Headaches can be caused by allergies, infection, hormonal and vascular changes, sinusitis, stress and high blood pressure. They can also be triggered by certain foods and medications. Although serious causes of headaches are rare, severe or prolonged headaches need to be evaluated because failure to do so may worsen the condition. Most headache sufferers can find relief by learning how to relax, making lifestyle changes and occasionally by taking medications.
Step 1
Visit your doctor. Before an effective treatment plan can be implemented, the source of your headache needs to be found. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and take a complete medical history. In addition, diagnostic imaging tests and blood tests may be recommended. Your treatment plan will depend on the results yielded from your medical evaluation.
Step 2
Take an over-the-counter medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen and aspirin can provide substantial headache relief. In addition, acetaminophen-based analgesics such as Tylenol can provide relief as well and may be gentler on your stomach. Although over-the-counter pain relievers are relatively safe when taken per label directions, they can interact with other medications you are taking, worsen certain medical conditions and cause side effects. Discuss taking these medications with your doctor before beginning treatment with them.
Step 3
Ask about prescription pain relievers. If your headaches are severe, discuss the option of prescription medications with your doctor. Although effective against headaches, prescription pain relievers cause side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, delayed response time, constipation and addiction. The risks of these medications may outweigh the benefits and should only be used when other treatment options have proved ineffective, and only under the strictest supervision of your physician.
Step 4
Use cool compresses. Apply cool compresses to your eyes, the back of your neck, forehead and cheekbones. Cool compresses can relieve headache pain and soothe sore muscles, and can be used whenever a headache strikes. Make a cool compress by saturating a soft washcloth with cool water, wringing out the excess water and folding it into a rectangular pad.
Step 5
Perfect your posture. Poor posture puts strain on ligaments, tendons and bones, while good posture helps keep your muscles from becoming tense. Improving your posture is an effective and fast way to get rid of a headache. The Mayo Clinic suggests that while standing, keep your shoulders back and head high, while pulling in your buttocks and abdomen and tucking your chin in. When sitting, keep your thighs parallel to the floor and make sure your head is not slumped forward.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep a headache diary. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, recommends keeping a headache diary to identify headache triggers. After identifying such triggers, you can modify your habits and lifestyle to avoid potential future headaches.
- If you experience severe or sudden headache pain, facial numbness, nausea, vomiting or vision loss, seek emergency medical treatment. You may be experiencing a stroke and will need fast evaluation and treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Physical exam
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- Prescription pain medication
- Cool compresses
