The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that approximately 90 percent of adults experience headache during their lifetime. Despite this high prevalence, headaches remain incompletely understood. The good news is that the overwhelming majority of headaches do not cause neurological damage, nor do they indicate a serious underlying illness. Most headaches are tension-type headaches. There are several things you can do to help alleviate a simple headache. Because individual experiences differ, a bit of trial and error may prove necessary to find what works best for you.
Nonprescription Medication
When you have a headache, your first instinct may be to reach for an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen. This strategy is one that many health care providers recommend. Several brands of headache remedies contain a nonprescription pain reliever plus a small dose of caffeine. In a March 2011 article published in "BMC Neurology," Dr. Andreas Straube and colleagues reported that these combination medicines typically alleviate headache pain more effectively than a pain reliever alone. If you do not have a combination headache remedy at home, try drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee or tea with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Although nonprescription pain relievers often alleviate headache pain, you should not take these medications more than two days per week unless your doctor advises you to do so. Frequent use of pain relievers may cause rebound headaches. Similarly, heavy caffeine intake may provoke headaches in some people. Talk with your doctor about your caffeine consumption if you have recurrent headaches.
Timeout
Taking a break often helps relieve a headache, especially if you are in a stressful situation. If possible, lie down for a few minutes in quiet place, giving your neck and back muscles an opportunity to relax. Place a warm or cool compress on your forehead, whichever feels more comforting to you. Taking a bath or shower is a good way to take a brief respite if you are at home. Gently stretch your neck, upper back and shoulders to release tension in these muscle groups.
Rest and Relaxation
Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, mindful walking and visualization, help diffuse stress and may lessen your headache pain. Regular practice of these techniques reduces the frequency of recurrent headaches in some people. Massage therapy is another option to promote relaxation and stress relief. Take a nap or turn in early if it is close to bedtime; chances are good that you will feel better when you wake up.
Warning
Although painful, most headaches pose no threat to your long-term health. The presence of certain signs and symptoms in conjunction with a headache, however, may herald a serious medical condition. Signs and symptoms to watch for include an unexplained stiff neck; fever; weight loss; a purple rash; impaired consciousness; confusion; seizures; weakness in one area of your body; sudden, intense pain; worsening pain; abrupt vomiting that relieves your headache; and pain that is different from your usual headache pain. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, call your doctor right away. If you cannot reach your doctor, go to the nearest emergency room.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Headache; April 2011
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Tension Headache
- "BMC Neurology"; Combined Analgesics in (Headache) Pain Therapy: Shotgun Approach or Precise Multi-Target Therapeutics?; Andreas Straube, M.D., et al.; March 2011
- FamilyDoctor.org: Rebound Headaches
- Cleveland Clinic: Caffeine and Headache
- MedlinePlus; Tension Headache; Kevin Sheth, M.D.; November 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Tension-Type Headaches: Self-Care Measures for Relief; April 2010
- American Headache Society: Headache Diagnosis and Testing
- "Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 16th Edition"; Dennis L. Kasper, M.D., et al., editors; 2004
