Get Rid of a Headache

Most people get headaches from time to time, whether they're mild annoyances or skull-crushing distractions. Treatment varies depending on the type of headache you're experiencing, but here are some quick feel-better strategies, as well as long-term solutions for stopping the pain before it becomes uncontrollable and difficult to handle.

Steps

Stopping the Pain

1. Know your type of headache, many of which include, Tension headaches, stress headaches, chronic daily headaches, (in which case you most likely know what to do) Chronic non-progressive headaches, and many others, knowing this can help you find out the best way to treat your headache.
2. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Most painkillers won't kick in for about 1-2 hours, so take a dose as soon as you start feeling the headache coming on. Earlier treatment is always better to address a headache. Even if you're already in the depths of misery, a quick dose of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin or even a capsaicin nasal spray can take the edge off.
   • Be careful not to take medications daily unless you’re told to by your doctor. Everyday use of even over-the-counter medications can be linked to Medication Overuse Syndrome, where a person takes medication they don’t actually need because they’re afraid of future headaches. This misuse can actually cause frequent, recurrent headaches called “rebound headaches”.
   • If you frequently take headache medication 3+ times a week, see a doctor. The more medication is used for treatment, the more tolerant of that medication a patient may become. This can lead to side effects such as a lower pain tolerance and increased occurrence of "rebound headaches."
   • The treatment for “rebound headaches” is to reduce or stop taking the pain medication. Speak with a doctor to figure out how to effectively manage your medication.
3. Know when to seek medical assistance immediately. If your headache includes other symptoms, it may be a sign of a more severe condition, such as stroke, encephalitis, or meningitis. See a doctor immediately or call the emergency services if your headache also includes:
   • Trouble seeing, walking, or talking
   • Stiff neck
   • Nausea and/or vomiting
   • High fever (102-104F)
   • Fainting
   • Difficulty using one side of your body
   • Feelings of extreme weakness, numbness, or paralysis
   • Also see a doctor if you have frequent or severe headaches, your medication doesn't work, or you can't function normally.
4. Use caffeine carefully––it can be a double-edged sword. Though caffeine (which is included in some OTC pain relievers) can initially help a headache, it can also lead to more headaches over time by developing or worsening a caffeine dependence. During headache attacks, adenosine is elevated in the bloodstream. Caffeine helps by blocking adenosine receptors.
   • Limit caffeine treatment of headaches to no more than twice a week. More often than this and your body can become dependent on caffeine, especially among migraine sufferers. If you're a heavy caffeine drinker (more than 200 milligrams per day, or about 2 cups of coffee) and you suddenly take it out of your diet, headaches are a common side-effect. This is because daily use of caffeine dilates the blood vessels in your brain. When caffeine is withdrawn, these blood vessels constrict, causing headaches. Learn how to slowly and effectively overcome caffeine withdrawal if you consume too much caffeine and think this might be contributing to your headaches.
   • If you have frequent headaches, it’s ideal to avoid all caffeine whenever possible.
5. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to a headache, especially if you've vomited recently or you're hungover. Drink a tall glass of water as soon as your head starts to hurt, and try to continue drinking small sips throughout the day. You may gradually feel the pain start to ease.
   • For men, drink at least 13 cups (3 liters) of water a day. For women, drink at least 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water a day. You should drink more if you exercise frequently, live in a hot or humid environment, have an illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea, or are breast-feeding. Another way to calculate your daily water needs is by weight; every day, you should try to drink between 0.5 and 1 ounce of water for every pound that you weigh.
   • Don’t drink water that’s too cold if you already have a headache. Extremely cold or iced water can trigger migraines in some people, especially if they’re already prone to migraine headaches. Room-temperature water is a better option.
6. Find a quiet, dark place to take a break. If you can, try to lie down and relax for at least 30 minutes. Shut the blinds, turn off the lights, and focus on your breathing. This sensory reduction can help you relax and heal.
   • Request absolute peace and quiet. If you're forced to rest around other people, explain that you have a headache and ask that they please try to be quiet and leave you undisturbed. Pre-emptively asking for cooperation can help you avoid an ugly interruption later. If you'd like, get some sleep or take a short nap.
   • Make sure your bed or couch is comfortable and that your head is supported in a position that doesn't increase the tension to your neck. If one side of your neck is stretched and the other is cramped, adjust your position so that your head and neck are evenly supported.
   • Adjust the lighting. Avoid bright, unnatural light, as light makes headaches worse -- even for blind people. You can also wear an eye mask to block out light.
   • Adjust the room temperature. Some people can only relax in a cool room, while others prefer a large blanket or a space heater. Try to create whatever conditions work best for you when you go to sleep at night.
7. Practice progressive muscle relaxation. Progressive muscle relaxation can help ease headache pain. Other exercises focused on relaxation, such as gentle yoga or meditation, can also help.
   • Lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
   • Beginning at your forehead, tense all the muscles in a specific group for five seconds.
   • Relax the muscles and focus on the feeling of release that you experience in your muscles.
