Ways to Treat & Cure Headaches

Headaches are a type of pain that most people can relate to. Almost everyone has, at some point, experienced at least one type of headache. It is important to categorize the pain correctly in order to treat it effectively. Categorizing headaches can sometimes be done without the aid of a doctor by defining the location and severity of the pain.

Migraines

• Migraine headaches usually include severe pain on one side of the head, nausea and visual disturbances. A migraine is the result of inflamed or swollen blood vessels near the brain. This type of headache is often triggered by lack of sleep, skipping meals and bright lights.

  Prevention is recommended over treatment. Knowing what triggers the pain and avoiding the triggers may reduce instances of migraines. If it is too late for prevention and the raging pain has already begun, there are ways to ease your suffering. Turn off the lights and lay down. Reduce noise. An anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or naproxen may reduce some of the swelling in the blood vessels, resulting in pain reduction. Excedrin Migraine, Advil Migraine and Motrin Migraine are products that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat migraine headaches.

Sinus Headaches

• Sinus headaches are felt as a pain or strong pressure in the head or face. They are caused by inflammation in the sinus cavities. Sinus pain will often be at its worst when the sufferer first wakes up because mucus pools in the sinus cavities during sleep.

  Sinus headaches are treated by addressing the causal factors of excess mucus or infection. Doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic. The infection cannot be treated by home remedies, but the pain can. Hot compresses are helpful. Run the tap water hot enough that it steams and soak a washcloth in the water. Wring out the cloth and place it across your forehead and the bridge of your nose. Steam is another option. Boil a pan of water and breathe in the steam for at least five minutes. This causes sinus drainage that will relieve some of the painful pressure in the face.

Tension Headaches

• Tension headaches are felt around the forehead and in the neck. The pain has been described as throbbing and pressure. Tension headaches happen for a number of reasons. Often the problem is stress. Try to pinpoint what is causing the headache to avoid recurrence. Keep a journal of when headaches occur to help narrow down possible causes.

  Tension headaches are usually treated at home with over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. These medications along with a little rest and relaxation can clear up tension headaches quickly. Use a hot compress to relieve tension in the neck and forehead.