How to get rid of headache

Tips to Get Rid of a Headache

In this Article

Headaches happen. The good news is there are several simple things you can do to ease the pain without a trip to the doctor. Try these tips and get to feeling better fast.

Try a Cold Pack

If you have a migraine, place a cold pack on your forehead. Ice cubes wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen vegetables, or even a cold shower may ease the pain. Keep the compress on your head for 15 minutes, and then take a break for 15 minutes.

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, hold a warm cloth to the area that hurts. A warm shower might also do the trick.

Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head

If your ponytail is too tight, it could cause a headache. These «external compression headaches» can also be brought on by wearing a hat, headband, or even swimming goggles that are too tight.

Dim the Lights

Bright or flickering light, even from your computer screen, can cause migraine headaches. If you’re prone to them, cover your windows with blackout curtains during the day. Wear sunglasses outdoors. You might also add anti-glare screens to your computer and use daylight-spectrum fluorescent bulbs in your light fixtures.

Try Not to Chew

Chewing gum can hurt not just your jaw but your head. The same is true for chewing your fingernails, lips, the inside of your cheeks, or handy objects like pens. Avoid crunchy and sticky foods, and make sure you take small bites. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. This may curb your early-morning headaches.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of liquids. Dehydration can cause a headache or make one worse.

Get Some Caffeine

Have some tea, coffee, or something with a little caffeine in it. If you get it early enough after the pain starts, it could ease your headache pain. It can also help over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen work better. Just don’t drink too much because caffeine withdrawal can cause its own type of headache.

Practice Relaxation

Whether it’s stretches, yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, learning how to chill out when you’re in the middle of a headache can help with the pain. You might talk to your doctor about physical therapy if you have muscle spasms in your neck.

Try Massage

You can do it yourself. A few minutes massaging your forehead, neck, and temples can help ease a tension headache, which may result from stress. Or apply gentle, rotating pressure to the painful area.

Take Some Ginger

A small recent study found that taking ginger, in addition to regular over-the-counter pain meds, eased pain for people in the ER with migraines. Another found that it worked almost as well as prescription migraine meds. You can try a supplement or brew some tea.

Use Meds in Moderation

Pharmacy shelves are stocked with pain relievers for all kinds of headaches. To get the most benefit with the least risk, follow the directions on the label and these guidelines:

And be sure to talk to your doctor about what headache symptoms you should not treat at home.

When to Call Your Doctor

Get medical care right away for:

Show Sources

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: «Have a Headache at Work? 13 Quick Fixes.»

National Headache Foundation: «Hot and Cold Packs/Showers,” «Bruxism.»

National Health Service (UK): «Sinus headache,” «10 Headache Triggers.»

Blau, JN. Headache, published online May 2004.

The International Headache Classification ICHD-2: «External Compression Headache.»

Mount Sinai Hospital: «Managing Your Migraines»

American Headache Society: «Dental Appliances and Headache,” «Types of Headaches,» «Sinus Headache or Migraine?» «Acute Therapy: Why Not Over-The-Counter or Other Nonspecific Options?” «Ten Things That You and Your Patients with Migraine Should Know.»

The Migraine Trust: «Medication for Migraine.»

Lawrence C. Newman, MD, President, American Headache Society and Director, Headache Institute, Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital, New York City.

American Academy of Neurology: «Migraine Headache.»

American College of Physicians: «Managing Migraine.»

Johns Hopkins Medicine: «Chronic Daily Headache.»

Mayo Clinic: “Acupuncture,” “Migraine,” “Migraines: Simple steps to head off the pain,” “Rebound headaches,” “Tension headache.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Self-Care Treatments for Headaches: Procedure Details,” «Headache Treatment Overview,» «Self-Care Treatment for Headaches,» «When to Call the Doctor About Your Headache Symptoms,» «Headache Treatment Overview.»

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Acupuncture: In Depth,” “Butterbur,” “Feverfew.”

Cephalalgia: “Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) addition in migraine acute treatment.”

Phytotherapy Research: “Comparison between the efficacy of ginger and sumatriptan in the ablative treatment of the common migraine.”

FamilyDoctor.org: «Hydration: Why it is so important.»

HealthyChildren: «Choosing Over-the-Counter Medicines for Your Child.»

How to get rid of a headache: 4 ways to quickly relieve head pain

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A headache is one of the most common and irritating types of pain. In order to relieve your headache, it’s first helpful to know what’s causing it.

There are two main types of headaches. A primary headache occurs independently of any other medical condition. Whereas a secondary headache is a side effect of another health issue such as a sinus infection or high blood pressure.

Secondary headaches are most effectively treated by addressing the underlying medical condition. But there are many simple ways to get rid of a primary headache. Here’s how.

How to get rid of a headache

«When it comes to primary headaches that have no other underlying cause, figuring out your headache ‘triggers’ and avoiding them is the best defense,» says Vernon Williams, MD, director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute.