   • Move to the next group of muscles. Muscle groups to tense and relax include: forehead, eyes and nose, lips-cheeks-jaw, hands, arms, shoulders, back, stomach, hips and buttocks, thighs, feet and toes.
8. Use a cool compress. Placing something soft and cool over your forehead and eyes can help the blood vessels constrict, which will reduce inflammation and may ease your headache pain. This works particularly well if the problem is concentrated in your temples or sinuses.
   • Wet a washcloth with cool water, and lay it over your forehead. Refresh it with more cold water as soon as it starts to feel uncomfortably warm.
   • Prep a heavy-hitting compress. Put a wet washcloth in a resealable plastic sandwich bag, and place the bag in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove it and place on your forehead for a long-lasting compress — the washcloth will be extra cold, and the bag will keep the icy wetness off of your skin.
   • If your headache is a tension headache, such as one caused by stress, anxiety, or sore muscles, a hot shower or warm compress may help relieve the pain more effectively than a cold compress.
9. Massage your face and scalp. Particularly if you suffer from tension headaches, massage can help improve circulation and relieve tension, which will help relieve the pain of your headache. Tension headaches can be caused by a variety of things, from poor posture to jaw clenching to strained muscles. Anxiety and depression may also trigger tension headaches.
   • Place your thumbs on your temples (the soft spot between your upper ear and the corner of your eye). Keeping your thumbs on your temples, use very firm pressure and move your fingers in small, circular motions from your temple to the center of your forehead.
   • Gently massaging the bridge of your nose can help relieve sinus and migraine headaches.
   • Do a scalp massage. Hop in a hot shower and treat yourself to a long scalp massage as you shampoo your hair. Or, for a dryer version, pour a little bit of coconut or argan oil on your fingers and rub into your scalp.
10. Massage your neck and shoulders. Tension in your neck and shoulders can cause headaches. Fortunately, although tension headaches are the most common type of headache they’re also one of the easier headaches to treat.
    • To massage your neck and shoulders, sit and place your hands on your shoulders with your fingers pointed toward your shoulder blades.
    • Exhale and relax your neck, letting your head fall backward. Squeeze your fingers to apply pressure on your shoulder muscles. Move your fingers in small, deep circular movements toward the base of your skull.
    • Interlace your fingers behind your head. Allow your head to drop forward, letting the weight of your arms gently stretch the muscles of your neck and shoulders.
    • Find two tennis or racquet balls and put them in a sock. Lie on a flat surface and place the two balls just below the base of your skull and relax. You may feel sinus pressure or minimal discomfort at first but it will go away. This is especially helpful for sinus headaches.
11. Do neck exercises. Stretching and strengthening your neck muscles can help relieve chronic headaches, but they may help in the moment as well. Here is a simple routine to stretch your neck muscles:
    • Slowly lower your chin to your chest without moving your shoulders. You should feel the stretch in the back of your neck. Return your head to the upright position.
    • Slowly twist your head to one side. Hold for 15-30 seconds. Return to facing forward, then repeat, looking the other direction. Return to looking straight ahead of you.
    • Slowly lower your head so that your ear is approaching your shoulder (but do not lift the shoulder). Hold for 15-30 seconds. Lift your head to the upright position, then lower your other ear towards the shoulder and hold for 15-30 seconds.
    • Do not stretch to the point of pain. Repeat exercises as necessary.
12. Use acupressure techniques. Acupressure may help you relieve tension and headache pain, especially if your headaches are caused by muscle tension or stress. Stimulating acupressure points in your neck, shoulder, and hands can help relieve headaches.
    • Locate the mastoid bone just behind your ear, and follow the natural groove in your neck to where the muscles attach to the skull. Apply deep, very firm pressure for 4-5 seconds while you breathe deeply.
    • Locate the point on your shoulder muscle about halfway between your neck and the edge of your shoulder. Using your opposite hand (right hand for the left shoulder, left hand for the right shoulder), pinch the shoulder muscle between your fingers and thumb. Use your index finger to apply firm downward pressure for 4-5 seconds.
    • Massage the soft part of your hand in between your index finger and thumb. Apply firm, circular pressure for 4-5 seconds. However, this should be avoided during pregnancy because it might induce labor.
    • You can also place ping pong balls in a sock and lean back against a chair (or the seat of a car), placing the balls between the seat and your back to activate pressure points.
13. Practice relaxation techniques. People around the world use a variety of tricks to distract themselves from pain. If you're in the midst of a headache, don't worry about learning something new — stick to whatever is closest to your comfort zone. Some popular options include:
    • Meditation.
    • Prayer.
    • Deep breathing.
    • Visualization.
    • Listening to binaural beats
    • Try to just calm down. If you can fall asleep, that might help.
14. Use breathing exercises. Sometimes, breathing itself can be a cure. It sounds obvious, because breathing is just something we do, but relaxation and deep breathing can actually be something that you need to focus on. Deep, regular breathing can remove tension and relax you and your headache in minutes.
    • Find a cool, dark, quiet place.
    • Make yourself comfortable: lie down or sit comfortably, and remove or loosen tight clothes.
    • Inhale slowly through your nose. You should feel your abdomen expanding as you fill your lungs with air. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth until your lungs feel empty.

