A headache can be irritating and downright painful. It is important to understand that most headaches are associated with some condition. In other words, a headache is a symptom, and not the cause or disease. Should you use a hot or cold compress for headache? Again, that depends. Some people respond better to cold compress while suffering from a headache, while others with problems such as sinusitis may prefer a warm compress.
Dealing with headaches
Once in a while, you may have a headache for no apparent or serious reason, and it is completely okay. However, if you are getting frequentheadaches, or start seeing a pattern, you should consider writing down things in a journal. This journal and details will come in handy when you see a doctor, or just to know what you did at a particular time to deal with the headache
When to use cold compress
If you are someone who has migraine, you may consider cold compress to be an apt solution. Keep in mind that this wouldn’t entirely prevent an episode, but you can get considerable relief. Also, for migraine, you will need aheadache medication anyway. Cold compress can be also used by patients who suffer from headaches related to arthritis, as cold helps to bring down the inflammation.
When to use hot compress
If you have sinus, or similar problems, you may consider hot compress for headaches. Hot compress is also handy when you have a headache induced by consumption of too much alcohol. For most of these conditions, it is absolutely necessary to stay hydrated.
These are not permanent solutions
This is an aspect that many patients often forget. If your headache is associated with a condition, you cannot merely let it go away by taking a medication, or using a compress. It is best to find a headache treatment clinic, where you can talk to your doctors, talk in depth about the possible causes, do a few diagnostic tests, and have a clear treatment plan. Even conditions like migraine that cause frequent headaches can be treated with the right medications and expertise.
Final word
Hot or cold compress may offer some relief from your headache, depending on what is causing it, but we still recommend that you see a doctor, if your episodes become too frequent. A proper treatment plan can help you manage most of the symptoms well, and while you may need medications, the headaches can be reduced.
