How to Get Rid of a Headache

How to Get Rid of a Headache

Been hitting your head against the wall too much?
A common affliction, mild to moderate headaches
can be brought on by a range of problems,
including stress, tiredness, tension, food or
alcohol, exposure to noise, a cold, etc., and on
the whole, are no more serious than causing you
immediate pain and interrupting your daily
activities.[1] A combination of these problems
interacting can also lead to a headache.

There are some things you can do to treat your headache yourself, as
outlined in this article, keeping in mind that each headache is, in
some ways, unique, and a treatment that works for one may not work for
the next.

!! Steps !!

_ No idea! It just feels like my head's in a clamp!Try to identify
the type of headache that 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 the headache is accompanied
by other symptoms, consult your doctor or health professional for
immediate investigation and a proper diagnosis. The following list
of common types of headaches demonstrates the wide variety of
possible causes for your headache, which is why it's so important
to seek further treatment if your headache issue won't
resolve:[2][3]

* Tension headache_: The most common type of headache. Many tension
headaches take time to develop following physical or emotional
stress but can last for days once it kicks in. This headache tends
to form as a result of muscle contraction, and is commonly felt as
a band behind the eyes and across the forehead, but the pain can
be located anywhere in the head, including on the side or at the
back. The headache may be dull, 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. Sometimes a tension headache
is accompanied by feeling nauseous.

* _Hangover headache_: The pain is real and so is what you drank the
night before! Symptoms include throbbing pain, nausea, feeling
generally lousy. Keep up your fluids and be patient. Use of
recreational drugs can also leave headaches, as can withdrawal
from prescription medications.

* _Allergy or food induced headache_: With an allergy induced
headache. you'll often have a runny nose and runny eyes as well as
the headache, and the headache can be generalized. This type of
headache tends to be seasonal and is often treated with
anti-histamines; speak with your doctor about choices. MSG can
induce headaches in sensitive persons; other symptoms will include
facial pressure, chest pain, burning sensation on trunk, neck and
shoulders and the head will throb. Nitrites and nitrates in meat
can induce a moderate to severe headache. And if you eat your ice
cream or drink a cold drink too quickly, you can induce a
temporary "brainfreeze", or "ice cream headache" which is severe
but passes quickly.

* _Migraine headache_: With a migraine, the sufferer will feel
throbbing pain accompanied by severe nausea and possible vomiting.
There are visual problems such as seeing stars, flickering
objects, and even partial loss of vision. Some migraines also
cause numbness or weakness. Migraines can be caused by reactions
to food, stressors, hormonal changes, an accident, and for some
people, they are inherited. Migraines require special attention
and you should seek advice from your doctor on what to medicate
with, as well as finding methods to try and head off getting a
migraine.

* _Cluster headache_: This is a headache that sits around your eye
area and can involve a drooping eyelid, nasal discharge and a
watery eye. It tends to be more common in males, and can be
ongoing. If this type of head pain is occurring, take it seriously
and see your doctor for advice and treatment.

* _Headache caused by pain, problems, or tension in another part of
the body_: Headaches can be caused by sinus blockage, a cold,
virus, or fever, coughing, physical exertion, hunger, eyestrain,
strained neck or back muscles, arthritis, and by dental problems.
In each case, it is essential to get your doctor's examination and
advice, as you will probably need wider body treatment and not
just a simple focus on the head region. If you have to wear
certain items regularly, such as goggles for swimming, or pull
your hair back a lot for modeling or stagework, etc., these can
cause headaches in their own right – often the symptoms will be
relieved by removing the item or changing your hair styling
method.

* _Accident induced headache_: If you involved in an accident in
which your head receives a shock, bump, hit, or bang, you may
develop a headache. As this can also be accompanied by concussion,
skull fractures, internal bleeding, etc., you must seek immediate
medical treatment. 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.

* _Aneurysm_: You will experience a sudden, "thunderclap" of pain.
This pain can mimic a migraine or cluster headache and can be
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.

* _Tumor induced headache_: This is rare and if you have any
suspicions that this is an issue, see your doctor immediately.
Some symptoms of a brain tumor might include numbness or weakness
of limbs, slurred speech, disturbed vision, epileptic fits,
personality changes, or poor balance. It is rare for there to be
no other symptom than a headache.

* _Altitude sickness headache_: If you experience altitude sickness,
the pain can affect both sides of the head, or just one side.
Usually impacts climbers not using oxygen. Follow the precautions
for treating altitude sickness.