Using Natural Remedies

1. Use natural remedies with caution. There are a number of natural remedies that might work to treat your headache. As with any natural remedy, always know the side effects and allergy potential of the remedy, as well any times you should not use the remedy (such as while pregnant, if you’re already sick, etc.) Be aware that natural remedies are often not backed with scientific research or approved by the FDA or other licensing agencies.
2. Try herbal remedies. Look for standardized herbal supplements that contain a specified amount of the active ingredient in every dose. There are several herbal remedies that are considered to have value for getting rid of headaches. Note, however, that the scientific support for or extensive studies on the effectiveness of many of these supplements varies. As with any treatment, use with caution, and stop using them immediately if you experience unpleasant side-effects.
   • Butterbur. Studies show that butterbur can reduce migraine frequency.Take two 25mg capsules daily for 12 weeks to reduce the occurrence of migraines by up to 60%. Do not consume butterbur plants directly, as they contain toxic elements that are removed when made into capsules.
   • Ginger. In addition to treating headache pain, ginger can help treat nausea and vomiting, which are common side-effects of severe headache. The American Academy of Neurology has found that concentrated ginger supplements are more effective at reducing headache pain than placebos.
   • Coriander. Coriander seeds can be used to decrease the inflammation that causes headaches. The seeds can be chewed, used in food or tea, or taken orally in extract form.
   • Grow Colourful Herbs. Feverfew can be taken in capsule or tablet form, as a tea, or even eaten in a sandwich (beware, it tastes bitter). There is mixed evidence to support the effectiveness of feverfew, but it has been relied upon for centuries, so it might be worth trying. There are no serious side effects, although you might experience a sore tongue, mouth ulcers, nausea, digestive problems and bloating. Coming off long-term use of feverfew can disrupt sleep and actually cause headaches.
   • Willow. Willow is used in 300mg tablets and may reduce the frequency of migraines when taken twice daily.
   • Tea: A cup of tea made from passionflower, rosemary, or lavender might alleviate a headache. Peppermint or chamomile tea can help to relax you.
3. Use aromatherapy. Aromatherapy preparations vary considerably, but some of the more commonly used essential oils for headache treatment include lavender, sweet marjoram, and chamomile. Use for neck massaging, in a bath, or to inhale.
   • For relief of aches and pains: Mix five drops rosemary oil, five drops nutmeg oil, five drops lavender oil in a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil. Massage onto the neck and upper back area.
4. Use food-based remedies. Lack of food can cause a headache, so make sure you've eaten something recently. Some foods and beverages may also trigger headaches (red wine, MSG, and chocolate are common culprits). Be mindful about what you eat, and don’t eat foods that you notice routinely cause headaches. You may also be able to help treat headache pain by eating certain foods.
   • Eat almonds. Almonds contain magnesium, which may help relax blood vessels and relieve headache pain. Other magnesium-rich foods such as bananas, cashews, and avocados can also help.
   • Eat hot, spicy foods. The effectiveness of spicy foods on headaches depends on the individual person and the type of headache. However, if you have a sinus headache, spicy foods may help decrease congestion and allow you to breathe better, which can help reduce headache pain.
   • Try spinach. Spinach really is a food with a high density of nutrients and that offers many potential health benefits. It may help decrease blood pressure and relieve hangover-related headaches. Use fresh spinach instead of lettuce in a salad or on a sandwich.
   • Drink a cup of a caffeine-containing beverage. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels, which can lessen head pain. Too much caffeine may trigger migraines in some people so instead of coffee, you might try tea, which tends to have less caffeine.

