Headaches: Managing a Headache

You can reduce how many headaches you get and how bad they are when you do get them. Try to:

• Find and avoid triggers that cause your headaches. For a list of possible triggers, see:
  • Tension Headache Triggers.
  • Migraine Headache Triggers.
• Carry your medicine with you so you can treat a headache right away when you feel one starting. This is especially important if you get migraines.
• Don't take over-the-counter pain relievers more than 3 times a week, because you may get rebound headaches. These headaches usually occur after pain medicine has worn off. This prompts you to take another dose. After a while, you get a headache whenever you stop taking the medicine.
• Take drugs that cause the fewest side effects, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (for example, aspirin and ibuprofen).
• Exercise regularly, eat well, and reduce stress.
• Work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your headaches.

 What is the best way to treat and prevent headaches?

 Why should you quickly manage your headache?

 How do you manage a headache?

 Where to go from here

Return to topic: