If you want to know how to get rid of a headache, the answer isn’t so simple. A headache specialist shares ideas and strategies for treatment options.

Story by: Norton Healthcare; Reviewed by Christopher P. Rhyne, M.D., neurologist and headache medicine specialist with Norton Neuroscience Institute on March 20, 2024

Many people wonder how they can get rid of a headache. The best way to treat headaches can depend on your personal situation, symptoms, lifestyle and medical history. Many headache conditions treated by headache specialists are considered chronic diseases, so while it may not be possible to “get rid of a headache” in all circumstances, a personalized treatment plan can help reduce the frequency of headaches and improve your quality of life. Headache relief can be achieved through a variety of lifestyle changes, a better understanding of the disease process, and interventions like medication and other treatment tools.

Understanding common headache pain

There are many varieties of headache, based on the cause and symptoms — and there are many ways to treat headaches.

“There are ways to prevent headache, and working with a headache specialist or your primary care physician can point you toward the best lifestyle modifications, preventive treatments and rescue treatments to manage the symptoms,” said Christopher P. Rhyne, M.D., headache medicine specialist with Norton Neuroscience Institute Headache Center. “If you find that headaches are ever inhibiting your ability to live your life the way you want to, make an appointment to see a headache specialist who can develop a treatment plan for you.”

Headaches manifest in different forms and can be a condition that is passed down through families or indicative of various underlying issues. A headache symptom can range from a typical dull ache to intense throbbing pain, causing discomfort that can vary in intensity and duration. Sensitivity to light and sound can accompany some headaches, making it challenging to engage in regular activities. Moreover, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders is a prevalent symptom associated with headaches, especially tension headaches and migraine.

Understanding common headache symptoms is key not only to managing the immediate discomfort but also identifying the type of headache, plus patterns or triggers that could help in preventing future headache episodes. By recognizing these symptoms, individuals can take proactive steps in addressing their headaches and improving their overall quality of life.

3 common types of headaches

1) Tension headaches are one of the common types of headaches that affect a significant number of adults. A tension headache typically begins gradually and is characterized by a persistent, dull-to-moderate pain that tends to be felt on both sides of the head. It can be caused by muscle tension in the head, neck or shoulders. When looking to get relief from tension headache pain, a key strategy involves reducing activities that may contribute to stress. Over-the-counter pain medications often are recommended as a first line of treatment for tension headaches. Incorporating relaxation practices into your daily routine also can be beneficial in easing the symptoms associated with tension headache pain. With a combination of stress-reduction techniques, appropriate medication use and relaxation methods, you may be able to address and manage tension headaches effectively to promote better overall well-being and headache relief.

2) Migraine is a neurological condition thattypically presents with moderate to severe throbbing or pounding head pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, or vomiting, as well as changes in appetite. Women tend to be more susceptible to migraine than men, and there is often a genetic component involved, with a tendency for migraine to run in families. A migraine is not just a headache; a migraine attack can last up to 72 hours. If you experience migraine attacks that impact your life, you should seek guidance from your primary care provider or headache specialist. They can help assess your symptoms and establish a treatment plan. Identifying and addressing triggers, such as certain foods, stress or hormonal changes, may play a key role in managing and easing migraine symptoms effectively. Migraine medications for prevention and acute rescue may be prescribed for you. Remember, effective management of migraine often involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, medication and sometimes alternative therapies, all tailored to suit your individual needs and experiences.

3) Cluster headaches, often described as excruciatingly painful, have a distinctive pattern of occurrence. These intense headaches typically manifest behind one eye, causing sharp and piercing pain that is debilitating. These attacks tend to last for 30 to 90 minutes and then fully resolve. Unlike other types of headaches, cluster headaches tend to strike multiple times a day, often clustering together during certain time periods — which is where they get their name. Cluster headache tends to impact males more than females and can have serious consequences due to the level of pain associated with the cluster attacks.

Identifying triggers is crucial in managing cluster headaches, and common culprits include foods rich in nitrates like bacon and processed meats. Additionally, tobacco use has been strongly linked to triggering cluster headaches, making it important for those who experience these headaches to consider lifestyle factors in their quest for relief. Understanding these triggers can go a long way in effectively managing and reducing the frequency of cluster headaches. If you are concerned you might be dealing with cluster headaches, seek care from a doctor.

5 ways to get treat a headache

While there are dietary changes you can make to improve a headache condition, additional lifestyle choices can help reduce the onset of migraine attacks. Here are five effective strategies to help mitigate headache pain and encourage headache relief:

1. Prioritize sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily. Engage in a calming pre-sleep routine like taking a warm shower, drinking a soothing decaffeinated beverage or practicing meditation. Aim for eight to nine hours of rest in a cool, dark environment to promote quality sleep and potentially reduce headache occurrences. 

2. Embrace regular exercise: Dedicate just 30 minutes, three times a week, to physical activity, as it can significantly decrease the severity of migraine. Exercise not only aids in managing a healthy weight and blood pressure but also contributes to overall well-being. 

3. Maintain regular eating habits: Ensure you consume balanced, nutritious meals regularly to support your body and potentially prevent headaches. Be mindful of food choices and avoid skipping meals, as fluctuations in blood sugar levels can trigger headaches. Stay cautious of food additives like MSG, and be moderate with your alcohol intake, as these also can be potential headache triggers. 

4. Stress management: Incorporate stress-relieving practices such as meditation, yoga or engaging in hobbies to reduce stress levels. Taking moments to focus on deep breathing and participating in activities that bring you joy can reduce stress and potentially alleviate headaches. 

5. Identify and steer clear of triggers: Familiarize yourself with common headache triggers by referencing resources such as the American Migraine Foundation. Understanding what factors can induce headaches for you personally and actively avoiding them whenever possible are key to managing and potentially preventing headache episodes.

Headache relief at home

Some home remedies can be useful for alleviating headaches, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga. Additionally, gentle neck stretches and reducing screen time can help reduce tension or eyestrain that can contribute to headaches.

Although over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen or aspirin can help reduce headache pain in the short term, it is not an adequate treatment for headache conditions. Relying on over-the-counter pain medications can lead to overuse if taken too often. This should be discussed with your primary care provider or headache specialist in order to better understand your headache condition. Your provider can offer a personalized treatment plan, which may include over-the-counter medications when necessary.

Finding relief from headaches

Now that you have some ideas for how to effectively get rid of a headache, it is time to implement strategies for pain relief. Common types of headaches include tension headaches, migraine headaches and cluster headaches. Headache treatment in adults is multifaceted, and there are different approaches to headache relief, including home remedies, natural remedies and headache management techniques. It is important to know how to identify headache symptoms, understand their underlying causes and explore various treatment options. To help manage and lessen your headache pain, reach out to your health care provider. They can provide insights to help improve your overall health and well-being or refer you to a headache specialist, if necessary.