Preventing Headaches With Lifestyle Fixes

1. Get plenty of sleep. Having good "sleep hygiene"-- getting plenty of good quality sleep-- can help you feel better generally and can reduce headache occurrences. Adults should get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, try some of the following techniques:
   • Limit your "screen time" before bed
   • Only use your bed for sleep and intimacy
   • Limit caffeine consumption in the later part of the day
   • Begin dimming the lights and giving yourself time to "wind down" before preparing for bed
2. Limit your exposure to fragrances. Though perfume and scented products such as soaps and lotions might make you smell nice, they could be causing your headaches. Try switching to unscented products and ask those to whom you spend a lot of time in close proximity to do the same. Remove or unplug scented air fresheners from your living or working space as well.
3. Change your diet. Although this won't alleviate your headache straight away, making dietary changes in the longer term can potentially remove a source of headaches for you in the future. If you don't know where to begin, see your doctor or a dietician/nutritionist.
   • Find out whether you have any particular food allergies and eliminate those foods from your diet.
   • Reduce your intake of caffeine. Caffeine can induce headaches. Ironically, withdrawal from caffeine will probably cause a temporary headache, but once you're through the withdrawal period, you'll notice a positive difference.
   • You might consider avoiding or minimizing potential headache-triggering foods, especially those containing MSG, nitrites and nitrates (cured meats), tyramines (aged cheese, wine, beer, and processed meats), sulphites (dried fruits, condiments, and wine), and salicylates (tea, vinegar, and some fruit).
4. Treat musculoskeletal problems. If your back or neck are misaligned, or you're suffering from poor posture and muscle tension, it's important to fix this source of pain. While you can try to improve your musculoskeletal problems through exercise such as stretching, yoga, or Pilates, it is usually important to also see a specialist such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor to assess and treat your condition.
5. Do yoga. Yoga aimed at reducing tension can remove or minimize headaches and prevent them from reoccurring. Simple neck rolling or relaxation yoga exercises are best.
6. Set up an ergonomically correct workstation. The way that you're sitting at the desk and using a computer might be contributing to your headache. Be sure that everything is at the right height and distance for your size.
   • Make sure you can keep your neck in a neutral position while you work. We often end up slouching and pushing our necks out of alignment when using computers and other digital devices. If your neck is usually bent forward, move your computer so that you can look straight ahead while working.
   • Take regular breaks from all desk work and computer use. Exercise your eyes by looking at different distances for a few minutes every hour and do some basic body stretches.
7. See a range of health professionals. Many health issues can cause headaches, so if your headaches continue to be a problem for you, seeing specialists to address other problems can help you reduce your headaches.
   • See your Be Confident when Going to the Dentist: If you clench your teeth or have jaw misalignment, tooth decay, abscesses, or post-extraction infection, these can be a source of headaches.
   • See your optician: If you need glasses but it has gone undiagnosed, your eyestrain could be causing unnecessary headaches.
   • See your ear, nose and throat specialist: If you have untreated infections, perforations, or other problems with your ears, nose, and throat, these could cause headaches.
8. Calm down. If you're angry, irritable, frustrated, etc., you may be building up daily muscle tension to a point where it has become unmanageable and causes headaches. Anxiety, stress, and depression can also cause headaches. Seek professional counseling or psychological help for mapping out some fruitful ways to manage your emotions if they're dominating your approach to life every day.
   • If you clench your jaw or grit your teeth, make an effort to relax your face. Try yawning to reduce facial tension.
   • Practice relaxation exercises before stress-producing events like exams, getting married, taking a driver's test, etc.
9. Keep a record of your headaches. This will help you to identify patterns that bring about headaches, such as after a particularly stressful period at work, after communication problems, after eating certain foods, starting your period, etc. Once you know what triggers your headaches, you can start learning to head off a headache before it even begins to develop.
   • This information can also be very helpful to your doctor if you experience frequent headaches. Bring your headache journal along with you to doctor’s appointments.
10. Quit smoking. If you’re a smoker, you may be aggravating your headaches. Cigarette smoke contains substances that are known to cause headaches, such as carbon monoxide. Cigarettes also contain things like nicotine that constrict blood vessels, causing headaches, and also keep the liver from being able to process headache medication. Quitting smoking can help you get fewer headaches, especially if you get “cluster headaches,” or headaches that occur in intense cycles throughout the day. Studies have shown that people who cut their tobacco use also cut their headache frequency in half.
    • Headaches can also be caused by exposure to second-hand smoke, especially if you have a smoke allergy or sensitivity. If you don’t smoke but frequently are in places where cigarette smoke is common, you may still experience headaches.

