Headaches: Managing a Headache

How do you manage a headache?

Stopping headaches

You can try several things to stop a headache after it starts.

• Stop what you are doing, and start treatment.

  Don't wait for the headache to get worse.

• Take your medicines exactly as your doctor prescribed.

  Carry your medicine with you so you can treat a headache as soon as you feel one starting.

• Apply a cold, moist cloth to your forehead and temples.

  You can also use an ice pack. Put a thin cloth between the cold pack and your skin.

• Rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.
• Begin stress-relief methods.

  Do this as soon as your headache starts.

• Massage tense muscles.

  You can focus on the muscles in your head, neck, temples, face, or jaw.

Preventing headaches

To help prevent tension headaches:

• Find healthy ways to cope with stress.
• Get regular exercise.
• Keep a regular schedule for sleeping and eating.
• Use good posture, and try to keep your neck and shoulders relaxed.
• Take medicine that prevents headaches, if your doctor prescribed it.

To help prevent migraine headaches:

• Avoid things that trigger your migraines, such as certain foods.
• Find healthy ways to cope with stress.
• Get regular exercise.
• Keep a regular schedule for sleeping and eating.
• Take medicine that prevents migraines, if your doctor prescribed it.