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's also possible to get both tension and migraine headaches. Self-care involves relieving the pain and preventing headache "triggers" if you can.

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.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen and sometimes aspirin, can relieve headache. Remember: Never give aspirin to anyone 18 years old or younger because of the risk of getting Reye syndrome. Use pain medicines only when needed. Certain prescription and OTC medicines can lead to rebound headaches if they are taken too often. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about your medicines.

Keeping a headache diary can help you and your doctor 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."
• Bring the information to your next medical appointment.

Symptoms of a tension headache include:

• A dull pain or feeling of pressure in a tight band around your head.
• Pain in your neck or shoulders.
• A headache without a definite beginning or end.
• A headache after an activity, such as driving or working on a computer.

Symptoms of a migraine may include:

• 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.

Contact your doctor if your have:

• A headache that lingers after a recent injury or bump to the head.
• A headache that lasts for more than 3 days.
• Frequent headaches, especially in the morning.

Get medical care right away if you have:

• A headache along with slurred speech, changes in your vision, or numbness or weakness in your arms or legs.
• Headaches with seizures.
• A fever with a stiff neck or pain when you bend your head toward your chest.
• A headache that you would call "the worst headache you have ever had" or a severe, persistent headache that gets worse or doesn't get better with treatment.