Preventing Headaches by Type

1. Identify the type of headache you're experiencing. Most headaches are tension or lifestyle induced and aren't harmful, even though they're painful and can prevent you from fulfilling your tasks. If you experience frequent headaches, a severe headache, a headache that won't respond to analgesics, or a headache that is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your doctor or health professional for immediate investigation and a proper diagnosis.There's a wide variety of possible causes, which is why it's so important to seek further treatment if your headache issue won't resolve.
2. Prevent a tension headache by reducing stress. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Usually, they aren't as painful as other headaches, but they can last for hours or even days. A tension headache tends to form as a result of muscle contraction, and is commonly felt as a band behind the eyes and across the forehead. The headache may be dull or recurrent if the source is not dealt with, and can be accompanied by feeling generally unwell, especially if the sufferer also has anxiety or depression. This type of headache tends to respond well to painkillers, rest, and alleviation of the source of stress.
   • Massage, acupuncture, yoga, and relaxation therapies are good ways of preventing tension headaches.
   • "Talk therapy," where you work on your anxiety and stress with a mental health professional, can also help prevent and reduce tension headaches.
3. Prevent migraine headaches with exercise. Migraines may be genetically linked, although researches are not certain exactly what causes migraines. Migraines cause throbbing pain accompanied by severe nausea and possible vomiting. There are sometimes visual problems—called "aura"— such as seeing stars, flickering objects, and even partial loss of vision. Some migraines also cause Treat Fibromyalgia or weakness. Migraines can be caused by reactions to food, stressors, hormonal changes, an accident, medications, or other unknown triggers. Migraines require special medical attention If you frequently experience them, see a doctor.
   • Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can help you prevent migraine headaches by reducing tension in your body. Obesity may also be a migraine trigger, so exercise can also help prevent migraines by helping you stay at or reach a healthy weight.
   • Warm up gradually before you exercise! Intense or sudden physical exertion without a gradual warm-up period can trigger migraines. Even brisk sexual activity can trigger a migraine in the very sensitive.
   • Migraine headaches can also benefit from increased water consumption and a balanced diet.
4. Manage a cluster headache by avoiding alcohol and nicotine. Researchers don't know exactly what causes cluster headaches, so you can't prevent the first onset of a cluster headache. Cluster headaches are one of the most painful headaches, with intense pain around your eye area (usually on one side of your head). They can also involve drooping eyelids, nasal discharge and watery eyes. If this type of head pain is occurring, take it seriously and see your doctor for advice and treatment. There are a number of drugs and treatments that can alleviate the symptoms.
   • Avoiding alcohol and nicotine can help reduce your risk of future cluster headaches, although it may not have any effect on your pain while a cluster headache is occurring.
   • Oxygen therapy, where you breath in oxygen through a mask, has proven especially helpful for cluster headaches.
   • Studies have shown that taking 10 milligrams of melatonin before bed may reduce the frequency of cluster headache onset. This may be because cluster headaches can occur when your sleep cycle is disturbed.
