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Are cold showers good for headaches?

Last updated on November 28th, 2022 at 11:41 am

Are cold showers good for headaches? It depends on the headaches cause. Read our article to find out why some headaches are relieved by cold…

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Cold showers or baths and even in most cases, a cold compression or a cold pack can do wonders to relieve the pain of a splitting headache.

Headaches are of many types and there are many causes for headaches. Each of these types has different remedies.

Some require avoiding stress, reducing the light and noise, or taking a bath.

It depends on the cause of the headache.

Cold showers/baths or cold packs/compression are popularly used for migraine headaches alone or migraine headaches accompanied by nausea.

Should I Take a Cold Shower if I Have a Headache?

If you have a headache then you should most definitely go for a hot water shower. However, in the case of migraine with nausea, a cold shower or bath might be the best option to go with to reduce the dizziness and queasiness.

Is a Hot or Cold Shower for Headaches Best?

Both hot and cold showers are remedial for a headache. Hot water helps to relieve the pain while the cold can help numb the effect of the pain.

It’s just a matter of preference. People generally prefer a hot shower when coming down with a headache.

If the cause of the headache is tension, people usually go for a hot shower, whereas people suffering from migraines tend to opt for a cold one.

But if you aren’t sure which would suit you better, give either one of them a try. If it does not work, then go with the other option.

Is a Hot or Cold Shower for Headaches Best?

Are cold showers good for headaches?

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Showers and baths are both considered to be forms of heat therapy for headaches.

A warm shower can stop pain signals from travelling to the brain. In addition to that, it can further increase the flow of the blood, which can help soothe muscles and ease the ache in the head. 

Stress-related headaches can be relieved by the steam that is released from a hot shower. Allow the water from the shower to hit the back of your neck and this will relax your body as well as ease the discomfort caused by the headache.

Is it okay to take a bath when you have a headache?

Yes, it is okay to take a bath when you have a headache. If you aren’t keen on taking a shower, a bath is also acceptable.

The heat from the water can help relieve some muscles, making your headaches milder. 

How to avoid headaches after a bath?

Headaches after a bath normally occur after you have taken a head bath. So, a couple of practices to adopt to avoid a headache after a bath are as follows :

  • Do not take bath immediately after exercising. Allow the sweat to settle and your body temperature to cool down.
  • Dry your hair thoroughly right after a bath.
  • Some people have headaches if the length of their hair is a lot. Try experimenting it out with short and long hair.
  • Frequent headaches are often symptoms of low immunity. Consult a doctor or improve your food and sleeping habits. Also, try to reduce carbohydrate intake as in most cases, it contributes to headaches.

Other cold shower benefits

Cold showers are not something that you look forward to when you take a bath early in the morning. However, cold showers do provide a few health benefits, such as:

  • calming itchy skin
  • waking you up
  • increasing circulation
  • reducing muscle soreness post-workout
  • potentially boosting weight loss
  • Increasing endorphins
  • glowing hair and skin

Different types of headache

Headaches are pain that you experience in your head or on your face. They can take place in the form of throbbing – constant, sharp or dull. However, they can be treated with medication and stress management.

There may be around 150 types of headaches known to mankind. The different types of headaches that a person will experience are divided into primary and secondary.

  • Cluster headaches
  • Migraine
  • New daily persistent headaches (NDPH)
  • Tension headaches
  • A disease of blood vessels in the brain
  • Head injury
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Infection
  • Medication overuse
  • Sinus congestion
  • Trauma
  • Tumour
Are cold showers good for headaches?

FAQ relating to headaches and cold showers:

Is it better to shower hot or cold with a headache?

For the majority of the time, it is more suitable to shower or bathe in hot water to ease the ache in the head. And people generally prefer hot water to cold water.

But, for people suffering from migraine, it is recommended that they opt for a cold shower or bath or in most cases do a cold compress.

Is cold water better for headaches?

A cold shower or bath is better in the case of migraine along with nausea. Nevertheless, in other times such as headaches related to tension, a hot water shower or bath is better suited.

Which shower is best for headaches?

Both showers or baths, hot and cold are good for headaches. It depends on which temperature suits you the best and also the headache that you are dealing with.

A cold shower or bath is better in the case of migraine along with nausea. Regardless, in other times such as headaches related to tension, a hot water shower or bath is better suited. But the temperature of the water shouldn’t be too hot.

Both hot and cold showers are remedial for a headache. It’s a matter of preference.

People prefer a hot shower when coming down with a headache. If the cause of the headache is tension, people go for a hot shower, whereas people suffering from migraines tend to opt for a cold shower.

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