Ways to Get Rid of a Headache Quickly

If your ponytail is too tight, it could cause a headache . These "external compression headaches " can also be brought on by wearing a hat, headband, or even swimming goggles that are too tight.

Bright or flickering light, even from your computer screen, can cause migraine headaches . If you’re prone to them, cover your windows with blackout curtains during the day. Wear sunglasses outdoors. You might also add anti-glare screens to your computer and use daylight-spectrum fluorescent bulbs in your light fixtures.

Drink plenty of liquids. Dehydration can cause a headache or make one worse. So, keep yourself hydrated. You can use a reminder to maintain your water intake.

Have some tea, coffee, or something with a little caffeine in it. If you get it early enough after the pain starts, it could ease your headache pain. Just don’t drink too much because caffeine withdrawal can cause its own type of headache.

Whether it’s stretches, yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, learning how to chill out when you’re in the middle of a headache can help with the pain. You might talk to your doctor about physical therapy if you have muscle spasms in your neck.

You can do it yourself. A few minutes massaging your forehead, neck, and temples can help ease a tension headache, which may result from stress. Or apply gentle, rotating pressure to the painful area.

Chewing gum can hurt not just your jaw but your head. Avoid crunchy and sticky foods, and make sure you take small bites. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. This may curb your early-morning headaches.

A small recent study found that taking ginger, in addition to regular over-the-counter pain meds, eased pain for people with migraines. Another found that it worked almost as well as prescription migraine meds. You can try a supplement or brew some tea.

Follow the directions on the label and these guidelines:

• Choose liquid over pills. Your body absorbs it faster.
• Avoid ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if you have heart failure or kidney failure.
• Do not give aspirin to a child under age 18.
• Take painkillers as soon as you start to hurt. You’ll probably beat it with a smaller dose than if you wait.

And be sure to talk to your doctor about what headache symptoms you should not treat at home.