There are few things worse than a persistent headache. It’s almost impossible to focus on anything else when dealing with headaches or migraines, so some of your tasks may fall by the wayside.
Even if you can soldier on, the pain your head is dealing with may be unbearable.
Anyone who has frequent and seemingly unstoppable headaches knows that there are lots of suggestions to try, but few that actually work.
Until now.
We’ve researched the best and brightest ideas to vanquish headaches, all backed by the latest science to save you the trouble. These are the steps to take when headaches won’t go away.
1. Get Hydrated
Dehydration comes with many side effects, including persistent headaches.
If you have a headache that won’t go away, consider how much water you have had to drink lately. Is it less liquid than usual? If so, your ongoing headache may be a result of dehydration.
Maybe you’ve drunk the usual amount, but you’ve been more physically active lately? If that’s the case, your body may be sweating more than usual. If you do not replenish your body with more water in such cases, you will have a headache that won’t go away.
Try to increase your water intake and see if that knocks out your lasting headache.
2. Avoid Potential Allergens
When you come into contact with an allergen, headaches are a common result.
Maybe you have a gluten allergy, but you ate a piece of regular cake at your friend’s birthday party? Or, maybe the seasons are changing and your open windows are letting in airborne allergens, like pollen?
Take an antihistamine and see if that helps put an end to your headache. And in the future, only opt for gluten-free treats and set up an air purifier in your home as preventative measures!
3. Straighten That Posture
We all do it. Get so caught up in our work or an absorbing activity that we hardly realize when a headache has caught up to us.
What gives?
No, headaches aren’t always out to kill your buzz or break your work spell. You were likely so distracted by what you were doing that you were sporting some bad posture for too long.
Stooped shoulders, bent neck, twisted spine, this is what you do to your body when you’re caught up in something. Then before you know it, you have a headache that won’t quit.
Researchers believe that poor posture not only causes tension headaches, which you may feel in your shoulders and neck, but also migraines.
If this sounds like you, take more breaks throughout the day to stretch, walk around, and focus on straightening your posture.
4. Try A Natural Remedy
There are plenty of natural remedies to help you fight off that headache that won’t go away.
To finally kick that nasty, lingering headache to the curb, consider adding the following to your wellness regimen:
● Take supplements like magnesium and B-2, both of which show clinical results for ending troublesome headaches.
● Consider trying psilocybin (magic mushrooms) which can provide lasting relief for migraines. Learn more about that here.
● Sip decaf teas, like ginger, feverfew, and peppermint, which the National Headache Institute (NHI) recommends.
● While decaf is usually healthier in general, caffeine has been used for decades to reduce headaches and migraines. It lowers pain overall temporarily as well, which is why it's used in many pain relieving medications.
Natural remedies like these may surprise you and vanquish your headache faster than you’d expect. However, like with anything else, try them with caution and consult your doctor and/or pharmacist.
5. Know Your Triggers
People with chronic headaches often know what causes them. And once you know your own triggers, you can cure your current headache and prevent it from returning.
For some people, a change in weather is a significant cause of their headaches. You may not be able to change the weather, but you can stay on top of it.
Keep an eye on your weather forecast. When you see a swift change in factors like the temperature and barometric pressure, plan to take extra-strength Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, or generic versions of these common painkillers. Just stay away from prescription opioid pain medications that can have dangerous side effects or addictive properties.
Also, be sure you stay extra vigilant about your hydration on days like these, and do your best to avoid stressful episodes.
Know what triggers your headaches, even if you can’t avoid them altogether. You can still prepare for their likelihood and prevent the type of headache that just won’t go away.
Headache Help Conclusion
Headaches that won’t go away can stop you in your tracks. That’s why it is so crucial to stop what you’re doing (as if you have any other choice!) and try to reflect on what may have triggered it.
Reach for your water and choice of pain reliever. Try an herbal tea and hook up an air purifier. Whatever you feel comfortable with trying on this list, go for it to help those headaches!
We’re certain that you will find the cure for your present headache pain and put a full-stop on future ones, too.
