6 Ways to Get Rid of Your Headache

Got a headache? You’re not alone. Headache is the most common symptom that patients go to their doctor for. Nearly 10% of Americans suffer from regular migraines, and nearly a third of people report having a severe headache within the last three months that interfered with their daily activities.

Here are 6 ways to get rid of your headache.

#1. Rest. Most people feel better after closing their eyes and lying down. This is a common treatment for migraine sufferers, and for people with stress-induced headaches. Most of us will benefit from a rest, so find a dark place and close your eyes.

#2. Relax. Even more common than a migraine is headache induced by tension. However, especially for those who are accustomed to living a stressful life, relaxing is easier said than done. So try various techniques. Head-stretching and breathing exercises may help, as can massages, yoga, and meditation.

#3. Drink. Water, that is. Dehydration contributes to headache, and this is a problem you can fix yourself Drink two glasses of water when you feel like your headache is starting; this can help to curb it before it gets worse.

#4. Exercise. If your head hurts, exercise may be the last thing you want to do. For some people, particularly those who may have tension headaches, exercise can really help their symptoms. Regular exercise can also help prevent headaches from occurring, so try to build in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise four times a week.

#5. Take anti-inflammatory medications. Tylenol and Ibuprofen can reduce headache symptoms. Take 650mg of Tylenol and 600mg of Ibuprofen when your symptoms first start. It’s OK to take these together, and to repeat in 6 hours if you need. Be careful that other products can contain these ingredients, in particular Tylenol (acetaminophen): check the label of other medications you’re taking to make sure you are not overdosing on it.

#6. Consider alternative treatments. Though there is no clear evidence that alternative therapies are effective for headaches, some people have great results from acupuncture, for example. Certain teas, such as peppermint and lemon-ginger, have also been associated with alleviating headaches.

Of course, it’s always important to be on the look out for more serious causes of headache, for example, sudden onset of the worst headache of your life, fever, numbness, weakness, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms. Know that everyone is different, and you should try various therapies to see what works for you. Finally, as with everything, prevention is the best medicine, so sleep well, de-stress, and practice other good lifestyle habits!

I welcome your comments! What are other things you’d like to know more about?