Tips to Get Rid of a Headache

Headaches are common. The good news is that there are a number of easy actions you can take to alleviate the discomfort without consulting a physician. Try out these suggestions to feel better immediately.

Try a Cold Pack

Apply a cold compress to the area of the forehead afflicted with a migraine. Towel-encased ice cubes, a container of frozen vegetables, or a chilly shower could potentially alleviate the discomfort. After 15 minutes of applying the compress to your head, remove it for 15 minutes.

Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress

To alleviate tension-induced headaches, apply pressure to the back of the head or the neck with a heating compress. Applying pressure to the affected area with a warm cloth can alleviate sinus headaches. Perhaps a tepid shower would be more effective.

Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head

Too much tension in your ponytail may result in a headache. An additional cause of these “external compression headaches” is the use of swimming goggles, a hat, or a headband that is too tight.

Dim the Lights

Light that is bright or fluctuating, including that emitted by a computer screen, has the potential to induce migraine headaches. Cover your windows with blackout draperies during the day if you are susceptible to them. Utilize spectacles when venturing outdoors. Additionally, you could illuminate your light fixtures with daylight-spectrum fluorescent bulbs and install anti-glare displays on your computers.

Try Not to Chew

Chewing gum can cause damage to the head in addition to the jaw. Chewing on practical objects such as pens, fingernails, lips, or the inner aspect of the cheekbones, follows the same principle. Avoid foods that are crunchy or sticky, and take modest bites. Inquire with your dentist about a mouth guard if you experience nocturnal teeth grinding. Possible relief from early-morning migraines.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of liquids. Dehydration can cause a headache or make one worse.

Get Some Caffeine

Consume coffee, tea, or another beverage containing a trace amount of caffeine. Applying it promptly upon the onset of pain may provide some relief from headache discomfort. Additionally, it may improve the efficacy of over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen. Simply limit your caffeine intake, as caffeine withdrawal symptoms can manifest as a distinct form of headache.

Practice Relaxation

Acquiring the skill of progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, stretching, or meditation can provide relief from the discomfort associated with a headache. Consult your physician regarding physical therapy if you are experiencing neck muscle spasms.

Try Massage

Self-doing is possible. Tension headaches that may be brought on by stress can be alleviated with a brief session of scalp, neck, and forehead massage. Alternately, the painful area may be treated with mild rotated pressure.

Take Some Ginger

A small recent study found that taking ginger, in addition to regular over-the-counter pain meds, eased pain for people in the ER with migraines. Another found that it worked almost as well as prescription migraine meds. You can try a supplement or brew some tea.

Also read: Morning meditation: the secret to a great day

Use Meds in Moderation

Pharmacy shelves are stocked with pain relievers for all kinds of headaches. To get the most benefit with the least risk, follow the directions on the label and these guidelines:

Choose liquid over pills. Your body absorbs it faster.
Avoid ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if you have heart failure or kidney failure.
Do not give aspirin to a child under age 18.
Take painkillers as soon as you start to hurt. You’ll probably beat it with a smaller dose than if you wait.
If you get sick to your stomach when you get a headache, ask your doctor what might help.
Ask your doctor what to take to avoid a rebound headache, which is pain that sets in after a few days of pain relievers.

And be sure to talk to your doctor about what headache symptoms you should not treat at home.

When to Call Your Doctor

Get medical care right away for:

A headache that follows a head injury
A headache along with dizziness, speech problems, confusion, or other neurological symptoms
A severe headache that comes on suddenly
A headache that gets worse even after you take pain medications