4 Ways to Soothe Your Headache

Nothing works when your head hurts. Headaches are one of the top five reasons people go to the pharmacy and one of the top ten reasons people visit their doctor. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost half of the adult population has had a headache at least once within the last year.

So, how do you make the pain stop? Here are four ways to soothe your aching head:

Take a Break Sometimes headache management is as simple as taking a break from what you are doing. Take a nap, take a walk, or simply sit in a quiet, dark room with your eyes closed. Many people with chronic headache conditions know that retreating from stimulation like bright lights and loud noises can have an immediate impact on how they feel.

Use Massage While you may not be able to immediately leave work for a professional massage (though those are known to help as well), simply massaging your temples or the back of your neck can help ease headache pain. WebMD and the Cleveland Clinic both recommend applying gentle, steady, rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your index finger or thumb. Maintain pressure for 7 to 15 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed.

Apply Warm or Cold Compresses Depending on the type of headache you are experiencing, a warm or cold compress can be very helpful. According to the Mayo Clinic, ice packs have a numbing effect, which may dull the sensation of pain. Hot packs and heating pads can relax tense muscles. This can be in place of or in addition to over-the-counter pain medication.

Speak with a Professional Finally, get a professional diagnosis. The WHO’s headache fact sheet (find it here) is surprisingly serious in tone. The WHO identifies headache disorders as dangerously underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions.  A doctor can help to identify the cause of your specific pain and recommend a treatment plan that will work for you. Medication, as well as lifestyle modification, may be recommended. If so, remember that the Free FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card or app (Apple or Android) can help you to keep your prescription drug costs low.

Are you a frequent headache sufferer? Share your tips on our Facebook page and help others stop the hurt.