you know that headaches are the most common form of pain experienced by people during the summer months and can sometimes derail our longed-for days off? With several reasons for this, we take a look at the three most common causes of summer headaches and how to prevent and treat them.
Headaches are an unpleasant experience and can range from mild to severe and very debilitating. We may often grab the nearest and strongest painkillers to help get rid of it but, because painkillers do not necessarily treat the cause of it and simply numb the pain, we might suffer from the headache for days.
When it comes to headaches – the saying ‘prevention if better than cure’ rings true.
To help prevent and treat headaches effectively, we need to understand the cause of it first.
- Headache due to dehydration: Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. We are often so busy with activities during the summer months that we forget to drink enough water. Alternatively, we train hard and don’t pay attention to our water intake.
Prevention: Drink enough water. Make a habit of taking a water bottle along wherever you go and try to drink 2L of water a day.
Treatment: If you suspect your headache is due to dehydration, try and take in more water. Oral rehydration with water and electrolyte supplements can help. Alternatively, Deep Freeze Migraine & Headache Cold Patch provides fast acting, long lasting and cooling pain relief for up to 12 hours. Its cooling therapy soothes and eases discomfort and is suitable for use by adults and children 3+ years.
- Headache due to heat stroke: Heat stroke occurs when we have been exposed to the hot sun for long hours without proper protection and hydration. The symptoms include headaches, nausea, and vomiting. This type of headache is often related to dehydration.
Prevention: Wear proper protective gear in the sun that includes hats and protective clothing. If possible, avoid being in the hot sun over the hottest parts of the day. Plan your exercise for either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Treatment: The aim of treating a headache caused by heatstroke is to cool down. You may also have to treat symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. A lukewarm bath or shower will help to lower one’s body temperature and remember to drink lots of water as dehydration is often one of the symptoms associated with heatstroke. The use of external treatments such as Deep Freeze cold gel or patches including the Deep Freeze Migraine & Headache Cold Patch will help to bring cooling to the neck area. In turn, this will help cool the body’s temperature thereby decreasing the pain. Resting in a cool dark area will also help to treat such a headache.
- Tension headache: Most of us experience a form of tension headache sometime during the summer months. This may be caused by tension, but it can also be due to strain in the muscles around our head and neck area caused by driving or sitting in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time. It is often associated with migraines.
Prevention: Regular stretching and exercise of the neck and shoulder muscles will help prevent this headache.
Treatment: Deep tissue massage can often help to target the trigger points, helping to ease stiffness from the muscles. Stretching will decrease stiffness and tension with Deep Freeze Cold Patches including the Deep Freeze Migraine & Headache Cold Patch further able to help bring cooling to the muscles and relaxation. Remember to make sure you use a pillow that supports both the head and neck area.
To summarise – the most common causes of headaches are heat, dehydration, and muscle tension. Drink lots of water, stay cool and don’t forget to stretch! And remember to keep your Deep Freeze Cold Gel and Patches handy this summer.
Article written by EPT – The Ultimate Sports Recovery Experts