* _Other headaches_: There are a number of other reasons for
triggering a headache that are best diagnosed by a doctor; what is
important to understand is that if you have any concerns, see your
doctor quickly.

Make it go away!Try different methods for alleviating your
headache. Not every method suggested in the following sections
will necessarily help, and it remains vital to always be alert
for headache symptoms that might require a visit to the doctor.
However, with trial and error, you should be able to find
various methods that do alleviate your tension or other
home-treatable headache and you might find that these work each
time. In addition to trying different remedies, it is suggested
that you:

* 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, etc. and will be a way that you can start
learning to head off a headache before it begins to develop. If
your headaches are hormonally induced (for example, as a result of
having a period), knowing when you're likely to experience
hormonal fluctuations (and hence headaches) will allow you to plan
accordingly to "ease up" on work and home chores at this time of
the month.

* 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.

!! Relaxation Techniques !!

* Rest is best for a normal headacheRest. Rest and time out from
other people, noise, and thinking about problems can go a very
long way to improving a tension induced headache. Lay down in a
quiet, darkened room for at last a half hour.[4] Ensure that the
bed or couch is comfortable and that your head is supported in a
position that doesn't increase the tension to your head. Shut your
eyes and simply lie still for the time, or try to sleep.
Oh that's so not helping! Concentrate!Use massage. Massage the
ears and ear lobes as well as the neck. If you can, find two
tennis balls or racket balls and put them in a sock. Lie on a
flat surface and place the two balls just below the base of your
skull on the occipital and relax. You may feel sinus pressure or
minimal discomfort at first but it will go away. Stay in this
position with the still point on the occipital for as long as
needed. This is especially helpful for sinus headaches.

* Have someone else massage your neck and back if possible. The
simple touch of someone else who cares about you can relieve a lot
of tension instantly.

* Try massaging the top of the bridge of your nose. This can help
sometimes.

* Try hydrotherapy. Heat and chill compresses.
Apply both compresses alternately to the nape of the neck. Wring a
small towel in hot water and place on the neck for two minutes.
Repeat for one minute with a towel wrung in cold water. Continue
doing this for up to 20 minutes.[5]

* Think beautyVisualize peacefulness. Spend some time relaxing
your mind. Visualize a calm scene, such as a green forest or blue
ocean, and take deep breaths. Without doing anything, have the
thought of allowing your neck the freedom to float, and your back
the freedom to sink into something very soft. Tension in the neck
and shoulders can often be the cause of headaches.

* Relax with someone who knows what to do!Consider acupuncture
or acupressure. These can reduce the head pain if performed by a
qualified person. Ask to see licensing and check that needles are
sterilized in the case of acupuncture. These techniques are good
for reducing nausea.

* Pressuring parts of the feet for your headache!Try simple
reflexology. Use the thumb and index finger of one hand to apply
pressure to the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger of
the other hand. Hold this for a minute or two. This doesn't seem
to work for everyone, but for some people, it provides immediate
relief. The relief may be temporary, or you may get rid of your
headache entirely.

!! Medication Or Topical Treatments For Headaches !!

_ Take a commercial headache preparation
(analgesic) available from a pharmacy or supermarket. If you visit a
pharmacy, you can describe the symptoms to the pharmacist who may be
able to point you to a particular medication that might alleviate the
pain. Common painkillers for headaches include aspirin,
anti-inflammatories, and acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, etc.).
Always follow the instructions precisely as indicated on the product;
not doing so can mask or worsen your condition.

* Stop taking aspirin (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID)) if you experience indigestion or any sign of increased
bruising; and do not use aspirin for children under 12.[6]

* Stronger remedies contain codeine. This can help alleviate pain
initially but it has its own side effects, including constipation
and could mask more serious symptoms. If you feel as if you need
to keep upping the dose, see your doctor.

Use heat or cold. Depending on your preference,
heat or cold can improve your headache when
applied direct to the skin. You can try one or
the other, or even alternate between hot and
cold:[7]

* Cold_: Apply ice packs. Ice packs have been used for years to
treat headaches and they still work. You usually find ice packs
at your drugstore. A cold rag on your neck or forehead can also
work wonders.

* _Heat_: Use a moist hot pack (but not too hot) to loosen up tense
muscles. Or apply a warm cloth to the forehead of back of the
neck.[8]

* A cold or warm bath before lying down might be helpful.

