Headaches can occur at any time. The good news is that there are a few basic things you may take to relieve discomfort without going to the doctor. Try these methods to feel better quickly.
1. Dim the Lights
Bright or flickering light, even from your computer screen or TV, can trigger migraine headaches. If you're prone to them, keep your windows covered with blackout drapes during the day. Wear sunglasses outside. You could also use anti-glare screens on your computer and utilize daylight-spectrum fluorescent bulbs in your light fixtures.
2. Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress
If you have a tension headache, apply a heating pad to your neck or the back of your head. If you have a sinus headache, apply a warm compress to the affected area. A warm shower might also work.
3. Try Massage
You can do it yourself. A few minutes of massaging your forehead, neck, and temples can relieve tension headaches caused by stress. Alternatively, apply slight rotational pressure to the uncomfortable spot.
4. Practice Relaxation
Learning how to relax when suffering from a headache, whether through stretches, yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help alleviate the discomfort. If you suffer neck muscle spasms, you should consult with your doctor about physical therapy options.
5. Try a Cold Pack
If you experience a migraine, apply a cold pack to your forehead. Ice cubes wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen veggies, or even a cold shower will help relieve the agony. Apply the compress to your head for 15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute pause.
6. Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head
If your ponytail is overly tight, it may induce a headache. These "external compression headaches" can also be caused by wearing an overly tight helmet, headband, or swimming goggles.
7. Hydrate
Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can cause or worsen a headache.
8. Try Not to Chew Too Much
Chewing gum can cause headaches as well as jaw pain. The same goes for chewing your fingernails, lips, the inside of your cheeks, or useful objects such as pens. Avoid gritty and sticky foods, and eat in little bits. If you grind your teeth at sleep, talk to your dentist about a mouth guard. This may relieve your early-morning headache.
9. Get Some Caffeine
Have some tea, coffee, or other caffeine-containing beverage. If you acquire it soon enough after the discomfort begins, it may alleviate your headache. It can also make over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen more effective. Just don't drink too much, as caffeine withdrawal can induce its own set of headaches.
10. Use Meds in Moderation
The pharmacy shelves are loaded with pain medications for all types of headaches. To achieve the maximum benefit with the least danger, follow the instructions on the label and these guidelines:
- Choose liquids over tablets. Your body absorbs it faster.
- If you have heart or kidney failure, you should avoid taking ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).
- Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 18.
- As soon as you feel discomfort, take painkillers. You'll most likely beat it with a smaller dose than if you waited.
- If you feel sick to your stomach when you have a headache, consult your doctor about what might help.
- Ask your doctor what to do to avoid a rebound headache, which is pain that returns after a few days on pain relievers.
11. Take Some Ginger
Taking some ginger with standard over-the-counter pain relievers may reduce discomfort in persons in the ER with migraines. Another reported that it worked nearly as well as prescription migraine medications. You can take a multivitamin or boil tea.
When to Call Your Doctor
Talk to a headache specialist about which symptoms you should not treat at home. Seek medical help right away for:
- A headache after a brain injury
- A headache accompanied by dizziness, speech issues, confusion, or other neurological signs
- A strong headache that occurs unexpectedly.
- A headache that worsens even after taking pain medication.
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