Headache triggers can be a specific part of your lifestyle — like diet, stress, or sleep habits — that bring on the pain of a headache. Here are the best ways to avoid or get rid of your triggers:

When to see a doctor for your headache

«Most headaches are episodic, meaning they are infrequent and don’t require medical attention,» says Williams. One of the treatment methods above may provide relief, or the headache can even resolve on its own.

However, more severe or persistent head pain should be checked out by a doctor. If your headache occurs three or more times in one month, Williams says, then it’s a good idea to speak with your primary care provider.

In addition, headaches that follow physical injury or include other concerning symptoms may require serious medical attention.

«If a headache follows a blow to the head, is accompanied by sudden, excruciating pain, a stiff neck, fever, convulsions, confusion, loss of consciousness, or associated with severe pain in the eye or ear, then immediate medical evaluation is crucial,» says Williams.

Finally, you may want to see your doctor if you experience headaches alongside blurring of vision, double vision, facial numbness, or any cognitive changes. Even if these symptoms go away, it’s important to get yourself checked out.

6 at-home remedies to get rid of a headache naturally, according to doctors

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Many people turn to over-the-counter pain medications to get rid of a headache, but it can be possible to relieve a headache without medication.

For example, relaxation techniques, acupressure, or warm compresses are all home remedies that can help combat headache symptoms and give you some relief.

Here’s what you should know about headaches and how to treat the symptoms naturally.

What is a headache?

A headache is when you feel pain in the head or face. There are different types of headaches with varying causes, such as:

The following are some simple strategies you can try at home to help relieve these types of headaches:

1. Use a cold or hot compress

For headaches with radiating pain that starts in one area and spreads to another, like migraine headaches, cold compresses can be placed over the spot from which the pain originates, says Michael Devine, MD, internal medicine doctor and geriatrician with Devine Concierge Medicine, a primary care practice in Philadelphia.

Cold temperatures have a numbing effect, which can dull the pain. They can also constrict the blood vessels, which may help relieve migraines. You can make your own cold compress by placing a damp towel in the freezer for about 10 minutes. An ice pack would also work.

Heat is better suited for tension headaches, Devine says, which often manifest as dull, aching head pain and a feeling of tightness across your forehead.

Tensions headaches are typically caused by stress and relaxing stiff neck and shoulder muscles can help relieve this type of headache. For example, heat packs or a hot towel can be draped over the neck and shoulder muscles to help relax the muscles.

2. Try acupressure

Acupressure is the act of applying firm pressure to certain parts of the body for one to two minutes at a time.

This is most helpful at the back of your neck or base of your skull, and helps relax tension in the stabilizer muscles located in the neck that are often affected in tension headaches, Devine says. You can do this yourself at home. For example, you can follow these steps from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center:

1. On your left hand, find the space between the base of your thumb and index finger. This space is known as pressure point LI-4, or Hegu.

2. Using your right thumb and index finger, press down on this point. Slowly move your thumb in a circle as you apply pressure. You should be firm, but don’t hurt yourself.

3. Find the same space on your right hand, and with your left thumb and index finger, repeat this process for another five minutes.

3. Practice relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques — like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises — can also be helpful in managing certain headaches, especially cluster headaches.

Cluster headaches, which often manifest as intense pain behind the eye, can often be relieved with deep breathing exercises, Devine says. For example, you can practice a breathing exercise known as rhythmic breathing by taking long, slow breaths and slowly counting to five as you inhale and exhale.

In addition, tension headaches and migraine headaches are often related to stress, Devine says. Yoga and meditation can be particularly helpful with these types of headaches because they can help relax the body and reduce stress over time.

Note: For more information, learn about how to perform breathing exercises for relaxation. You can also follow our beginners guide on how to meditate.

4. Improve your diet

Foods containing phenylalanine and tyramine may increase the frequency of migraine headaches for some people.

Phenylalanine is an amino acid often found in:

Tyramine is a compound produced by the breakdown of amino acids and is often found in:

To prevent headaches, Devine suggests eating three to four small meals throughout the day instead of one to two large meals. Foods rich in protein and dietary fiber, like almonds and cherries, may also help ward off headaches.

5. Stay hydrated

Drinking more water — and less dehydrating beverages, like alcohol or coffee — can also help prevent headaches.

Devine recommends drinking an 8 to 16 ounce glass of water every two to three hours when you start to notice a headache coming on, as migraine headaches often respond well to this approach.

Quick tip: Read more about how much water you’re supposed to drink each day for optimal health.

In addition, caffeine could be a possible headache culprit, especially if it’s something you used to consume regularly but then stopped or cut back. Caffeine is tricky because it can help certain headaches, like migraines, but drinking too much of it can also lead to dehydration, which can also cause headaches.

