There are several ways to treat frequent headaches. You may treat a headache with painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Some people find that applying ice to the head helps relieve pain, while others may benefit from taking a hot shower. Relaxation and massage therapy may be also be effective ways to ease frequent headaches. In many cases, the treatments that work best depend on the type of headaches you experience.
Some patients find that taking an over-the-counter pain medication is enough to treat frequent headaches. Ibuprofen helps reduce inflammation and pain, while acetaminophen helps lower pain. There are some risks to taking pain medications frequently, though. If you take painkillers regularly, you may experience rebound headaches, which are exacerbated by pain medicines.
Acetaminophen and other pain killers also present health risks. Too much acetaminophen can damage the liver, while taking ibuprofen may increase your risk for stroke or bleeding in the stomach. Aspirin can also cause bleeding.
Non-medicinal ways of treating frequent headaches include placing an ice pack on the area of the head that hurts. You may find that running warm water over the painful area helps reduce tension and pain as well. Some people place a warm compress on the head or soak in a warm tub.
Massage therapy may also help you deal with frequent headaches. You can try to rub the area yourself to relieve pressure and pain or see a professional masseuse. Trying to relax by sitting quietly in a dark room may also reduce tension and pain from a headache. If you experience migraines, sitting in the dark or taking a nap may be helpful.
Some frequent headaches, such as cluster headaches, require a different treatment. If you suffer from cluster headaches, which tend to occur in groups and usually affect one side of your head, inhaling pure oxygen before the headache sets in may be effective. You may also treat the headache with a tryptan injection. Tryptans are prescription medications that can also help people who suffer from migraines.
Prevention can sometimes be the best treatment for frequent headaches. Quitting smoking and drinking can help prevent cluster headaches. Physical therapy may help reduce tension in the neck and back muscles and reduce the frequency of tension headaches. Reducing the amount of painkillers you take can prevent rebound headaches. If you suffer from constant headaches, it is a good idea to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
