Headaches happen. The good news is that there are several simple things you can do to relieve pain without having to go to the doctor or pharmacy. Try these tips and start feeling better fast.
How To Get Rid of a Headache
8. Try a Cold Pack
If you have a migraine, put a cold pack on your forehead. Ice cubes wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen peas, or even a cold bath can ease the pain. Keep the compress on your head for 15 minutes and then take a 15 minute break.
7. Use A Heating Pad Or Hot Compress
If you have a tension headache, place a heating pad on your neck or the back of your head. If you have a sinus headache, put a warm washcloth over the painful area. A hot bath can also solve the problem.
6. Ease Pressure On Your Scalp Or Head
If your ponytail is too tight, it can cause a headache. These “external compression headaches” can also be caused by wearing a cap, bandana, or even tight-fitting swimming goggles. In one study, women who let their hair down saw their headaches go away.
5. Dim The Lights
Bright or flashing lights, even on a computer screen, can cause migraines. If you are prone to them, cover your windows with blackout curtains during the day.
Wear sunglasses outdoors. You can also add anti-glare screens to your computer and use daylight spectrum fluorescent lamps in your accessories.
4. Try Not To Chew
Chewing gum can damage not only the jaw but also the head. The same goes for biting your nails, lips, insides of cheeks, or useful objects such as pens.
Avoid crunchy and sticky foods and be sure to take small bites. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a mouthguard. This can reduce your morning headaches.
3. Consume Caffeine
Have some tea, coffee, or something with a little caffeine. If you get it early enough, it can ease your headache. It can also help to relieve over-the-counter pain, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) works better.
Just don’t drink too much, because caffeine withdrawal can cause its own kind of headache.
2. Practice Relaxation
Whether it’s stretching, yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, learning to relax when you have a headache can help with the pain.
You can even talk to your doctor about physical therapy if you have muscle spasms in your neck.
1. Try The Massage
You can do it yourself. A few minutes of massaging the neck and temples can help relieve tension headaches, which can result from stress.
And be sure to talk to your doctor about headache symptoms that you shouldn’t try to treat at home.