Alcohol can also be a migraine trigger, especially if you are stressed or anxious, according to the American Migraine Foundation. Alcoholic beverages can also dehydrate you and cause a headache the next day.

6. Take vitamins or supplements

There are many vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies that can alleviate or prevent headaches, especially migraines.

Devine says these natural remedies work to relieve headaches by improving your circulation, acting as an anti-inflammatory, bringing more oxygen to your tissues, providing muscle relaxation, or offering direct pain relief.

For example, Devine recommends the following:

When to see a doctor

While home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help with headaches, Devine recommends working with your doctor to determine and treat the underlying cause of recurring headaches.

Migraine and tension headaches, for instance, are often caused by a lack of adequate sleep, stress, poor circulation, eye-strain, allergies, and poor dietary habits.

If you experience frequent headaches severe enough to disrupt your life, then you should visit a primary care doctor or neurologist who can diagnose and treat conditions that may be contributing to your headaches.

Insider’s takeaway

Overall, to combat frequent tension headaches or migraines, Devine recommends getting six to eight hours of sleep a night, consuming at least 64 ounces of water a day, exercising for at least 20 minutes three to five times a week, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.

With these home remedies, you may be able to quickly relieve or even prevent headaches naturally. But if you consistently suffer from headaches or migraines, you should check in with your doctor, who may prescribe you medication or work with you to make lifestyle changes.

37 Tips How To Get Rid Of A Headache Fast Without Pills

Contents

Almost everyone has suffered from headaches. This condition usually occurs in people who often experience stress, overwork, sleeplessness and excessive drinking. It can cause mild discomfort or severe pain. Although headaches are not life-threatening, it affects the daily activities and mental health of the patient, reducing the quality of their lives.

Although for many people headaches can happen at any time, all they can do is to endure them until they disappear. Therefore, we write this article to provide you with tips on how to get rid of a headache fast and naturally without pills. They have brought comfort to many people. But to achieve the lasting effect, you should know some basic information about headaches.

What Is A Headache?

Headache is a disease or a sign of other illnesses such as ear infections, spina bifida, or ischemia. Most people have headaches, but if you are constantly experiencing this condition, it may be a sign of chronic headache.

Chronic headache is the most uncomfortable headache. Initial treatment and long-term control can reduce the pain and decrease the frequency of recurrence.

A headache can last 2-4 hours. In some serious conditions, it can last up to three days, making the patient unbearable.

There are four common types of headaches:

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This condition usually occurs on one side of the head. About 11% of the world’s population is suffering from migraines. Among them, women account for three-quarters. According to the researchers’ analysis, brain changes are the main cause of abnormal neurological and migraine attacks.

This condition usually happens in middle-aged people, especially people who smoke regularly. Recently, the proportion of women with cluster headaches is also increasing. This type of headaches appears after one to three hours of sleep and it causes severe headaches that prevent the person from sleeping.

Nowadays, life in many big cities causes people to be caught up in worries for family and work. This is a good condition for many types of urban diseases, especially headaches due to stress, to develop.

This type of headache lasts more than 15 days / month. It is often associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, stress, and substance abuse like alcoholism.

Headaches not only hurt the patient but also reduce the quality of their lives. Over time, this disease also leads to other health conditions such as depression, stroke, retinal degeneration, loss of vision and permanent blindness. According to the World Health Organization, headache is a major global problem.

What Are Common Causes Of A Headache?

Primary headache is usually related to the dilatation of the blood vessels in the skull and to the intermediate chemicals secreted from the surrounding nerve fibers. When the headache arises, the temporal artery is dilated (the temporal artery is a branch of the artery outside the skull). As a result, the surrounding nerve fibers stretch and release chemicals that can cause pain and inflammation. Primary headache is usually not diagnosed, or is mistaken for a headache due to stress, headache due to sinusitis; so many people with this type of headache are not adequately treated.

Secondary headache is usually caused by a number of conditions such as high blood pressure, sinusitis, brain tumors, brain injury, and meningitis. In addition, coffee addicts or smokers also experience headaches during withdrawal.

In addition, headaches are also caused by the following causes:

What Are Common Symptoms Of A Headache?

Here are common symptoms of this condition:

A headache can cause dizziness, double vision, or loss of vision. Therefore, people with headaches often feel unbalanced.

Patients with headaches may see a light trail or a blurry spot which move in a curve and continuously run through the eye.

Pain on one or both sides of the head is a typical sign of headache.

According to a study in the United States, about 73% of headache patients have vomiting and 29% of them have nausea. Patients with headaches who frequently experience nausea are more likely to have severe condition than those without this symptom.

Uncontrolled mood swings are one of the signs of headaches. Some patients feel depressed for no reason, while others experience abnormal excitement.

Some people with headaches often experience numbness and tingling. These symptoms move from fingertips to arms and appear on the face.

