By Dan Dunkin | Guest Contributor
Headaches continue to be a prevalent form of discomfort in the United States, but their occurrence and intensity can vary greatly among individuals. Finding ways to completely prevent headaches remains challenging.
For many, the first response is to reach for a pain reliever. However, this might not always be the most effective or safest approach, according to Dr. Suhyun An, an expert in regenerative medicine and co-author of Demystifying Stem Cells: A Real-Life Approach To Regenerative Medicine.
“Pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen can be effective—if used sparingly,” she explains. “Excessive use of these medications can exacerbate headaches and lead to additional health concerns, which may ironically increase the frequency of headaches.”
Dr. An outlines reasons to reconsider relying on painkillers for every headache and offers alternative strategies for managing or reducing headache frequency:
Issues with Frequent Use of Painkillers
Side effects. Over-the-counter pain medications commonly used for headache relief can lead to significant side effects when taken too frequently. “For instance, prolonged use of acetaminophen can harm your liver,” Dr. An warns. “These medications can also lead to kidney issues, and aspirin and ibuprofen can occasionally cause gastric bleeding.”
Rebound headache. One potential consequence of regular painkiller use is a medication overuse headache, also termed a rebound headache. “This occurs due to consistent, long-term medication use for headaches, such as migraines,” Dr. An notes. “The effectiveness diminishes, causing your headache to return as soon as the medication wears off. If you choose to use a pain reliever, be sure to adhere to dosage recommendations provided on the label.”
Non-medication Remedies
Implement lifestyle changes. Headaches can arise from various factors: insufficient sleep, unhealthy eating habits, stress, or excessive screen time. Making adjustments to your daily routine may help decrease the occurrence of headaches or migraines. Dr. An recommends drinking ample water, being mindful of caffeine and alcohol consumption, maintaining a regular sleep routine, exercising, and eating a balanced diet. “Keeping a headache diary can assist in identifying and modifying lifestyle habits,” she advises. “Record when headaches happen and what you were doing prior to their onset.”
Consult a physician. If headaches significantly disrupt your daily activities, it’s important to seek medical advice. Dr. An highlights certain scenarios that warrant a consultation: sudden, severe headaches; headaches accompanied by fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulties with speech; headaches that worsen despite resting and using pain relievers; taking pain medication more than twice weekly; or headaches triggered by specific actions like bending over or coughing. “Starting with a primary care physician is advisable, but headaches can be complex, and neurologists and headache specialists possess specialized training to diagnose the type and cause of your headache,” Dr. An explains.
Explore natural treatments. “Numerous natural remedies can be beneficial,” Dr. An states. “Your headache specialist may recommend stress management techniques, such as relaxation strategies and meditation, physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback, massage, or acupuncture.”
“Regardless of whether you deal with frequent, severe headaches, migraines, or just occasional tension headaches, it’s wise to minimize the use of over-the-counter and prescription medications,” Dr. An emphasizes. “In the meantime, remain attentive to your lifestyle choices.”
About Dr. Suhyun An, DC, MSN, NP-C
Dr. Suhyun An is the clinic director at Campbell Medical Group in Houston and specializes in regenerative medicine. She co-authored Demystifying Stem Cells: A Real-Life Approach To Regenerative Medicine and speaks across the country on these topics. Dr. An earned a BS in Biochemistry and Biophysical Science from the University of Houston, graduated cum laude from Parker College of Chiropractic, and holds a master’s degree in nursing science from Samford University.
