Stomach cramps are very painful and can be relieved by treating the underlying cause. It can be caused by problems of the digestive organs, aorta, appendix, kidneys and the spleen. Cramps are common in women during the menstrual cycle but by performing exercises, it can lessen the pain. Cramps with severe pain can be caused by gas passing through the digestive system which causes no harm.
A headache is not a severe condition that prevents a person from doing every day activities. Headaches usually last for 30 minutes up to several hours, but it can also last for several days. Headaches can be caused by stress, skipping meals, dehydration and poor posture.
It can be undesirable to end up with a headache with stomach cramps and the suffering becomes severe. Sometimes, the problems are not related and require treating them separately. Headaches and stomach cramps can be caused by viruses, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, stress and side effects of some medications.
Treatment
- Drink tea such as peppermint and chamomile since both helps in relaxing both headaches and abdominal cramps.
- Apply a warm compress in order to help relieve both abdominal cramps and headaches. Apply a heating pad or warm cloth to the stomach and a warm cloth placed on the head and neck. Alternately apply hot and cold compress to the head and neck to lessen the pain. Heat helps to loosen and relax the muscles.
- Use rice water since it functions as a demulcent or a substance that helps lessen inflammation by forming a relaxing barrier over the membrane in the lining of the stomach. Prepare the rice and place twice the amount of water that is usually done when cooking rice. Put the rice and water in the pot and cook in medium-low heat. When the rice starts to become tender, remove it from the fire and let it soak for at least 3 minutes. Drain and drink the rice water warm by adding a few drops of honey.
- Elevate the legs or lie on the side with the knees bent especially when suffering from menstrual cramps and gently massage the abdomen can help with the condition.
- Take-over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to help lessen the pain and headaches.
- Eat soft foods such as applesauce, crackers and rice and drink plenty of fluids.
- If stomach cramps and headaches is due to pregnancy, serious medical conditions such as bacterial or parasitic infections like toxoplasmosis, seek medical help immediately.
Tips
Look for symptoms or clues that cause the headache and stomach cramp and if experiencing fever, diarrhea and vomiting, the affected person can be suffering from gastroenteritis or stomach flu.
Premenstrual syndrome can be the cause of the stomach cramps and headaches, and taking hormone therapy, stomach cramps and headaches can be side effects of this medications.