Patients with headaches often experience the following signs: sensitivity to light and sound, skull pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, and red eyes.

You may experience other symptoms not mentioned. If you have any questions about the signs of the disease, please consult your doctor.

What Are Risk Factors?

Headache is a very common disease and it can affect patients of all ages, but women suffer from this disease more than men. However, you can control it by minimizing risk factors. See your doctor for more information.

When To See A Doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you have any of these signs:

See your doctor immediately if:

Besides, if you have any questions about a headache, please consult your doctor. Each person’s condition is different, so please consult your doctor to select the most suitable option.

There you have discovered some basic information about headaches. Hopefully you have correctly identified your condition. Now is the time to find out tips to help you treat headaches quickly. Please take a look at TrueRemedies.com!

Top 37 Tips On How To Get Rid Of A Headache Fast Without Pills

1. Be Careful With Caffeine

This is another must-try treatment in this list of tips on how to get rid of a headache fast.

Doctors always recommend that you use caffeine carefully because it can be a double-edged sword. Although caffeine (found in some over-the-counter pain relievers) can help you feel better at first, it over time causes more pain due to your caffeine dependence. As the headache rages, adenosine in the blood rises. Caffeine helps block adenosine receptors.

Note that the combination of over-the-counter painkillers and caffeine can damage the liver if you take high doses or for long periods of time, especially if you regularly drink or have liver problems.

Do not take pain medicine containing caffeine more than twice a week. More than this will cause your body to be dependent on caffeine, especially for migraine sufferers.

If you are addicted to caffeine drinks (more than 200 mg or about 2 cups of coffee a day) and suddenly you remove it from your diet, you may have a headache. This is because daily caffeine use dilates the blood vessels in your brain. When you stop taking caffeine, the blood vessels will contract, thereby causing headaches. Learn how to limit caffeine slowly and effectively if you are taking too much caffeine and think that this can be the cause of headaches.

If you have frequent headaches, avoid using all foods containing caffeine whenever possible.

2. Practice Muscle-Relaxing Exercises

The next treatment in this list of tips on how to get rid of a headache fast is practicing some special exercises.

Exercise that help relax muscles can help reduce headaches. Other exercises that focus on relaxation like yoga or meditation are also highly effective. To perform this exercise, follow the instructions below:

The muscle groups that need to stretch and relax include: forehead, eyes and nose, lips – chin – jaw, hands, arms, shoulders, back, abdomen, hips and buttocks, thighs, and feet and toes.

3. Apply Cold

This sounds strange when applying cold comes to tips on how to get rid of a headache naturally, but it works.

Put something soft and cool on your forehead and your eyes can help shrink the blood vessels, which will reduce inflammation and can relieve headaches. This tip is especially effective if your problem is concentrated in the temples or sinuses.

All you need to do is wet the towel with cool water, and apply it on your forehead. Make it wet again with colder water when it is no longer cool.

You can also prepare a cold bandage yourself. Here’s how:

If you have a headache due to stress, anxiety, or muscle aches, a hot bath or warm compress may be more effective than a cold compress.

4. Perform Breathing Exercises

This is one of little – known tips on how to get rid of a headache fast.

Sometimes, breathing can be a cure. It sounds obvious because breathing is just what we always do, but real relaxation and deep breathing is what you need to focus on. Deep breathing can remove tension and help you relax and relieve headaches after a few minutes.

To so this, please apply these following steps:

5. Drink A Lot Of Water

Dehydration can lead to headaches, especially if you have just vomited or drunk. Drink a large glass of water as soon as you begin to feel headaches, and try to continue taking small sips of water throughout the day. Gradually, you will feel the pain decrease.

For men, drink at least 13 cups (3 liters) of water a day. For women, drink at least 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water a day. You should drink more if you exercise regularly, live in a hot or humid environment, and have vomiting or diarrhea. Another way to calculate your daily water needs is by weight: you should drink 30 to 60 ml of water every day for every 1 kg of weight.

Do not drink too cold water if you have headaches. Too cold water or ice can cause migraines in some people, especially if they have had migraine before. It is best to drink water at room temperature.

6. Find A Quiet And Dark Place To Rest

This may be the easiest tip on how to get rid of a headache naturally.

If possible, lie down and relax for at least 30 minutes. Close the blinds, turn off the lights, and focus on the breath. This can help you relax and recover.

Everything must be absolutely peaceful and quiet. If you are forced to rest in a crowded place, explain that you are suffering from headaches and ask them to try to keep quiet and not bother you. Asking for sympathy can help you avoid unnecessary harassment later. If you want, take a nap.

Make sure your bed or chair is comfortable and that your head is supported in a way that does not increase the tension on your neck. If one side of your neck is stretched and the other folds, you should adjust the position so that your head and neck are supported.

