Headaches and migraines can be caused for a number of reasons, including illness, certain foods, dehydration, eye strain, stress, or tension, among others. Many people spend a lot of time searching for the best headache remedy, which, depending on the cause, can vary from person to person. To find the best headache remedy, it may be helpful to first discover the cause of the headache.
Tension headaches are some of the most common types of headache, and are typically caused by stress and tension. When one is stressed, the muscles in the neck and shoulders become very tight, which can then lead to a headache. To find a headache remedy for this type of pain, there are a few things that may be helpful. The first is to take a break from whatever is causing stress; take a walk or even just take a few deep breaths while consciously trying to relax the muscles.
Some people find that taking a break and getting a drink of water or hot cup of tea can help them to relax as well as to stay hydrated, both of which can be great headache remedies. Taking a warm bath may also help to relieve a tension headache, as well as getting a massage if possible. If the headache appears to be caused by eye strain, it may be necessary to get the eyes checked to see if a new prescription is needed. Remember to regularly get up and look away from the computer screen throughout the day while working.
Of course, over-the-counter pain medications can also be an effective headache remedy as well, particularly if the headache is caused by an illness such as a cold or the flu. Remember to always follow the directions on the package and to only take these medications as needed. Allergy medications may be able to help with headaches caused by seasonal allergies.
If the headache is a migraine, it can be much more difficult to get rid of, and may be accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity, among other symptoms. Some people find that caffeine is a helpful headache remedy when treating a migraine. It is generally a good idea to simply rest and close the eyes in a darkened room until the pain begins to fade. If migraines are frequent or debilitating, a doctor may be able to prescribe medication that can reduce the frequency and stop them in their tracks.