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When a headache comes on, you want to do everything you can to make it stop. Medication usually does the trick, but taking medication isn't something you should make a habit of—and sometimes you just don't have any handy. Fortunately, you have plenty of options to help that headache go away without dropping a pill. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Here, we've collected some of the best ways to relieve headaches without medication, along with some ways to prevent them before they start.
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QuestionHow do you cure a headache easily?Dr. Eric P. Baron is a staff ABPN (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology) board certified Neurologist and a UCNS (United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties) Diplomat board certified in Headache Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, Center for Neurological Restoration – Headache and Chronic Pain Medicine, in Cleveland, Ohio. With over 15 years of experience practicing medicine, he specializes in helping patients with headaches, migraines, and facial pain. Dr. Baron holds a BS in Biology from the University of Toledo and a DO from The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Following his medical education, he completed his neurology residency and fellowship in headache medicine at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Baron has authored publications in journals such as The Journal of Headache and Pain and was named one of “America’s Top Physicians."Yoga and meditation, home and natural remedies, behavioral therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, pressure points, psychological counseling, biofeedback, anti-nausea foods, and massage therapy can all be helpful and reduce the need for medications.
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QuestionHow do I know the reason for the headache I've been suffering from for five years?Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.To get to the root cause of your headaches it is best for you to see a functional medicine practitioner (physician or PA or NP) and get a thorough evaluation by going over your medical history, diet, lifestyle, sleep, medications; as well as to have a physical exam and lab work done.
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QuestionHow do I cure a headache that is on one side of my head if drinking water, eating, and napping has not worked?Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.Try applying peppermint oil to the painful spot on your skull as well as your temples, across your forehead and the base of your head. Try to relax in a dark, cool, quiet room, and breathe deeply for 15-30 minutes.
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- People often mistake migraines for sinus headaches. If you get sinus headaches often, or get sinus headaches without congestion, it might be a migraine. Talk to your doctor about it and they can help you identify triggers. [29] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
- There is no cure for cluster headaches. If you suspect you're having cluster headaches, see your doctor or get a referral to a neurologist for treatment. [30] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Fortunately, cluster headaches are relatively rare and aren't life-threatening. [31] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you're doing homework or any kind of work when a headache comes on, take a break. A headache can make it harder to focus, so you probably won't get much done until you feel better.
- The worst thing you can do is stress about your headache! Headaches are often caused by stress, so worrying might just make it worse. Try your best to relax!
- If you have prescription glasses, make sure to wear them! Eye strain can definitely cause a headache.
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Warnings
- If your headache starts very suddenly or is accompanied by speech, vision, movement problems, or loss of balance, call emergency services immediately. [32] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to sourceThanks
- Call your healthcare provider if your headache pattern changes or if your headache doesn't improve with treatment (including over-the-counter medicines). [33] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to sourceThanks
- Talk to your doctor before starting a nutritional or herbal supplement, particularly if you're taking regular medications for a chronic health condition. Some supplements might interfere with other medications. [34] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tame-your-tension-headaches-naturally/
- ↑ Eric Baron, DO. Board Certified Neurologist. Expert Interview. 13 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9641-sinus-headaches
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/in-depth/migraines/art-20047242
- ↑ Joel Warsh, MD. Board Certified Pediatrician. Expert Interview. 2 February 2021.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/in-depth/migraines/art-20047242
- ↑ Eric Baron, DO. Board Certified Neurologist. Expert Interview. 13 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/in-depth/headaches/art-20047631
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447303/
- ↑ https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tame-your-tension-headaches-naturally/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
- ↑ https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/exercise-migraine/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/in-depth/headaches/art-20046707
- ↑ Joel Warsh, MD. Board Certified Pediatrician. Expert Interview. 2 February 2021.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
- ↑ Eric Baron, DO. Board Certified Neurologist. Expert Interview. 13 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/in-depth/headaches/art-20046707
- ↑ https://headaches.org/resources/headache-diet/
- ↑ https://www.sleep.org/waking-up-with-headache/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000797.htm
- ↑ https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/online-exclusives/the-neurologist-is-in-vitamins-and-supplements-for-migraine/
- ↑ Joel Warsh, MD. Board Certified Pediatrician. Expert Interview. 2 February 2021.
- ↑ Joel Warsh, MD. Board Certified Pediatrician. Expert Interview. 2 February 2021.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360207
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/vitamins-supplements-migraines
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360207
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9641-sinus-headaches
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cluster-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352084
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cluster-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20352080
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000797.htm
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000797.htm
- ↑ https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/online-exclusives/the-neurologist-is-in-vitamins-and-supplements-for-migraine/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To cure a headache without medication, try gently massaging the part of your head that's aching to help alleviate the pain. If that doesn't help, try holding an ice pack over your forehead, temples, or the back of your neck, which can help ease pain and throbbing. Alternatively, you can take a hot bath or shower to relax your muscles and reduce any tension that's causing your headache. For more intense headaches, try turning all of the lights off and lightly napping for 10-20 minutes, or until your headache has passed. For more advice from our Medical co-author, like how to prevent headaches, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I liked this article (I used to have the app) because my headache started to get a little serious and then I read this article. The part where it said to drink water really helped because I'm in school and cant take a nap, so it helped me a lot." ..." more
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"I liked this article (I used to have the app) because my headache started to get a little serious and then I read this article. The part where it said to drink water really helped because I'm in school and cant take a nap, so it helped me a lot."
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"Knowing that I should stay away from electronics. Rub my forehead with my thumbs as well as rub my neck at the back, sleep in a darker room, and close my eyes for a moment to help ease a headache and stop stressing."
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"I love the different options. I tried the cinnamon remedy and it burns, but it works! The next time I have a headache, I will try the lavender."
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"It's good to know that there so many different natural remedies for headaches. I will try the one with lavender oil."
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"The apple cider & apple helped almost immediately. Will test cinnamon & milk tonight. Many thanks. Most informative."
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