When you have a headache, it can distract you from everything else. It’s hard to concentrate and put effort into what you’re doing when it feels like an orchestra full of drums is going off inside your head. There’s a reason why your head hurts, but you don’t have time to deal with figuring out the cause. You just want the effect gone now. However, the solution to your pain will vary depending on the type of headache you have. It’s possible to pinpoint the reason by paying attention to where the pain is coming from. Here are a few of the most common headache locations and how to get rid of the pain fast.
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1. Warm Cloth for Forehead/Neck Headaches
Does the pain feel like it’s a tightness or a pressure squeezing your forehead or the back of your head? If so, it could be a tension headache. Also called a stress headache, it’s commonly seen in adults.
To get rid of a tension headache, put a heating pad on the area where the pain is. If you don’t have a hot pack, run a washcloth under hot water and wring it out thoroughly, or take a warm shower. The heat relaxes your muscles, soothing your body enough to get rid of the headache.
2. Caffeine for Severe All-Over Headaches
If you’re in so much pain that you’re seeing auras (disturbances in your vision) or you’re throwing up, you probably have a migraine.
An occasional migraine isn’t anything to worry about, although it’s no fun. To get rid of it fast, take a migraine med like Excedrin Migraine. Use a caffeinated beverage to swallow your pill. Caffeine can help the medicine work faster by restricting the blood flow that’s causing the headache.
But if your migraines are chronic, it’s important to take preventative action. First, try to figure out what’s triggering your headache. Migraines are frequently set off by:
- a fluctuation in hormones
- certain foods
- lack of sleep
- specific sounds, smells, or lights
- smoking
- skipping meals
- dehydration
- genetics
If you can’t prevent your migraine by avoiding the trigger, talk to your doctor about potential medications or medical marijuana. Migraines are an acceptable diagnosis for an MMJ card if you prefer a natural alternative.
3. Decongestants for Front Headaches
Pain in the bridge of your nose, cheekbones, and forehead is usually related to your sinuses. A sinus headache can be allergy-related or the sign of an infection. Changes in barometric (air) pressure often trigger a headache if you have sinusitis.
You might notice that taking regular pain relievers doesn’t help your headache if it’s from your sinuses. The problem isn’t the pain itself. It’s that your sinuses are congested, so you need to fix that part first.
Get rid of a sinus headache quickly by using a decongestant. This reduces the swelling in the sinuses and gives the mucus the chance to drain. A saline nasal spray helps, as well.
While you’re waiting for those two medicines to kick in, grab a warm, moist compress and apply it to the painful areas while you relax.
4. Rest for Pain on Both Sides
Does your headache kick in when you’re active or when you first wake up in the morning? Is it on both sides of your temples? If so, it’s likely a hypertension headache.
Hypertension, better known as high blood pressure, is characterized by mild to moderate headaches. Don’t ignore them, though. This warning sign is your body’s way of letting you know your blood pressure is approaching the danger zone.
If you feel a blood pressure headache coming on, stop whatever activity you’re doing and give your body a chance to rest. If it happens again, talk to your doctor about natural and medicinal ways to control your blood pressure.
5. Oxygen Treatment for Pain on One Side
Pain all over one side of your head that feels like a migraine might be something called a cluster headache. These are categorized by multiple episodes in a “cluster” period of a few weeks or months, followed by none for a long period.
Cluster headaches bring with them severe pain on one side of the head, nasal discharge, and sensitive eyes. This type of headache usually requires medical care of anesthetics or injectable medications.
Another treatment is oxygen inhalation. You can do this on your own at home with an oxygen mask or deep breathing exercises.
Conclusion
Getting rid of your headache fast is easier to do when you know what’s causing the pain, or at least where it’s coming from. Understanding what the location of your headache means lets you get rid of the pain and figure out how to keep it from happening again.