Up to five percent of adults experience a headache every day. Some of the most common causes include stress, lack of sleep, and hunger.
While they’re not usually serious, they can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. Take migraines, for example, they can lead to depression, anxiety, as well as insomnia if left untreated.
Fortunately, there are different treatment options available.
Interested? Wondering what the best way to get rid of a headache is? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll be going over some natural ways to get rid of a headache below. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Apply Ice or Heat
Placing a cold pack on your forehead can help with a migraine; it’ll constrict the blood vessels in the head and reduce inflammation in the area.
For example, you can use a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables. Don’t apply it directly to the skin, though. Always wrap it in a towel; that’ll prevent the ice from damaging the delicate tissues of the skin.
For those with a sinus headache, you can use a heating pad or hot compress. Place it on the back of your head or neck and leave it there for 15 minutes. It’ll open up the sinus passages, which will help relieve the pain and pressure.
If anything, it’s an easy way to get rid of a sinus headache.
2. Get a Massage
Massaging certain pressure points may help reduce the intensity, frequency, and duration of tension headaches. For example, you can try pinching the top of the nose or rubbing the back of the neck.
Massaging the temples, neck, or jaw may help as well. Not only will it promote blood circulation, but it’ll also have a relaxing effect on the muscles of your neck (tension headaches often occur when the neck muscles become tense).
And the great thing about headache massage treatment is that you can do it yourself! There’s also the option of visiting a massage therapist for those who are looking for a professional massage.
3. Get Some Caffeine
Caffeine may help reduce symptoms of a migraine or tension headache by narrowing the blood vessels in the head; this will restrict blood flow, which in return, will help alleviate pain.
For example, you can have some coffee, tea, or soda. Just try not to drink too much as caffeine withdrawal can also cause headaches.
For those who are not a fan of caffeinated beverages, there are over-the-counter pain relievers that you can take instead—ones that contain low doses of caffeine.
Different Ways to Get Rid of a Headache
And there you have it—three ways to get rid of a headache. As you can see, there are different things that you can try from using cold packs to drinking tea. You don’t always have to take medications!
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