HEALTH INSIGHTS

Self-Care for Headaches

August 09, 2018

Self-Care for Headaches

Woman lying on bed resting with cold compress on forehead.

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 healthcare provider 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

Try these steps:

  • 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 medicines

Aspirin or other over-the-counter pain medicines, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can relieve headache. Remember: Never give aspirin to anyone 18 years old or younger because of the risk of developing Reye syndrome. Use pain medicines only when needed. Certain prescription medicines, if taken too often, can lead to rebound headaches. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about your medicines.

Track your headaches

Keeping a headache diary can help you and your healthcare provider identify what's causing your headaches:

  • Note when each headache happens.

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

  • Look for any trends or "triggers."

Signs of tension headache

Any of the following can be signs:

  • 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

Any of the following can be signs:

  • 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

Call your healthcare provider 

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider:

  • A headache that lingers after a recent injury or bump to the head.

  • A fever with a stiff neck or pain when you bend your head toward your chest.

  • A headache along with slurred speech, changes in your vision, or numbness or weakness in your arms or legs.

  • A headache for longer than 3 days.

  • Frequent headaches, especially in the morning.

  • Headaches with seizures 

  • Seek immediate medical attention if you have a headache that you would call "the worst headache you have ever had."

Updated:  

August 09, 2018

Sources:  

Patient Education: Headache treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate.

Reviewed By:  

Image reviewed by StayWell art team.,Sather, Rita, RN,Shelat, Amit, MD