Left sided Headache
Headaches are the worst, especially if they are serious enough to interrupt our activities. They can be acute, appearing all of a sudden or chronic, lasting for a prolonged period of time. Also, they can affect just one part of the head, causing a lot of discomfort. The left sided headache can appear in various forms, as a migraine, as part of the sinuses inflammation or as a tension. It can be so powerful so as to cause systemic symptoms. The correct diagnosis of the left sided headache will allow for the best treatment course to be followed.
Whether the headache is constant or intermittent, it can still interfere with your daily activities or work duties. We all have had at least one time in our life a headache located strictly on one part of the head. It is only normal that a person wonders about the cause of left sided headache. By knowing the cause, the right treatment can be taken. Also, some of the causes can be eliminated by making a few lifestyle changes. A better diet, more physical exercise or less stress – these are just few recommendations but they are highly effective when it comes to solving headaches.
Left sided Headache Causes
These are the most common causes of the left sided headache:
- Blood vessels that expand and constrict
- This particular type of headache is known as a migraine
- Pain can be accompanied by the sensation of pressure
- Can be localized on just a side of the head (left sided)
- If the pain is severe, it can lead to other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or vomiting
- Triggering factors of migraines include: stress, food, alcohol, bright lights
- Sinusitis
- Inflammation of the sinuses (air cavities inside the head)
- Triggering factors – cold temperature, pollution or infection
- Pain can be localized on the left side, if only a part of the sinuses is affected
- Aneurysm
- The wall of an artery has a bulge, causing pressure in the brain
- The existence of an aneurysm can lead to left-sided headache that becomes chronic
- Many people are unaware that they have such a problem, they are either discovered accidentally or when they burst, requiring immediate medical attention
- Other causes
- Head/neck injuries
- Shingles
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Dehydration
- Allergies
- Side-effect of medication
- Teeth problems
- Smoking
- Weather changes.
How to treat Left sided Headache?
These are the most common courses of treatment recommended for the left sided headache:
- Antibiotics
- Recommended for the infection of the sinuses
- They should be taken for as long as they are prescribed, otherwise the body will help resistance to bacteria
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen
- Can bring pain relief, reducing the inflammation and tension experienced in the left side of the head
- Nasal spray
- The decongestant is recommended for sinusitis symptoms
- Improves breathing when the nasal passages are blocked
- Humidifier
- Best kept in the room where a person sleeps, during the night
- Allows for better breathing
- The humid air can reduce the symptoms caused by a headache, as the interior mucosa is moisturized
- Blood pressure medication
- Recommended for persons who have been diagnosed with an aneurysm, in order to prevent its bursting
- Indicated in people who have chronic high blood pressure
- Statins
- Recommended in case of aneurysm
- Indicated in migraines as well, providing relief from the pain
- Antidepressants and muscle relaxers
- Recommended in the situation of a left sided headache that has become chronic
- Massage
- Reflex points massage
- Yoga
- Relaxation therapy
- Meditation
- Acupressure/acupuncture
- Guaranteed pain relief
- Improves other symptoms as well – tension.
Remedies
These are the most common remedies one can consider for the left sided headache:
- Steam inhalation
- Boil water and add essential oils into it
- Place a towel over your head and breathe in the steam coming from the water
- Recommended for sinusitis, as it moisturizes the mucosa, reducing inflammation and bringing pain relief
- If your head is throbbing on the left side and you feel like you are in a lot of pain, then you can consider applying a warm compress. This will allow the blood vessels to be less constricted, promoting blood flow in the area.
- Cold compresses are not recommended in such problems, as they only aggravate the constriction of the blood vessels.
- Lavender oil
- Especially recommended as a natural remedy against migraines
- Can be applied as such or inhaled after added into steaming water
- Peppermint oil
- Soothing effect
- Indicated in tension headaches
- Allows for the blood vessels to dilate, promoting blood flow in the left side of the head
- Also recommended for sinusitis
- Basil oil
- Relaxes the muscles
- Recommended in tension headaches
- Cayenne
- Contains capsaicin, with active properties against pain
- Mix cayenne powder with warm water
- Using a cotton swab, apply the mixture inside the nostrils
- Very powerful against headaches
- Almonds
- Recommended against tension headaches
- Pain-relieving effect (salicin – active ingredient)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Compress/steam treatment
- Gingerroot
- Consumed as such/tea
- Can eliminate the symptoms of migraines, such as nausea.
As you can see for yourself, there are symptomatic medical treatments you can follow and natural remedies as well. All of these things are important to take into consideration, as they can bring relief whenever a headache appears on the left side of the head.
However, there are certain things you can do in order to prevent a headache or guarantee that it will be less intense. Reduce the amount of stress in your life, eat healthier and better. Drink plenty of liquids, as often times the left sided headache is just a consequence of dehydration. Be physically active, as the lack of movement can make a headache worse. Eliminate anxiety, do yoga and discover relaxation techniques. Do not keep the muscles in your head tensed all the time and stop over-thinking everything. Keep a smile on your face and learn how to fight headaches the right way.
