Home Remedies for An Arthritis Headache

I think as you get older some of the things that you struggled with in your youth, don’t seem to be as much of a problem now. I used to get throbbing headaches and bad cramps every month when I had my menstrual cycle.

One time I was at the grocery store with my mother, and crying up a storm because I was in so much pain. I remember her saying,” stop crying or these shoppers will think I am beating you.”

I liked to be in a dark bedroom, sitting on the floor with my back against the bed frame and not moving a muscle.

The unlucky person who opened my door to see if I was feeling better, was met with a curt remark to “get out and stay out.” Thankfully, I no longer have a menstrual cycle but my headaches are not completely gone.

Arthritis can lead to inflammation and pain. If you experience arthritis damage at the top of your spine, in your first, second, or third vertebrae, headache pain can be a resulting symptom. Sensitive nerves connect your scalp to the top areas of your spine, so as your vertebrae deteriorate, you may feel referred pain in your neck, head, or jaw.

It is easier to take a pill for an arthritis headache, but if you’re like me, and take several medications, adding one more medication to the mix may not be your first choice.

Thankfully, there are some arthritis headache remedies you can try at home without visiting the doctor or drugstore:

Place a Cold Pack on Your Forehead 

This remedy may work well for a migraine headache. You can use whatever you have on hand. Ice cubes wrapped in a towel, or even a bag of frozen vegetables will do in a pinch. You can also take a cold shower, but then you might feel too cold.

Leave the cold pack for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. Make sure the cold pack is not touching your bare skin.

Loosen Your Hair

A nice tight ponytail keeps your hair out of your face, but it also causes pressure on your scalp. Wearing a tight hat, a headband, or even swimming goggles can bring on a headache.

Wear a loose hairstyle, and if it prevents a throbbing headache, you will be glad you did.

Try Heat for a Tension Headache

I would rather use heat for a headache instead of ice because the heat feels so soothing to your whole body. Place a heating pad on your neck or the back of your head.

Get Some Caffeine

Wow, this will be a popular tip for the Starbucks crowd! Drink a cup of tea or coffee, and remember chocolate has caffeine also, which would be my pick. Don’t drink multiple cups of tea or coffee because caffeine withdrawal can also bring on a headache.

Summary

Arthritis pain can really ruin your day. Try these tips and see which ones work for you. If not, call your doctor and see if you can get a referral to physical therapy. You can’t put a price on your health.