Self-Care for Headaches

Most headaches aren't serious and can be relieved with self-care. But some headaches may be a sign of another health problem like eye trouble or high blood pressure. To find the best treatment, learn what kind of headaches you get. For tension headaches, self-care will usually help. To treat migraines, ask your doctor for advice. It is also possible to get both tension and migraine headaches. Self-care involves relieving the pain and avoiding headache “triggers” if you can.

Ways to Reduce Pain and Tension

• Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the pain site.

• Drink fluids. If nausea makes it hard to drink, try sucking on ice.

• Rest. Protect yourself from bright light and loud noises.

• Calm your emotions by imagining a peaceful scene.

• Massage tight neck, shoulder, and head muscles.

• To relax muscles, soak in a hot bath or use a hot shower.

Use Medications

Aspirin or aspirin substitutes, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can relieve headache. Remember: Never give aspirin to anyone 18 or younger.

Track Your Headaches

Keeping a headache diary can help you and your doctor identify what's causing your headaches.

• Note when each headache occurs.

• Identify your activities and the foods you've eaten 6–8 hours before the headache began.

• Look for any trends or "triggers."

Signs of Tension Headache

• Dull pain or feeling of pressure in a tight band around your head

• Pain in your neck or shoulders

• Headache without a definite beginning or end

• Headache after an activity such as driving or working on a computer

Signs of Migraine

• Throbbing pain on one or both sides of your head

• Nausea or vomiting

• Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smells

• Bright spots, flashes, or other visual changes

• Pain or nausea so severe that you can't continue your daily activities