Having a bad headache is like having a bad day. When your head is hurting, you can’t stop thinking about it even if you are unwillingly engrossed in other things. And all you want is to ease your headache or migraine attack fast. Although there isn’t a magic spell that can dispel a bad headache forever, certain medications and home remedies exist that can abate it in no time. Read on to discover the most effective ways to find quick relief whenever your head starts pounding. 

Types of Headaches & Their Causes

The cause of a headache depends on the type of headache you are experiencing. The most common type is the primary headache that doesn’t result from sickness or any other condition. Tension and migraine are the forms of a primary headache. A less common form of this type of headache is cluster headache that occurs in patterns or series. It can last weeks, months, or even years. 

On the other hand, the secondary headache results from an underlying medical condition like sinus or brain injury. They can also be caused by hangovers and even illness from Covid-19.

Medications for Tension Headache

Several OTC medications are available that can offer instant relief in case of tension headaches. Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen are some of the effective tension headache treatments. For those who suffer from recurring tension headaches, ibuprofen and naproxen can ease their pain. 

Medications to Cure Migraine Headache Fast

Headaches caused by migraine have a handful of symptoms including nausea, sensitivity to sound, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. For migraine headaches, OTC medication and prescription drugs, such as triptans, ibuprofen, and aspirin along with CGRP receptor antagonists can provide great relief to patients. Other acute treatment of migraine includes dihydroergotamine, Cafergot, and ergotamine.

Effective Home Remedies to Cure Headache or Migraine Attack

Wondering how to get rid of a headache through home remedies? Well, you can resort to pantry ingredients or simple at-home treatments to ease headache or migraine attacks. Some of the most effective headache remedies are:

1. Rely on Ice Pack 

Cold compresses are an effective headache immediate relief option that can benefit people with tension headaches. Simply wrap a cold pack or ice in a clean cloth and keep it on your head for about 5 minutes before reapplying. 

2. Do Frequent Massages

Massage helps remove tension from muscles and can also reduce headache pain. According to a 2006 study, a weekly massage can lower the frequency of migraines. It can also help take the edge of anxiety. Give your forehead, scalp, neck, and temples a good massage. Make sure not to exert too much pressure on your neck. You can also relax your feet by simply rolling a tennis ball around the soles. 

3. Take Help of Heat

Heat applied to the feet, head, and neck can help abate tension headaches. Use a hot towel, heating pad, or warm compress on your head and neck twice every day to get rid of your pain. Wondering how to get rid of Covid headache? You can also take a hot shower at night to ease your pounding head.  

4. Breathe Deeply 

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or even meditation can help those coping with muscle contraction headaches. Practice deep breathing by sitting in a relaxing pose and taking long and deep breathes. Be mindful of each breathe to reach a meditative state and eventually relax your mind.

5. Drink Caffeinated Beverages 

A cup of caffeinated beverage or two can relieve migraine-related pain and even make medications work more effectively. Just make sure not to intake much caffeine especially at nighttime. 

6. Try Aromapathy 

Application of essential oils like peppermint oil on the body or inhalation can stop a migraine. This is also confirmed by a study that found that menthol present in peppermint oil is more effective for migraine-associated symptoms than placebo. To benefit from aromapathy, simply blend peppermint oil with almond oil and use it for massaging your forehead, neck, and scalp. 

7. Count on Acupressure 

Acupressure can ease headache and migraine pain. According to a 2014 scientific review, acupressure is good therapy for those suffering from pain caused by chronic headaches. Massage the pressure point lying between your forefinger and thumb with an acupuncture pen. You can use your fingers and gently pressure this point to cure your headache pain. 

Self-Care Tips to Prevent Headaches & Migraine Attacks

You can block the triggers that can cause certain headaches and migraine attacks. Use these self-care tips to prevent headaches in the first place:

1. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of proper sleep can cause headaches and even a migraine attack. So, make sure to have enough sleep every night. Stick to a healthy habit of sleeping and waking up at the same time even on weekends. If you have insomnia or sleep apnea, take the help of a healthcare provider to treat your condition.

2. Limit Blue Light

Blue light can worsen migraine attacks. So, break away the screen time whenever possible. Also, invest in tinted glasses that can help block blue light. 

3. Stick to Healthy Eating Habits

Diet can impact your headaches to a great extent. Regular meals are important and so are nutrient-rich ones. Make sure to include lots of fruits, whole grains, and vegetables in your daily diet. Consider taking a multivitamin supplement to provide your body with the daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals. If the level of magnesium or vitamin B2 is low in your body, supplements can help prevent migraine attacks. 

4. Manage Stress

Stress is one of the major factors that trigger headaches as well as migraine attacks. So, make sure to take less stress. You can combat your stress levels by exercising regularly, performing meditation, and doing yoga. 

5. Make Certain Lifestyle Changes 

Besides having a sound sleep at night and eating rightly, you need to make additional lifestyle changes. Avoid tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol. Avoid too many alcoholic drinks as they can cause hangovers. So, if you are thinking about how to get rid of migraine forever, start making a switch without any delay. 

6. Block Unnecessary Light

Some people with migraine are sensitive to light. To ease this symptom, use binds, turn off the lights, and so forth to dim the brightness. You can also wear sunglasses or tinted glasses indoors to block the unwanted light. 

7. Block Certain Scents

Some scents may irritate you and deteriorate your headache or migraine attacks. So, make sure to stay away from such scents. Instead, resort to soothing scents like mint, lavender, or coffee beans to lower your anxiety levels. 

Note: Make sure to stick to a regular schedule and use these remedies routinely to cure your headache or migraine attacks. 

The Final Word

Headaches and migraine attacks are common and can be quite painful. Luckily, there are over-the-counter medications and home remedies that can ease the pain as well as symptoms of headache and migraine. Although the exact treatment for headaches depends on the specific type, a few simple ways can help cope with all sorts of primary headaches. For instance – OTC medications and prescription drugs like ibuprofen can reduce both tension headache and migraine headache. If you are looking for covid-19 headache treatment, you can resort to painkillers like aspirin. Other effective treatments to cure headache or migraine attacks include hot compress, ice pack, acupuncture, and aromapathy. Make sure to follow healthy lifestyle practices such as nutritional diet, exercise, and meditation to avoid headaches in the first place.