Exactly How To Get Rid Of Each Type Of Headache ASAP

Exactly How To Get Rid Of Each Type Of Headache ASAP



Headaches come in all shapes and sizes—from a barely-there tension headache to a monster migraine that just won't quit, and finding relief can be a tricky business.

"The topic of headache and migraine management is pretty complicated, and a one-size-fits-all approach is not ideal," says Daniel Franc, M.D., neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. (In other words, your go-to Tylenol won't always cut it.)

To stop noggin pain in its tracks, you need to ID the type of headache you're battling—otherwise, the symptoms you're experiencing will stick around like an uninvited house guest. Here, a play-by-play of the most common headaches and the best ways to take action:

This pesky headache is the most common of the bunch and presents as pressure or a tightening sensation, typically invading the head, scalp, or neck. "Tension headaches are frequently associated with stress, sitting at a desk or computer, driving, poor posture, and neck strain during sleep," says Franc. OTC pain relievers, such as

Tylenol or Motrin, are your best course of action when you just can't even, and improving your de-stressing skills can help keep future headaches at bay, says Isha Gupta, M.D., neurologist at IGEA Brain and Spine in New York. However, you shouldn't take pain relievers daily, as they can irritate your stomach (and lead to super-annoying rebound headaches), according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If tension headaches strike more than twice a week, check in with your doc for pain relief pointers and help with your stress, says Gupta.