Adjust the light. Avoid sunlight and artificial light because they make headaches worse – even for the blind. You can also wear eyeglasses to prevent light.

Adjust room temperature. Some people can only relax in a cool room, while others prefer to put on a large blanket. Try to create the most comfortable conditions for you when going to bed at night.

7. Try Using Herbal Therapy

If you are looking for relaxing tips on how to get rid of a headache fast, then consider using some herbs.

Look for herbal therapy that contains certain amounts of active ingredients in each dose. Some herbal remedies are said to be effective in getting rid of headaches. Note, however, that scientific tests or large-scale studies on the effects of many of these herbal are not the same. As with any treatment, be careful when taking, and stop immediately if you experience an unpleasant side effect.

Here are some popular but effective herbs you can try:

Before taking butterbur, consult your doctor for the proper dosage. Do not eat butterbur directly, as they contain toxic ingredients that will be removed during capsule extraction.

Coriander seeds can be used to reduce inflammation which causes headaches. You can use coriander seeds to chew, make food or make tea. You can also use them in the form of extract.

Feverfew can be used in the form of capsules, tablets, or tea. It is also often added to the sandwich (be careful, it has a bitter taste). There is plenty of evidence which show that feverfew is effective in treating headaches. It has been used for centuries. Feverfew does not cause serious side effects, although you may have sore tongue, mouth sores, nausea, digestive disorders and flatulence. Long-term use of feverfew can cause sleep disorders and headaches.

Willow is used in the form of 300mg tablets and it can reduce the frequency of migraines if taken twice daily.

A cup of tea made from passion flower, rosemary, or lavender can soothe headaches. Mint tea or chrysanthemum tea can also help you relax.

8. Use Essential Oils

Using essential oil is worth-trying in regard to learning on how to get rid of a headache fast.

Some methods to use essential oils for headache relief include:

This essential oil has soothing and calming effects on the human skin thanks to the availability of menthol. Therefore, it is a great solution for relieving headaches. Despite there are not many studies to formally confirm the efficiency of peppermint oil, some experts still suspect that this oil can control blood flow within the human body, open up sinuses to let more oxygen flow and inhibit muscle contractions.

To relieve headaches, put several drops of peppermint oil in your bath, inhale this oil with steam, add it to your massage oil, diffuse it into the surrounding air, or simple drink peppermint tea. Alternatively, you can pour some drops of peppermint essential oil on your own pillow prior to bedtime for a good night’s sleep.

Lavender oil is sweet and soothing which can relieve stress, depression, anxiety and nerve-related insomnia. As a result, it cures stress-related headaches effectively.

Lavender oil is perfectly used for hormone-related headaches and migraines.

All you have to do is to take 1-2 drops of lavender oil to massage on your neck and temples. Or, use it in diffusion and inhalation.

You just need to add 10-15 drops of basil oil to about 1 ounce of jojoba oil. After mixing well, apply it over your temples, neck and chest to sooth headache pain.

Right after using this oil, you will get an immediate relief from headache pain. Repeat it over again after several hours.

Among many holistic benefits, clary sage oil is good for headaches related to hormones. It can ease PMS, menopause, and menstrual cramps. It also soothes depression while relaxing the feelings of stress and anxiety. That is why clary sage oil is worth mentioning as one of tips on how to get rid of a headache. The pleasant effect produced by this essential oil can evoke laughter and smiles.

Simply diffuse 4-5 drops of clary sage oil in a diffuser, then you can get rid of nervous tension, anxiety and headaches. Alternatively, you can also mix this oil with coconut/jojoba oil to have faster results.

To take advantage of eucalyptus oil, you can add 5-6 drops to a big bowl of boiling water. Then, cover the head, shoulders, and neck with a wide towel before leaning over that bowl. Inhale this steam for 5 minutes or so to get best results. This method will open up your clogged sinuses, therefore eliminating headache.

Just need to pour 2-3 drops of rosemary oil over your palms (or a handkerchief) and apply it over your mouth and nose and hold it for 30 seconds. After breathing in and out for 30 seconds, you will see a great improvement in your condition.

You had better use lemon citrus oil to handle almost types of headaches, like tension, sinus-type or migraines.

Use a diffuser machine to diffuse 8-10 drops of lemon oil so you can relief congestion as well as headaches.

It is particularly good for tension and hormonal-type headaches. Similar to other essential oils, you can use geranium oil in diffusion or bath water.

Mix 1-2 drops of chamomile oil with 8-10 drops of olive oil or jojoba oil. Massage this combination on your temples, shoulders, chest, neck and belly prior to having a bath. Leave it there for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Alternatively, you can diffuse this essential oil on your handkerchief.

Massage your temples and body with the mixture between 1-2 drops of flaxseed oil and 1 teaspoon of coconut or jojoba oil.

