Headaches can come out of seemingly nowhere and put an end to an otherwise productive day. Whether you’re prone to frequent headaches or you just have them occasionally, it’s important to know how to get rid of them quickly and ways to prevent them from happening in the future. The following information can help you get relief.
Know the Type of Headache
There are different causes as well as different types of headaches. Understanding the specific type of headache makes a difference in how you handle it and ways to prevent it from happening, so it is a good idea to consider how the headache happens, what it feels like, and how long it typically lasts. Use a types of headaches chart to figure out the exact type and find ways to get relief and prevent them from happening in the future. This should be the first step towards getting relief, as it makes it much easier to determine why you get headaches.
Start Drinking More Water
One of the most common reasons someone has a headache is that they’re starting to be a little bit dehydrated. Throughout a busy day, it can be all too easy to forget to drink enough water or other liquids. If all you’re running on is a cup of coffee from early in the morning, take the time to get something to drink. Carrying a water bottle around can make it a lot easier to make sure you drink throughout the day, even if it’s just a little bit more than normal, to help prevent headaches.
Try a Little Bit of Caffeine
A small amount of caffeine may be able to help reduce pain and provide some relief for the headache. However, it is important to limit the amount of caffeine, as taking too much can make the headache come back or make it worse. Those who drink caffeine regularly may find they get headaches when they don’t have enough during the day. Tapering slowly can help them stop drinking as much caffeine during the day without risking headaches.
Try Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications can offer faster pain relief, though it is also important to slow down and get rid of the headache. A pain reliever is a safe option for getting rid of headaches fast. Be aware of limits on how many pain relievers can be taken during the day, as well as whether they can interact with other medications before taking them. Those who suffer from frequent headaches may want to make sure they have pain relievers handy for when a headache starts so they can prevent it from getting worse.
Rest Somewhere That’s Dark and Quiet
Bright lights and noises are common triggers for headaches, so getting rid of them can provide some relief. It’s best to go somewhere quiet and turn off the lights for a little bit to get relief. If you’re at home, it could help to take a short nap to rest your eyes and feel better, especially if you haven’t been getting enough sleep at night. Afterwards, it’s a good idea to try to continue to limit the noise and to avoid other potential triggers, like strong smells, to keep the headache from coming back.
Reduce Screen Time
Screen time can cause headaches because of the strain on the eyes. It is important to take time away from the screen throughout the day, and if a headache is starting to help prevent headaches. Those who use screens at work will want to make sure they’re looking away from the monitor regularly during the workday. It’s a good idea to look away from the screen frequently, as well as take longer breaks as needed to give the eyes a rest and help prevent a headache from starting.
Know How to Prevent Headaches
There are steps that can be taken to help prevent headaches, especially once you know what is causing them. Some of the tips to help reduce how frequently you experience headaches include the following.
- Stay Hydrated – Many headaches can start because of dehydration. Drinking more water can help you stay hydrated, so you’re less likely to experience headaches.
- Get More Sleep – Not getting enough sleep, especially when combined with high stress, can cause an increased chance of headaches. Be sure to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Have Correct Posture – Sitting improperly or having incorrect posture puts strain on the neck and shoulder muscles, which could lead to headaches. Instead, use ergonomic furniture and be aware of your posture.
- Take Regular Screen Breaks – Staring at screens all day is often necessary, especially at work, but it can cause headaches. Take frequent breaks, even if it’s just to look away from the computer for a few minutes.
- Exercise Properly – Getting enough exercise can make a difference in headache frequency. Aim to get in at least a little exercise, like a short walk, at least once a day.
- Keep a Journal to Detect Triggers – Tracking headaches and when they occur can make it easier to figure out why they’re happening. Try keeping a journal with information about when it started, what you were doing, how long it lasted, and more.
Know When Medical Care is Recommended
Medical care is recommended if headaches come on suddenly, are severe or debilitating, or when they happen frequently, as these can indicate an underlying health issue. It is important to work closely with the doctor to determine what is causing the headache, how to get relief, and what can be done to help the underlying health issue causing the headaches.
If you suffer from headaches, the information here may be able to help you get rid of them faster and prevent them from happening. It is important to understand the type of headache, how to get rid of it faster, and what will actually work to get you relief, as well as how to prevent headaches from happening. If you do have them frequently, it’s a good idea to take a close look at when they occur and work with your doctor to find relief.
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