5. Prevent a medication overuse headache (MOH) by monitoring your painkiller use. The medication overuse headache (MOH), or "rebound headache", stems from withdrawal symptoms from the long-term use of pain relief medication (usually for tension headaches). MOH headaches are treatable. In most cases, just stop using the medication and your headaches should stop within a few days. The symptoms of an MOH headache are often similar to those of tension headaches.
   • Avoid using headache painkillers, even over-the-counter types, for more than 2 or 3 days per week. If your symptoms are severe enough to require more frequent medication, see a doctor.
   • Use over-the-counter painkillers no more than 15 days per month.
   • Avoid painkillers that contain opioids (codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, etc.) or butalbital (Fioricet, Ezol, Phrenilin, etc.).
6. Prevent a hangover headache by drinking water. Hangover headaches are very common, and they're estimated to cost the US about $148 billion a year in lost productivity (from sufferers who call out sick or do a terrible job at work because they're hungover). Symptoms include throbbing pain, nausea, and feeling generally lousy. The only guaranteed way to prevent a hangover headache is not to drink, but staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help you avoid the pain of an alcohol-induced headache the next day.
   • A good rule of thumb is to drink four times as much water (or other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids) as you do alcohol. Since many cocktails contain between 1-2 ounces of liquor, you should plan to drink a full, large glass of water for each alcoholic beverage you consume.
   • Other liquids, including sports drinks or even broth, can also be helpful. Avoid alcohol (obviously) and beverages that include caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine both dehydrate you.
7. Prevent an allergy or food-induced headache by knowing your triggers. Allergies and sensitivities can cause nasty headaches that often include a runny nose, watery eyes, and an itching or burning sensation as well as headache pain. Some allergies are seasonal, such as pollen allergies, and can be treated with antihistamines. You might also have a food allergy or sensitivity, which can trigger headaches. If you have frequent headaches with symptoms like itching or watery eyes, consider having an allergy skin test done by a medical professional. These tests expose you (safely!) to a variety of allergy triggers and can help determine whether your headaches are caused by things you're exposed to.
   • MSG can sometimes induce headaches. Someone with an MSG sensitivity may also experience facial pressure, chest pain, burning sensation on trunk, neck and shoulders and throbbing head. Nitrites and nitrates in meat can induce a moderate to severe headache.
   • If you eat ice cream or drink a cold drink too quickly, you can induce a temporary "brain freeze", or "ice cream headache" which is severe but passes quickly.
8. Prevent other headaches by changing your personal care routine. Headaches can sometimes be caused by eyestrain, hunger, strained neck or back muscles, and even by things like wearing your hair in a certain style (such as in a tight ponytail or wearing a headband that puts pressure behind your ears). These headaches are likely to have similar symptoms to tension headaches. Making minor changes to your routine, like setting up an ergonomically correct workstation or not wearing your hair in a tight ponytail or bun, can help prevent these headaches.
   • Eating on a regular schedule can also help prevent everyday headaches. If you don't eat regularly, your blood sugar drops, and this can trigger intense headaches and nausea. Avoiding processed foods may also help reduce your headaches and make you feel better in general.
   • Be sure that you follow a regular sleep schedule and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