9. Fish Oil

Some best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are tuna, mackerel, sardines, trout, salmon, chia seed, walnuts, canola oil, etc.

You can also take advantage of fish oil supplements to harness its benefits for headache relief. Take a tablet of fish oil supplement daily for several weeks to get good results.
Note: Pregnant and lactating women along with children should avoid using fish oil supplements without consultation of doctors.

10. Follow A Gluten-Free Diet

If people who have gluten-sensitivity consume foods packed with gluten, they will probably suffer from headaches. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness showed that people with undiagnosed celiac disease as well migraine headaches usually get a significant reduction in their problems after stopping taking gluten-containing foods.

Therefore, it is essential to plan a gluten-free diet if you are wondering how to get rid of a headache naturally. If you cannot cut out such foods, try to reduce the intake daily.

11. Massage Your Face And Scalp

If you have headaches due to muscle tension, massage can help improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension, resulting in headache relief. Muscle tension can be caused by many factors, such as lying on the side and jaw tightening. Anxiety and depression can also cause muscle tension.

To massage your face and scalp, you can do these steps below:

12. Massage Your Neck And Shoulders

The next one in this list of tips on how to get rid of a headache fast and naturally is massaging your neck and shoulders.

Muscle tension in your neck and shoulders can cause headaches. Fortunately, although this cause is very common, you can easily treat it.

To massage your neck and shoulders, you can do these steps below:

13. Perform Exercises For The Neck

Stretching and strengthening the elasticity of the neck muscles can help relieve chronic headaches. This is a simple way to stretch the neck muscles:

14. Using Acupressure Techniques

No wonder, this is definitely one that should be mentioned in this list of tips on how to get rid of a headache fast.

Acupuncture can help reduce stress and headaches, especially if your headaches are caused by stress or muscle tension. Stimulating acupressure points on the neck, shoulders and hands can help relieve headaches. That is the conclusion of many studies on this issue.

To apply this tip, you can follow these steps below:

15. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Practicing relaxation techniques is another must-try tip on how to get rid of a headache fast.

People in the world use different tricks to distract themselves from the pain. If you are suffering from headaches, do not worry about learning something new – do what you feel most comfortable with. Some common choices include:

16. Chiropratic Care And Posture

Chiropractic care is free from surgery and drug. Chiropractor could decrease oxidative stress within the body, similarly to what antioxidants do.

Oxidative stress, in essence, is a damage caused by the excessiveness of free radicals in compared with the antioxidants of the body. This incidence damages body cell components, including DNA, lipids and proteins.

17. Take B-Complex Vitamins

How to get rid of a headache naturally? Consider taking B-complex vitamins. These vitamins can help with the formation of serotonin, one of neurotransmitters which might be shortage in those people with migraines.

B-complex vitamins include thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, riboflavin, folate, biotin and pantothenic acid. These vitamins can improve blood circulation, boost brain cells, and strengthen immune system as well as cardiovascular health.

18. Henna Leaves

19. Black Cohosh

Because black cohosh possesses similar effects like estrogen, many women can take benefits of out it. In contrast, men ought to take it with just small amounts and for a short term.

20. Valerian

21. Coriander Seeds

22. Mulein

You can either take advantage of leaves and flowers of this plant or use it in the form of capsule to get migraine relief. Mulein’s tinctures are also used for this purpose.

23. Himalayan Pink Salt

What you need to do is:

24. Cayenne Pepper

25. Use Food Therapy

Lack of nutrients or hunger can also cause headaches, so make sure that you have recently eaten something. Some foods and beverages can also cause headaches like red wine, pasta and chocolate. Pay attention to what you eat, and not eat the foods you find that often cause you headaches. You can also cure headaches by eating certain foods:

The effect of spicy food on headaches depends on the individual and the type of headache. However, if you have a sinus headache, spicy foods can help reduce nasal congestion and allow you to breathe easier, thus helping to relieve headaches.

Spinach has a high nutrient content and it is beneficial for health. It can help lower blood pressure and relieve headaches caused by drunkenness. Use fresh spinach instead of lettuce in a salad or sandwich.

Caffeine causes vasodilatation, leading to headache relief. Too much caffeine can cause migraines in some people, so instead of coffee, you can drink tea, because tea has less caffeine.

26. Sleep

This tip on how to get rid of a headache fast is basic but many people do not take it serious. Although it is very simple, it will make you feel very surprised about what it gives you.

A good night’s sleep will help you feel better and can reduce the occurrence of headaches. Adults should sleep at least 7-8 hours per night. If you are having sleep problems, try some of the following:

27. Limit Contact With Fragrance

If you want to know how to get rid of a headache fast, stay yourself away from fragrance.

Although perfume and fragrant products like soap and hand sanitizer will make you fragrant, they can cause headaches. Try using odorless products and ask the people you often meet to do the same. Remove or unplug the air cleaner from your living room or workplace.

