What Should I Do When My Head Hurts?
Headache can be relieved through sufficient rest, gentle massage, hot or cold compress, and taking painkillers. Here are some specific ways:
1. Sufficient Rest
Sufficient rest does not necessarily mean sleeping. If you can relax your body and mind, it is good rest. Listen to music, enjoy the scenery, close your eyes to rest, relax your tense muscles, clear your mind, and avoid strong light and noise.
2. Gentle Massage
Many people habitually rub the sides of their heads when they have a headache, which is indeed a way to relieve it. For headaches not caused by diseases, you can try similar massages. Rub and pinch the sides of your head, the top of your head, the back of your head, and your neck, and maybe the headache will ease up a bit.
3. Hot or Cold Compress
This seems contradictory, but the fact is that people react differently to cold and hot compresses. Some people feel more comfortable after taking a hot shower or wrapping a hot towel around the back of their neck, while others can relieve their headache by washing their faces with cold water. Just find a method that works for you.
4. Take Painkillers
Of course, you can take painkillers, and we also recommend using them to control or relieve headaches when the cause is unknown. Common non-prescription painkillers include ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen (paracetamol). However, when taking these medications, it is best to make sure that you have no contraindications and not to take them in large quantities for extended periods, as this can be harmful to your stomach.