Headaches are common but most are not serious and respond to self-help pain relief methods. The majority of headaches are tension headaches, which are caused by stress, missed meals, neck or back strain due to poor posture, changes in sleep patterns and eye strain.
Step 1
Keep a log of your headaches. Make note of all foods eaten in the previous 24 hours, the amount of sleep you had the night before and the time the headache began and ended. Evaluate the data to identify headache triggers.
Step 2
Employ relaxation and stress relief tactics. Get a massage, take a bath, rest with your eyes closed or take a walk.
Step 3
Stretch to relieve tension in the muscles of your neck and shoulders, particularly if you work at a computer.
Step 4
Place an ice pack on the area where you feel pain, either on your head or the back of your neck.
Step 5
Apply gentle, steady and rotating pressure at pain points, using your index fingers and thumbs. Maintain the pressure for seven to 15 seconds before releasing. Repeat as needed.
Step 6
Take non-prescription medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve ordinary headache pain.
Step 7
Speak to your doctor about prescription pain relievers if over-the-counter medication does not adequately relieve your headache. If you suffer from chronic headache pain, your doctor may recommend a medication to prevent headaches before they start.
Step 8
Investigate hypnosis, breathing exercises, biofeedback, acupuncture or acupressure, chiropractic manipulation, aromatherapy and counseling.
Step 9
Seek emergency treatment if you have any of the following symptoms: a headache after head injury; sudden, violent headache; severe headache in one eye; headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting; or changes in vision, slurred speech or problems with balance or movement.
Step 10
Observe general good health habits to prevent a recurrence of headache pain. Get eight hours of sleep each night, quit smoking, avoid alcohol, eat regular meals and wear eyeglasses if prescribed.
Things You'll Need
- Ice pack
- Non-prescription or prescription pain reliever
