When you have a headache, the below steps can help relieve the pain.
- rest and relax in a quiet space with good ventilation
- drink plenty of water
- put a cool cloth or ice pack on your head
- splash your face with cold water
- if you have a tension headache, massage your neck, jaw, shoulders and head
- talk to your pharmacist about what pain medication you can take – this might change depending your health, if you are taking any other medications and the type of headache you have.
Try these tips for preventing headaches:
- eat regularly, fuelling your body with nutritious foods, as dropping blood glucose levels can trigger headaches
- drink plenty of water, more if you’ve been exercising or it’s a hot day to avoid dehydration
- make sure you aren’t in a room that is too hot or too cold, and has plenty of fresh air
- exercise regularly
- try not to sit or stand in the same position for too long, as this can cause muscle tension
- avoid chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, all of which can cause headaches
- see your optometrist for an eye test
- and avoid overusing headache medicines – too frequent use can cause ‘rebound’ headaches.
