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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.
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.
Aspirin or aspirin substitutes, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can relieve headache. Remember: Never give aspirin to anyone 18 or younger.
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."
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
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
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.
Headaches often, especially in the morning.