28. Make Some Diet Changes

Although diet changes do not help you cure headaches right away, it in the long run can eliminate the causes of your headaches in the future. If you do not know how to start, see your doctor or dietitian. Here are some suggestions for you:

29. Treat Your Musculoskeletal Problems

Not many people acknowledge about the relation between musculoskeletal problems with headaches. In fact, if you have a back or neck twitch, or have pain from the wrong posture and muscle strain, it is important to treat the cause of the pain right away. You can improve your musculo-skeletal problems by stretching your body, yoga, or Pilates (an exercise that helps you get your ideal waist). It is important to have an expert such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor to evaluate and treat your condition.

30. Set Up The Correct Posture

No wonder, this tip should not be missed in this list of tips on how to get rid of a headache.

The way you sit at the desk and use the computer can contribute to your headaches. Make sure everything is in height and spacing that fits your stature.

Keep your neck in balance while you work. We often leave our neck in the wrong position when using computers and other digital devices. If your neck is usually folded forward, move the computer so that you can look straight ahead while working.

Take a break often while sitting at the desk and using the computer. Exercise for the eye by spending a few minutes looking at different distances and doing some stretching exercises for the body.

31. Stay Calm

If you are constantly angry, irritated, frustrated, etc., your muscles are stretched to a point where it becomes uncontrollable. Then, headaches are unavoidable. Anxiety, stress and depression also cause headaches. Get expert advice and psychological help to figure out some effective ways to control emotions if they are dominating your daily life.

If you are grinding your teeth or biting your jaw, try to relax your face. Yeast will reduce facial tension.

Practice relaxation exercises before stressful events such as examinations, getting married, driving license exams, etc.

32. Record The History Of Your Headaches

A basic tip on how to get rid of a headache is to write a journal about your condition.

This will help you identify situations or foods that cause you headaches. Many people experience headaches after an extremely stressful period of work, after communication problems, after eating certain foods, at the beginning of their menstrual period, and so on.

When you know the cause of the headache, you can eliminate it before it recurs. This information is also very helpful to your doctor if you have frequent headaches. Bring your headache diary when you see your doctor.

33. Stop Smoking

The next one among effective tips on how to get rid of a headache is quitting smoking.

If you regularly smoke, you may have a worse headache. Tobacco smoke contains substances, such as carbon monoxide, which are believed to cause headaches. Tobacco also contains nicotine, which causes the blood vessels to contract, causing headaches and preventing the liver from releasing substances that help relieve headaches.

Quitting smoking can help you gradually get rid of headaches. Studies have shown that non-smokers are less likely to be affected by headaches than people who smoke regularly.

Headaches can also be caused by exposure to secondhand smoke, especially if you are allergic or sensitive to tobacco smoke. If you do not smoke, but you are often exposed to secondhand smoke, you may still have a headache.

34. Do Regular Exercises

Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can help prevent migraines by reducing stress in the body. Obesity can also be a cause of migraines, so exercise can also help prevent migraines by helping you maintain or achieve healthy weight.

Start slowly before practicing. Rapid or intense physical exercise without a gradual warm-up period can cause migraines. Even strong sexual activity can also cause migraines.

35. Take Painkillers

Though taking painkillers is not a natural way on how to get rid of a headache, it brings a clear effect that is important in some cases. Most painkillers will not work within 1-2 hours, so take medication as soon as you start feeling headaches are coming. Early treatment is always effective. Even if you are suffering from pain, a dose of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin or even a capsaicin nasal spray can make you feel a lot better.

Do not exceed the recommended dose on the label. You should take the lowest dose to relieve headaches, while limiting your body’s dependence on pain medication.

Be careful not to take daily medications without your doctor’s instructions. Daily over-the-counter medication can lead to drug abuse syndrome. This abuse can cause frequent headaches. You may also gradually become dependent on the medicine and get a headache when you stop taking it.

36. Control Your Use Of Painkiller

This tip may be contrast with the previous one when it comes to how to get rid of a headache fast. However, it is important not to be dependent on painkillers.

Dependence on pain medication over a long period of time is also a cause of severe headaches. In most cases, just stop using painkillers as your headaches will stop for a few days. Just do this routine for 2-3 weeks, your condition will be improved completely. If your symptoms are severe and you need to take your medicine more often, consult your doctor.

37. See A Health Professional

This is the last tip on how to get rid of a headache safely. Many health problems can cause headaches, so if your headache does not go away then you should seek medical attention:

The aforementioned are tips to help you treat headaches. Hope that they are helpful to you. Despite some folk remedies can be effective when treating headaches, you should always make sure that you know what their side effects are, as well as when you should not apply them (such as when you are pregnant or sick, etc.) Please note that folk remedies are often not scientifically proven.

