Today I evoke Tweedledum from Through the Looking Glass when he explains to Alice that “I’m very brave generally, only to-day I happen to have a headache.”
Legend has it that migraine headaches inspired author Lewis Carroll to write his Wonderland adventures. Maybe I lack that sort of imagination because headaches usually just inspire me to crawl to the medicine cabinet!
My reasons for headaches are many (TMJ, postural issues, tooth-grinding, occasional menstrual migraines, eyestrain). And my remedies are various, too - ibuprofen, deep breathing, yoga, and my rice buddy - an orphaned sock stuffed full of uncooked rice, which I heat for a minute in the microwave and snuggle around my sore neck. The heat relaxes my tense muscles - and the scent of the warmed-up rice kernels is darn comforting!
When a headache hits, I really try to put off taking a pill for as long as I can - but sometimes I just can’t resist. Lately I’ve been worried about the potential stomach upset that can happen when you take the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) too often. And recently there’s been bad news for folks who turn to acetaminophen-based pain relief:
via The Canadian Press: For most people, acetaminophen is likely considered one of the more benign drugs in their medicine cabinets. But take too much and this seemingly innocuous painkiller can cause potentially fatal liver failure.
The US FDA has decided to lower the maximum daily dose noted on non-prescription acetaminophen from 4 grams (8 pills), though a new maximum dose has not yet been decided. Health Canada is monitoring the developments and considering its options for labeling the products.
This article outlines 8 ways to head off headache pain without heading for the medicine cabinet.
What do you do if you get a headache and a pill’s not an option? Do you head down a rabbit hole or Tweedledum through your day? Share your imaginative or not-so-imaginative remedies in the comments below.
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