Headache Help

musicstardust67

I hardly ever get headaches anymore but is there anything other than aspirin that helps? I heard drinking more water and not being so stressed out helps, but I already drink a lot of water and I try not to get too stressed out so any suggestions?

RaeLB

are these tension headaches?

musicstardust67

No, they just come randomly. I get enough sleep so I don't think it's that. Sometimes, it's only on one side of my head, too.

RaeLB

one sided is often a migraine but migraines are usually a throbbing/pulsing

is it throbbing or tightness/pressure?

there are so many different types of headaches
a lot of the causes, prevention, and treatment is the same
often the most important things are:
-proper rest
-relaxation
-staying hydrated
-proper posture

however there are more complicated headaches as well
you need to determine what kind of headaches you are getting which can be difficult

webmd has the most common types listed:
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraines-headaches-basics

i get tension, migraines, & cervicogenic (which is not listed)

musicstardust67

Hmm Im pretty sure it's throbbing but it's the kind of headache that sucks but not enough to ruin your whole day. I was just wondering if there are simple things I can do to relieve it, other than an ice pack, because I don't really like taking aspirin.

bprague

I have headaches and migraines- you'll have to see what helps you but for me any of these have a chance of helping:

caffeine plus Tylenol
Copious amounts of water
Sleep
massage

kb455

Caffeine sometimes helps me. Usually more so if taken right when the headache starts.
You could also try Ibuprofen

lmelangley

I was listening to the radio and John Tesch came on and said putting your feet in really warm/hot water draws the blood from your head to your feet and can help a headache. He recommended using a temp that's really warm, but not so warm it burns you. You could try soaking your feet for a half hour, in a dark room which can also help, and see what happens. Certainly wouldn't make it worse.

RaeLB

yup caffeine with an ibuprofen or tylenol so take them with coffee or you can buy some that have caffeine in them (as soon as you feel the slightest one coming on to get ahead of the pain)
ice pack - but too much can make it worse, don't freeze your head!
drink lots of water

if it is coming from muscle tension in my neck/shoulders then i heat those areas