Forehead Pain
Common Causes and Treatment of Forehead Pain
It may be pressure, ache or even a burning sensation, but forehead pain is often debilitating. Discover the cause behind your pain and find the correct treatment method to alleviate it quickly.
A possible cause of an ache on your forehead is dehydration. Be sure that you have consumed enough fluid, most importantly water. If you have had too many caffeinated drinks you may have short circuited your system and actually be suffering from dehydration. Be sure to drink water and fruit juices or consume soup and broth right away to hydrate yourself.
Perhaps you have been in the sun too long. Not only will this lead to dehydration as above, but it can contribute to sunburn on your head, especially the sensitive skin on your forehead and hairline. Wear a hat and limit your time in direct sunlight. Stay shaded during the hottest times of the day as well, usually from late morning to mid-afternoon.
Tension headaches and migraine are a common cause of forehead pain. Coupled with sharp bolts throughout the rest of your head and a feeling of tightness, these conditions are uncomfortable to say the least.
Tension headaches are caused when the muscles in your scalp, neck, face and even shoulders tighten together and for a length of time. They can last for a short time (minutes or hours) or an unbearably long time (days or weeks). Often an over-the-counter pain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen will help to alleviate the pain. Sometimes stronger drugs such as codeine are necessary. Massage or muscle relaxant techniques such as yoga have been effective in treatment of tension headaches.
Migraines are in a level all of their own and differ in symptoms from tension headaches. They can be proceeded by an aura (often vision and balance related) or not, but are always chronic. Besides forehead and overall head pain, migraine sufferers often experience vomiting or nausea, increased sensitivity to light and body weakness during an attack. Treatments for migraine vary in effectiveness and with personal preference. Try bed rest in a darkened, quiet room. Or ask your doctor to recommend a medication for pain relief. Also avoiding situations or circumstances that trigger migraines can be helpful.
Another major cause of forehead pain involves your sinuses. Small pockets of air that secrete mucus to help with your nasal and throat system, sinuses are sensitive and will often flare up causing pain. Allergies are a common culprit, including dust, grass and pollen allergies. Also, the common cold and flu can attack your sinuses, causing infection, swelling and blockage. Since you have sinuses located in your cheeks and forehead, this pain can be acute and bother everything from your sense of smell to vision, taste and balance.
Often smokers and those exposed to unhealthy air are more prone to sinus problems. Their ability to fight off infection is diminished, as well as the fact that tobacco and other air pollutants fill and attack the nasal cavities quickly.
There are many medications out there that fight off sinus infection, swelling and irritation. Sinus medication has become a huge industry in pharmaceuticals and often the relief is swift and welcome. If you have forehead pain and swelling, along with puffy eyes or a runny nose, you can find help with sinus medications. Drainage may also be an option to alleviate swelling and pressure. Be sure to identify any factors that trigger sinus pain, including allergens or pollutants. Take care to limit your exposure.
If your sinus condition doesn’t clear up quickly or becomes more severe, visit your doctor right away. Sinus infections can be dangerous, but are often easily treated with antibiotics.
Forehead pain can be caused by a number of factors and can also be treated in many different ways. Pin point the type, scale of and triggers that bring on forehead pain to properly choose a treatment option. Talk to your pharmacist or visit your doctor for more detailed information and any necessary testing.