* Stimulate pain to conquer pain. Feel the top
of your eye socket under the eyebrow. You will discover a small
groove in your skull about the center of the top of the eye
socket. In this groove is a nerve which is very sensitive to
pressure. If you compress this nerve, it will be very painful.
However, the pain will stimulate the pituitary to release
endorphins immediately. The endorphins are the body's own natural
painkillers and are more powerful than morphine. To stimulate the
nerve, push hard against it for about 10 seconds. Note that this
method may not work, and if you cannot tolerate doing it, or it
becomes too painful, stop immediately.

!! Natural Remedies !!

* Be informed. 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
as the contra-indications, such as not using when pregnant, sick,
etc.
Try herbal remedies. There are several herbal
remedies that are considered to have value for
getting rid of headaches:

* FeverfewFeverfew: Feverfew can be taken in capsule or tablet
form, as a tea, or even eaten in a sandwich (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.[9] There are no serious side effects to using feverfew
although you might experience a sore tongue, mouth ulcers, or
nausea, digestive problems and bloating. Coming off long-term use
of feverfew can disrupt sleep and cause headaches.

* Willow bark, magnesium, peppermint, and lavender supplements might
help.[10] Note, however, that the scientific support for or
extensive studies on the effectiveness of many of these
supplements varies.[11] If you feel it works for you, and you're
aware of any potential side effects, then trust your own remedies!

* Peppermint teaTea: A cup of tea made from passionflower,
rosemary, or lavender might alleviate a headache.[12] Peppermint
or chamomile tea can help to relax you.

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.[13]

* For relief of aches and pains: Mix 5 drops rosemary oil, 5 drops
nutmeg oil, 5 drops lavender oil in a carrier oil. Massage on the
neck and upper back area.[14]

* If you have a vaporizer, add 7 drops of lavender oil, 3 drops of
peppermint oil, and breathe in the relief. Alternatively you could
also try sprinkling a few drops of peppermint oil onto a tissue
and inhaling deeply several times.

Consider the potential for homeopathy. If you
know how to use homeopathic remedies, an
occasional headache might be minimized by using
the following suggestions:[15]

* Belladonna: good for headaches that arise from a reaction to noise
or light.

* Bryonia: good for headaches brought about by movement.

* Ignacia: good for headaches brought on by acute emotional
distress.

* Drink water. Dehydration can be a cause of
some headaches. Have a glass of water to see if this helps. This
can work well in combination with lying down and resting for a
bit.
Use food as a pick-me-up perhaps?Try food remedies. Lack of food
can cause a headache, so make sure you've eaten something
recently. In addition, some foods are thought to help alleviate
headaches. None of the following are guaranteed but they've
worked for some people, so they might just work for you:

* Eat almonds. Almonds contain pain-relieving
chemicals that might reduce your headache symptoms.[16]

* Try cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper might help
to improve your headache. You could try consuming it (the theory
being that when the cayenne pepper hits your stomach, endorphins
are released), but some research suggests that only topical
application works effectively.[17] It is probably best to get your
doctor's advice if you're planning to apply this topically!

* Apply a compress with vinegar (preferably
home-made, apple vinegar) to your head.

* Drink a cup of caffeine. Caffeine constricts
the blood vessels, which can lessen head pain. But too much
caffeine may trigger migraines in some people so instead of
coffee, you might like to try tea. If taken in conjunction with a
painkiller, caffeine can also speed up the medicine's effect, and
as a result some painkillers include caffeine. Alternately, you
can drink cola. Note that if you're a heavy caffeine or soda
drinker, you may experience headaches as part of caffeine
withdrawal. A jolt of caffeine will usually help, but in the long
run, it's best to break your addiction and the headaches will
disappear.

* Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on
your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

!! Exercise Techniques !!

* You might feel tied up but stretching can help!Stretch. If you
have a tension headache, stretching your neck and back muscles
might improve your headache by acting on the tense parts of your
body.

* Do some yoga. Yoga aimed at reducing tension
can remove or minimize headaches. Simple neck rolling or
relaxation yoga exercises are best.

* Walk away that headacheTake a brisk walk in the fresh air.
This can be especially effective if you've been sitting hunched up
for a while and you have a lot of challenging thoughts circulating
in your head. The exercise will get the blood moving, the new
scenery will refresh your outlook, and the fresh air will awaken
you. By the time you return home, you might find that you're
feeling much better.

