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Headache Treatment

Treat Your Headache Without Medication

Despite taking preventive measures, almost everyone gets a headache. Sometimes other action is required to relieve the pain. Here are some suggestions of things you can do for immediate headache relief:

• Relaxation exercises
• Ice packs are among the most effective nondrug treatments. The earlier you use an ice pack to treat your headache, the better. Besides applying it to the painful area, try placing it on the back of the neck, forehead and temples.
• Heat can sometimes foster relaxation, increase blood flow and relax your muscles.
• Rest in a dark room. Often a nap can give the brain an opportunity to get back to normal.

Ask your healthcare professional about biofeedback. Biofeedback uses electronic equipment to monitor your body systems and determine how successful you are at relaxing. It has been shown to help up to two-thirds of all headache sufferers who give it a good try. Most pain clinics and hospitals have biofeedback equipment. Sessions can be costly, but once you learn how to relax successfully, you no longer need the machine.

Shopping for Pain Relief

Non-Prescription Pain Relievers

You may be doing everything you can to avoid getting headaches, but on occasion, you may still need to treat your headaches with medication. Years ago, if you had a headache you went to the drugstore for a bottle of aspirin. Today, pain relief means sorting through a dizzying array of over-the-counter (OTC) options. With so many choices, selecting the right one can be difficult.

These facts can help:

• Available without prescription, OTC pain relievers contain powerful, effective ingredients. There are several different groups of OTC pain relievers including combination products:
  • Aspirin products
  • Acetaminophen products
  • NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium products
  • Combination products such as those that contain OTC pain relievers and caffeine
     
• Each group has specific advantages and side effects. The most appropriate way to select a medication or combination of medications is to weigh the desired effect against potential side effects.
   
• Most OTC pain relievers are available in tablets, caplets and geltabs. While all different pill types of a medication are equally effective, some may be easier to swallow than others.
   
• Always read labels carefully and use as directed. Be sure to call your healthcare professional if you have any questions.

More on Combination Products

Doctors call the enhanced pain-relieving effect provided by products that contain caffeine in combination with acetaminophen and aspirin "caffeine adjuvancy." And doctors believe that these nonprescription combination pain-relief products offer major advantages for headache sufferers. Many doctors recommend a nonprescription combination pain reliever as an alternative before prescription medications.

Your healthcare professional may recommend you try a combination product before he or she prescribes a medication with potentially more serious side effects and drug interactions.

Use Medication Responsibly

Most people treat their headaches with OTC medications. But it's important to remember that these products are real medicines and should always be used appropriately.

• Review the labels on headache pain relievers.
   
• Ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions about how to use your medication.
   
• Check with your healthcare professional if you are taking other nonprescription or prescription medications or suffer another chronic condition.
   
• Decide which pain reliever is right for your headaches.

Although there have been great strides in understanding and treating headache, it is important for you to continue taking a proactive role in managing your pain. Always remember to use medications according to label instructions, and to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience problems or have any questions.