headaches
Headaches are a common but not typically serious problem many people face regularly. Sufferers may experience pain and discomfort in the head, neck and upper back, usually lasting from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Headaches are split into either primary or secondary. Primary headaches are recurrent headaches with no underlying disease or problem. Although they may cause significant pain and disability, they are not considered dangerous. Secondary headaches however, have an underlying cause, such as a head injury.
Stay hydrated - It is recommended to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day.
Rest - It is recommended for adults to sleep for 7-8 hours each night.
Exercise - Gentle exercise, such as walking, stretching or yoga, can help to relieve pain as it releases natural pain relief called endorphins into the body.
Massage - Light massage to the upper back, shoulders and neck can help reduce tension from tight muscles.
Heat - Applying heat to your temples and forehead can help to ease your pain.
Drinking alcohol, as this can worsen your symptoms by causing dehydration.
Sleeping significantly more or less than usual.
Avoid or limit screen time as much as possible, as well as any other eye straining activities.
Skipping meals or drinking not enough water.
USING FLOW NANO
Find relief from headaches and migraines with the Nano’s three levels of heat therapy. Gently glide the heated plate over your temples and forehead to ease your pain.
Massage with the Nano around your upper back, shoulders and lower neck can also help to release tension and help you relax during painful headache episodes. The massage function should not be used above the neck.
HOW DOES IT HELP?
Heat therapy can increase blood flow and relieve pain. Applying heat to the temples and forehead with the Nano activates temperature-sensitive nerve endings called thermoreceptors, which then send signals that block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Increased blood flow at the site of pain allows for healing and pain relief through the delivery of more oxygen and nutrients, and removal of pain-inducing mediators.
Learn more about Heat Therapy
Massage therapy also helps to increase blood flow and reduce tension. Targeting your upper back, shoulders and lower neck with massage will help to reduce muscle tension and tightness that may be contributing to your headache and pain.
Learn more about Massage Therapy
COMMON CAUSES OF HEADACHES
Dehydration, Sinus congestion, Stress, Excessive Alcohol consumption, Poor posture, Eyesight conditions, Skipping meals, Hormonal changes
migraines
Slightly different from a conventional headache, migraines are often described as a pounding, throbbing pain that can last from 4 hours to 3 days. And in some cases, even longer, it's best advised to seek medical advice in those instances. Typically with a migraine, you will experience an increased sensitivity to bright lights/ screens, which isn't consistent with a headache.
Avoid screens & bright lights
Rest & sleep
Stay hydrated; aim to drink up to 2L of water a day
Massage to the upper back, shoulders & neck may reduce any contributing tension from tight muscles
Heat - Applying heat directly to the area or around it
Drinking alcohol as it can contribute to dehydration
Avoid screens (where possible)
Skipping meals
Caffeinated drinks
USING FLOW NANO
Using the nano, you can apply the heating element to your forehead, temples & upper back to provide heat relief. And you can look to use the percussion head to provide self-massage to your upper back & shoulders.
HOW DOES IT HELP?
The application of heat stimulates the nervous system, in particular the thermoreceptors, which 'may' block the signals/ sensation of pain to the brain; additional heat increases blood flow to the area, which provides an increased rate of oxygen & nutrient delivery to muscles in that area which will contribute to the muscles becoming more relaxed. Thus taking away any tension that the muscles may bring to the area.
The application of percussion helps to further relax the muscles around the head; by targeting the upper back, shoulder & lower aspect of the neck can help to reduce any contributing tension from these muscles.
COMMON CAUSES OF MIGRAINES
Whilst the cause of a migraine is still unknown, it is believed that a critical contributor to migraines is genetics & hormones.
Hormonal changes - typically during menstrual cycles
Emotional - Stress, Anxiety & Depression
Physical - Tiredness, fatigue & poor sleep
Dietary- some foods & drinks may contribute to migraines
FAQs
Contact your GP if your headaches are recurring or getting worse.
Sudden headache
Headache after an injury or fall
Weakness & or numbness in limbs
Difficulty Speaking
If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters for further information or medical advice, please speak to your GP or a Pharmacist.