Tips

• If your hair is up, undo any tight ponytails or braids and let your hair loose.
• Wrap an icepack or frozen vegetables in a towel and apply wherever the pain is (forehead, back of neck, etc.). Don’t apply extremely cold substances directly to your skin.
• Don't be afraid to withdraw from other people to rest. Remaining around people and trying to stay perky when you've got a headache can worsen it. You'll be better company after some rest.
• If you need glasses, be sure to wear them for reading and detailed tasks. Not wearing them can bring on a headache.
• Avoid using ice cubes as a compress, as the edges can dig into your skin and cause pain. Use an ice pack designed to remain soft and pliable, even when frozen.
• Learn to look at all of your lifestyle factors as a whole, to identify the areas where you can reduce stressors that lead to body tension and headaches. Identifying "precipitating factors", including food, bright lights, alcohol, exercise, stress, changes in your life, sleep problems, physical exertion, etc., will ensure that you learn coping strategies that reduce the likelihood of getting a headache or other stress or tension related symptoms.
• For some individuals, CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) may cause headaches; try changing them out for incandescent or LED lights if you find that working near CFLs causes headaches.
• Sleeping regularly is important to ward off recurring headaches.
• If you have a strain headache, avoid electronic and TV screens, and don't read or look at paper with writing, especially if it is small writing.
• A natural alternative to Advil is almonds. Just eat 10-12, and you should be feeling better within 3 minutes.
• If you have tried resting and taking pain medication and sleeping and it doesn't go away then try getting a light meal and some orange juice. This can distract your mind from the pain and help get rid of the headache.
• If you're near electronics and it's necessary for them to be on, lower the brightness, or just close them. If you do not have to be around them, unplug and turn off all electronics in a 12-foot space around you.
• Sleep for at least 20 minutes.
• Try closing your eyes and inhale deep breath and exhale deep breaths.
• Most headaches are caused by the lack of water; therefore, as soon as you get a headache drink some water, as it helps rehydrate you.
• Hold a cold paper towel on your head.
• Get lots of rest. Naps can help with the headache. Be sure to find somewhere nice and quiet.
• Drink cold water to lower the pain.
• Massage your head.
• If it is a child's headache then take children's Advil and have them lay down for 5-10 minutes.
• Try laying down in a dark quite spot and focus on your breathing.
• Pull the hair (not too hard) that is right above your ear and in other places. It will help your headache go away.
• Drink herbal tea. It is good for you and it normally doesn't have any side effects. If herbal tea doesn't work try something with electrolytes such as Gatorade or Powerade.
• Try taking your mind off by doing quiet activities.
• Water is the best cure in this case. When you feel a headache coming, drink at least 2-5 cups of water.
• Do not read any small writing while you have a headache.
• Try not to look at a bright screen such as a phone for a long time. That may cause a headache or make it worse.
• Use collinsonia root; it's been proven to relieve headaches.
• Talk to a doctor if you have headaches everyday, and hopefully they'll be able to help you!
• Try not to jump about too much; it can hurt even more if you have a headache.
• Avoid technology which would cause the headache to be worse.
• If the headache is brought on by car sickness, drink plenty of water or ginger ale.

If you frequently have headaches brought on by car sickness, take an over the counter drug (such as Dramamine) an hour before you have to be in the car. (Warning: some types of Dramamine make you drowsy. If you must be awake, select a non-drowsy variety).

• If you start having frequent headaches near the lower back portion of your head consult a doctor. It could be a condition known as chiari malformation which if not treated could be fatal and possibly needing surgery.
• Drink water and walk in fresh air for sometime.
• Try having space of your own and get away from people for a while and from noise you can also go to a dark place to prevent headaches.
• Try a paracetamol.
• Go to a dark place.Play a relaxing music on medium or low volume. Close your eyes. Massage your head a bit!
• Drink hot tea with honey and have cinnamon and cloves. This helps a lot!
• Sometimes headaches can be treated by going up to a wall and to put your legs against the wall and put your back down onto the ground. This helps as the blood is brought up from your legs up to your head as most of the blood is brought down by gravity.
• Try doing eye exercises to cure your headache.

Warnings

• If you're involved in an accident that involves trauma to your head, you may develop headaches. As this headache can also be accompanied by concussion, skull Check for a Fracture when Performing First Aid, internal bleeding, etc., you must seek immediate medical treatment.

1. • Post-traumatic headaches can arise as the result of being in an accident or traumatic situation—these can be extremely difficult to treat and may need the intervention of a specialist trained in psychology or psychiatry. It may take a long time to recover from experiencing these headaches.

• Some medications can cause headaches, such as the birth control pill or antidepressants. Seek advice from your doctor if you're taking a medication regularly and experiencing headaches. The headaches might be a side effect, or an indication of something that needs attention.
• Use common sense when considering any "home remedy." If it seems like it could cause more harm than good, don't use it without consulting your doctor first. If a treatment makes your headache worse, or if you experience other symptoms, stop the treatment and contact your doctor.
• Tumors can cause headaches, although having a headache doesn't mean you have a tumor. Usually, these headaches will be accompanied by other symptoms, including numbness or weakness of limbs, slurred speech, disturbed vision, epileptic fits, personality changes, poor balance, or difficulty walking. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
• An aneurysm can cause a "thunderclap" headache, a sudden, intense pain that is often accompanied by a stiff neck, double vision, and loss of consciousness. Get immediate, urgent medical assistance. In this case, surgery and blood pressure stabilization are the main treatments.
• Be careful using over-the-counter drugs. Even OTC painkillers can be dangerous to your health if used improperly. Take all pain medications according to the dosage on the label, and always take the smallest effective dose.
• Avoid taking NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, if you have an ulcer, gastrointestinal problems, indigestion, or asthma. Common NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis).

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