Tips to help manage a headache

And it’s back. The dreaded head-throb. That dull, nagging ache or full-on brain rebellion that makes people wonder why they ever took feeling normal for granted. Headaches aren’t fun. For some, they’re just a mild annoyance. For others, they’re a full-on day-ruiner.

The good news? While there’s no one-size-fits-all cure, there are ways to help reduce the frequency or severity of many types of headaches. This guide breaks down common causes, headache types and what may help support symptom relief.

In this article:

What are a few possible causes of headaches?

Headaches can be triggered by a range of stimuli. While the causes vary from person to person, a few common ones include:

• Bright lights or strong smells
• Caffeine withdrawal (e.g., from stopping coffee, soda or caffeine-based medications)
• Certain foods and drinks (e.g., chocolate, alcohol, processed foods with monosodium glutamate [MSG])
• Drinking alcohol
• Feeling worn out 
• Hormone changes (e.g., estrogen changes)
• Not getting enough sleep
• Skipping meals or hunger
• Stress
• Weather changes

Seven common types of headaches

Different headache types may have different causes, symptoms and treatments. Knowing the type someone is dealing with is the first step toward helping find relief. Below are seven common types of headaches and how they might show up.

1. Tension headache

Tension headaches, sometimes called pressure headaches, are the most common kind of headache. They’re often caused by stress or tight muscles. These headaches usually come on gradually and feel like a dull, aching pain on both sides of the head. Sometimes the pain feels like a tight band wrapped around the head. People might also feel pain in the back of their head or neck. The pain is usually mild to moderate.

2. Migraine

Migraines are strong headaches that may cause throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. They can make people feel dizzy, tired or sick to their stomach. People also might become very sensitive to light, sound or smells. Some also see strange visuals called “auras” before the headache begins. These can look like flashing lights, zigzag lines, halos or blind spots.

Researchers believe migraines are caused by changes in the brain and blood flow. They can be triggered by things like stress, not getting enough sleep or changes in the weather. Migraine attacks usually last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.

3. Sinus headache

Sinus headaches may occur when the sinus cavity is inflamed from allergies, illness or dry weather. They're associated with a deep and persistent ache in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. The pain may increase with sudden head movements and may occur with other sinus symptoms. These symptoms may include nasal discharge, fever and facial swelling.

4. Medication overuse headache

Medication-overuse headaches, also called rebound headaches, happen when someone overuses medication intended for intermittent as-needed use. Instead of helping, the medicine starts causing more headaches. This often happens to people who already get migraines or tension headaches and take medicine too often to help feel better. Over time, the medicine stops working and might lead to making the headaches worse and more frequent. Even people taking pain medicine for other problems, not just headaches, can get these kinds of headaches.

5. Hormone headache

People assigned female at birth may experience headaches linked to hormonal fluctuations. These may occur with menstruation, pregnancy, menopause or hormone-based birth control.

6. Cluster headache

Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful. They cause sharp, burning pain around or behind one eye. Additional symptoms can include a watery eye, a drooping eyelid, a red face or a stuffy nose. These usually happen on the same side as the headache. Attacks may last 15 to 180 minutes and may happen up to eight times a day. Cluster headaches are most commonly experienced twice daily, and they usually occur at night. People assigned male at birth are more likely to get them than people assigned female at birth.

7. Exertion headache

Exertion headaches can happen immediately following periods of intense physical activity. Running, weightlifting and sexual intercourse are some possible triggers for exertion headaches. These short-lived, throbbing headaches can occur on both sides of the head.

Tips to help support headache relief

There are many ways to help to get relief from headaches, and there are tips and treatments that may help people feel better. It is recommended that adults who have headaches should speak to a health care provider about the best treatment options for their condition, and before starting or stopping medications.

Tension headache

Tension headaches are usually not disabling. However, for those seeking symptom relief support, the following strategies may help:

• Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen
• Take a hot or cold shower or bath
• Rest in a quiet room with a cool cloth placed on the forehead
• Gently massage the muscles of the head and neck

Migraines

Preventive treatment

Researchers have looked into a number of medications to help prevent episodic migraines. A few potential options people can discuss with their health care provider are:

• Botulinum toxin type A (common brand name: Botox®)
• Certain anticonvulsants and antiepileptics, such as Divalproex (a form of valproic acid) and topiramate (common brand name: Topamax).
• Certain beta blockers, such as propranolol.
• Certain calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) medications, such as erenumab (common brand name: Aimovig).

When it comes to other non-medication approaches, a few options may include: 

• Relaxation training 
• Thermal biofeedback combined with relaxation training 
• Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• Acupuncture when used alongside symptomatic treatment 

Acute treatment

OTC medications may help to support symptom relief for migraines. Common ones may include:

• Naproxen
• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen
• Aspirin

But when mild migraines become more severe, triptans are what is commonly prescribed. These medications help by constricting blood vessels in the brain and help to block pain signals from reaching the brain.

There are several different triptans that health care providers may use to help treat migraines. Even though these medicines work in similar ways, people can respond differently to each one. Health care providers may prescribe different triptans to determine which one works best for individual patients.  

 A few triptans include:

• Sumatriptan
• Eletriptan
• Rizatriptan

Migraines may cause nausea or vomiting. People can talk to a health care provider if anti-nausea medications may help to support nausea or vomiting symptom relief. 

Some of these medications that specifically treat nausea and vomiting include: 

• Chlorpromazine
• Prochlorperazine

Sinus headaches

OTC decongestants, antihistamines and prescription nasal steroid sprays may help relieve symptoms. While most sinus infections do not need antibiotics, they are sometimes needed.

Medication overuse headache

Someone suffering from a medication overuse headache should speak to their health care provider about stopping the overused medication. 

Hormone headaches

There are preventive treatments that can be taken around the time of someone’s menstrual cycle when their hormone headaches occur.

Cluster headaches

Preventive medication therapy can be considered if someone’s cluster headache frequency and severity warrant this therapy.

Exertion headaches

It is important that people do not self-diagnosis this type of headache. If someone suspects they are suffering from exertion headaches, they should work with their health care providers to understand what type of headache they have and discuss possible treatment options.

Key takeaways

Headaches can happen for many reasons, like stress, lack of sleep or certain foods. There are different types, such as tension headaches, migraines and sinus headaches. Each type has unique symptoms. Drinking water, resting or taking medicine can help. However, overusing pain medications may cause more headaches instead of relief. If a headache is sudden, extremely painful or comes with serious symptoms like confusion or trouble speaking, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Understanding headaches and their triggers can help to prevent and manage them.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.