10 Tips for Getting Rid of Headaches Quickly
Don’t let a headache stop you in your tracks. Here’s how to ease the discomfort.
When you have a headache, it can throw off your entire day. The aching and throbbing may be a minor annoyance, or they can prevent you from following your normal routine. Whether your headaches are mild or severe, occasional or frequent, knowing how to ease your symptoms can help you feel better and get on with your life.
Here are 10 tips to get quick relief from headache pain:
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Drink water. Dehydration is a common headache trigger. One of the simplest and fastest ways to relieve or prevent a dehydration-related headache is to drink more water.
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Have a little caffeine. Caffeine has been shown to help ease migraine pain in its early stages. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can lead to withdrawal headaches.
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Massage painful areas. If you have a tension headache, massaging the area may help relieve tension and pain. Gently apply rotating pressure to your neck, temples, and forehead.
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Do relaxation exercises. Anything that helps you relax may also ease headache pain. Try progressive muscle relaxation, stretching, yoga, or meditation.
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Use a cold compress. Applying something cold to your forehead can help dull headache pain, especially if you have a migraine. Use an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or a few ice cubes in a plastic bag. Place a light towel between the ice and your skin to avoid excessive cold. A cool shower may also provide relief.
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Use a warm compress. If your headache is due to tension or sinus congestion, a warm compress may help. Try placing a warm, damp washcloth over your sinuses or a heating pad on your neck. Warm, moist heat can relax tense muscles and clear sinuses. A warm shower may also help.
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Turn off the lights. Migraines are often worsened by bright light. Stay in a dim or dark room, use blackout curtains or shades, and avoid blue light from screens. Wearing sunglasses outdoors may also help.
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Remove anything constricting your head. If you’re wearing a hat, headband, or tight ponytail, removing it may ease pressure and reduce your headache.
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Avoid chewing on hard objects. If your head is pounding, avoid chewing hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. This includes ice, fingernails, pens, and gum, which can strain jaw muscles and worsen headaches.
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Wear a mouth guard. If you wake up with a headache, you may be grinding your teeth at night. “Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common cause of morning headaches,” says Sokol. “A dentist can evaluate you and recommend a mouth guard to help protect your teeth and reduce headaches.”
If your headache is severe, comes on suddenly, or is accompanied by dizziness, confusion, trouble speaking, or other neurological symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately, as it could be a sign of a stroke. If you wake up with headaches in the morning, see your doctor as this can be a sign of sleep apnea. Lastly, if you experience pain or other symptoms following a blow to the head, get checked for a concussion or other head injury.