If you have any contributing ideas about our article of “Top 37 Tips On How To Get Rid Of A Headache Fast And Naturally Without Pills” introduced in How To Category, do not hesitate to drop your words below this post. We will answer as soon as we could.

How to Prevent and Get Rid of a Hangover Headache

Symptoms and Potential Causes of This Dreaded Headache

Huma Sheikh, MD, is board-certified in neurology and specializes in migraine and stroke. She co-founded the migraine and vascular section for the American Headache Society.

If you’ve ever woken up with a bad hangover headache, most likely the first thing you wanted to do was figure out how to get rid of it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the only reliable cure for a hangover is time, but there are things you can do to make the symptoms less unpleasant as you ride it out.

Understanding what causes a hangover headache can help you take steps to mitigate the symptoms, plus give you a heads-up on how to avoid another one in the future.

What Is a Hangover Headache?

A hangover headache—also called a delayed alcohol-induced headache—usually comes on the morning after drinking the night before, once the alcohol is out of the your system. A hangover usually lasts for around 24 hours.

According to a survey done by the National Headache Foundation, 92% of the population has experienced a hangover headache at some point in their lives.

Consuming alcohol can also trigger an underlying primary headache disorder. So if you already experience migraines, cluster headaches, or tension-type headaches, drinking alcohol may precipitate your usual headache attack.

Scientists are not certain as to what causes hangovers, but there are several theories. Some potential causes include dehydration, the direct effect of alcohol on the brain, the withdrawal of alcohol, alcohol additives, alterations in the body’s hormones, and the effects of acetaldehyde, which is a product of alcohol metabolism.

In addition, some people may be born with a genetic predisposition to developing worse hangovers than others.

Dehydration occurs because alcohol inhibits the effect of a hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Normally, ADH stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb water from urine to prevent dehydration. But by inhibiting ADH, water is instead urinated out at a faster rate than you’re adding fluids back. But, while hydration can help ease a hangover, it does not completely alleviate the symptoms.

Drinking dark liquors (such as whiskey) tends to lead to more severe hangovers due to by-products called congeners in the drinks.

Symptoms

Hangovers vary in severity and symptoms from person to person and episode to episode.

Hangover headaches tend to:

In addition to a headache, other common symptoms of a hangover include:

Treatment

If you have a hangover, it will take time for the headache to completely go away, but there are certain measures you can take to relieve its severity.

Self Care

Having a hangover is exhausting, so getting as much rest as possible is important to restore your energy and well-being. Other things you can do to help yourself feel better include avoiding smoking and putting a cold compress on your head if it relieves your headache.

Medication

Taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) like Advil (ibuprofen) can usually ease a hangover headache, but be sure take an NSAID with food, as it may upset your stomach. Also, some people cannot take NSAIDs due to underlying medical problems, so be sure it is safe for you.

Keep in mind that it is important to minimize the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) when drinking alcohol (or recovering from a hangover), as the combination can harm the liver.

Nutrition

The most important thing to consume while you are recovering from a hangover is liquids to avoid further dehydration. Any liquid (except alcohol!) that you find palatable is acceptable, such as boullion, chicken soup, sports drinks, or water. Fruit juices can also help boost your blood sugar.

If you’re feeling queasy, avoid rich, greasy foods and stick to dry, bland foods like toast and crackers.

While certain supplements and herbal remedies have been touted as hangover remedies, there is no solid evidence backing up this claim.

Prevention

The only guaranteed way to prevent a hangover headache is to avoid alcohol, or at least drink in moderation. For healthy adults, moderate drinking means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and two drinks a day for men. A «drink» in this case is considered a 5-ounce glass of wine or 12 ounces of beer.

If you are going to drink, here are some tips for lessening the effect of alcohol:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How can I get rid of a hangover headache?

You can’t make it go away instantly, but you can minimize the severity of the symptoms by taking certain measures such as hydrating, resting, and taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as ibuprofen.

How long does it take for a hangover headache to go away?

It generally takes around 24 hours for a hangover headache to go away completely.

Is there a fast way to get over a hangover headache?

In a word, no. There are things you can do to minimize the symptoms, but the only true cure is time,

A Word From Verywell

If you want to avoid a hangover headache, the best thing you can do is think before you drink. Is consuming alcohol worth the hangover and the headache the next day? It may be that avoiding alcohol is the best decision for you, or moderating your intake.

Additionally, if you and/or others are concerned about your alcohol intake, you may want to consult your healthcare provider, as alcohol intake can have serious health and social consequences.

National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. Hangovers.

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Mackus M, Adams S, Barzilay A, et al. Proceeding of the 8th Alcohol Hangover Research Group Meeting. Curr Drug Abuse Rev. 2016;9(2):106-112. doi:10.2174/1874473709666161229121527

Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013 Jul;33(9):629-808. doi:10.1177/0333102413485658

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