* Try laughing the headache out!Try laughing or smiling. These
can work wonders if it's just a minor headache. Smiling and
laughing release endorphins within the brain, working on a
positive feedback loop - the more you smile and laugh, the more
"feel-good" chemicals the brain releases, and the more of these
chemicals it releases, the more you smile and laugh! Endorphins
will help to relieve the pain.

!! Lifestyle Fixes !!

Don't use a computer while you have a headache! Check your
workstation at home and work. 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.

* 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.

Visit your dietician for adviceImplement dietary changes.
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, a dietician/nutritionist, or a
naturopath.

* 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 like to consider avoiding of 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).

* See the physioTreat 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, pilates, etc., it is usually
important to see a specialist such as a physiotherapist,
chiropractor, or osteopath to assess and treat your condition.[18]
See your dentistSee your range of health professionals. If
you're experiencing problems in other parts of your head, it can
be a good idea to get help that might alleviate the headache.
For example:

* See your dentist: If you 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.

Remain calm 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. 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.

!! Video !!

!! Tips !!

* Having pre-made meals in the freezer can be a huge relief if you
have regular tension headaches. This removes a source of stress if
you're expected to make dinner, as all you need to do is heat up
the meal while you're resting. This alone can be enough to draw
off an evening headache after a day's work, as you can take the
time to rest peacefully instead of trying to prepare a meal.

* 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 for a rest.

* Rub tiger balm on your temples. The menthol might be able to
distract your senses and help alleviate the pain.

* If it's a sinus headache, try eating a spoonful of honey made in
your local area every day. While it won't help immediately, it
might help to build up your immunity from local pollens.

* Avoid elevating your head when resting for a headache – keep it
as level with your body as possible.

* If you get migraines frequently, as well as working out a plan
with your doctor, try avoiding trigger foods such as cheese or
chocolate. Eating and sleeping regularly is also important to ward
off migraines.[19]

* Visit the bathroom. If you haven't already done so, sometimes a
trip to the bathroom can alleviate a headache!

* Something that triggers one headache may not trigger others. It
depends on your constitution, exposure levels, and sensitivity.
Even doctors don't like coming up with "one-size-fits-all"
headache lists!

* Relax your tongue. Having your tongue on the roof of your mouth
can cause headaches. Keep your tongue off the roof of your mouth,
and the pain from your headache should decrease.

!! Warnings !!

* See a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following
symptoms or signs: a headache that feels worse than any you've
ever experienced before, headaches that change in their pattern
(for example they're usually mild and suddenly they're severe),
the headache feels weird and unfamiliar, the headache is sudden
and abrupt, it worsens over days and doesn't stop, the headache
comes with neck pain and a fever (it might be meningitis), or you
experience epileptic fits, convulsions, vomiting, inability to
tolerate bright light, rashes, weakness in any part of your body,
or your personality changes.[20]

* Some medications can cause headaches, such as the birth control
pill. 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.

* Be careful using over-the-counter drugs. Overdosing with Tylenol
(acetaminophen) is _toxic_ to the liver. No more than 2 in a six
hour period! Taking Tylenol with alcohol greatly increases the
danger to the liver. Always read the directions before taking any
painkillers, and take the smallest effective dose. Avoid taking
NSAIDs if you have an ulcer, gastrointestinal problems,
indigestion, or asthma.[21]

* Be careful if pinching nerves to try and stop a headache. Behind
the sternocleidomastoid is the carotid artery and vagus nerve.
Pinching these off can cause faintness, or possibly even brain
damage by disturbing blood flow to the brain. If you feel faint,
dizzy, or nauseated while working on that muscle, stop immediately
and lie down for several minutes. If symptoms persist, get
immediate medical attention.

* Take head injuries seriously. It's generally a good idea to seek
medical advice for any head injury, even if you don't experience
concussion, obvious injury, or pain.

* You can find a ton of headache remedies on the internet or by
asking people you know. Many of these are helpful for at least
some people, and if they're safe, there's no reason not to try
them if other steps don't work. 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.

!! Things You\'ll Need !!

* Exercise area

* Walking gear (shoes, clothing, etc.) that is comfortable and fits
well

* Analgesics or herbal remedies, as per instructions

* Quiet, dark room for rest

!! Related WikiHows !!

* How to Relieve a Tension Headache

* How to Get Rid of a Headache Using Mallow

* How to Use a Headache Diary

* How to Heal and Prevent Migraine Headaches

* How to Cure a Headache Without Medication

!! Sources And Citations !!

!! Article Tools !!

* Read on wikiHow

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