How to get rid of a headache fast: 10 tips for quick relief

If you feel a headache coming on throughout the day, it's good to know that it doesn't always have to stop you in your tracks. There are steps you can take to prevent and quickly treat headaches.

When your head starts hurting, here’s how to get rid of a headache fast.

What causes a headache?

Before diving into what steps to take in the moment when you feel a headache coming on, it’s important to understand the types of headaches and their primary causes. Headaches are classified into two categories: primary headache disorders and secondary headache disorders.

Primary headaches include tension-type headaches, migraines and trigeminal autonomic cephalagias (TAC), such as cluster headaches, among others. The causes for primary headaches include:

• Muscle tension and stress (tension headaches)
• Changes in brain chemistry and blood vessel function (migraines)
• Abnormalities in the brain’s hypothalamus

Secondary headaches are headaches that are usually caused by some other medical condition, including:

• Overusing certain types of medications for pain
• Trauma to the head
• A stroke or bleed in the head, among other causes

How to get rid of a headache fast

The steps to take when you start feeling a headache coming on will depend on the type of headache you’re experiencing, as treatment will vary. Secondary headaches require a little more investigation to determine what’s causing the headache.

In general, here are 10 of the fastest ways to stop a headache in its tracks:

1. Try a cold compress: Apply a cold compress to your forehead or temples for 15-20 minutes. If you catch a headache early, drinking water while applying cold to your head can often stop it before it gets worse.
2. Hydrate: Drink a large glass of water, as dehydration is a major headache trigger.
3. Turn off the lights: Find a dark, quiet room and close your eyes.
4. Massage: Gently massage your temples, neck and the base of your skull.
5. Take a pain reliever: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin).
6. Use your pressure points: Try the "pressure point" technique: press firmly on the webbing between your thumb and index finger for 1-2 minutes.
7. Drink caffeine: Drink a small amount of caffeine if you don't regularly consume it.
8. Stretch: Do gentle neck stretches—slowly roll your head in circles.
9. Take a shower: Take a hot shower, letting the water hit the back of your neck.
10. Breathe: Try deep breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6.

Most headaches respond within 30-60 minutes when you use these techniques consistently.

“Headaches and migraines can be painful and debilitating,” said Anjali Sundaramoorthy, DO, neurologist on the medical staff of Baylor Scott & White Headache Medicine Specialists of North Texas – Dallas. “Focusing on changes we can make in our daily activities can make a world of difference.”

Adopt lifestyle changes to prevent headaches

Some lifestyle interventions, such as dietary changes, can help prevent headaches, although helpful foods or food triggers can be different for each person. Keeping a food diary can help pinpoint if there are any food triggers for you.

Below are a few lifestyle factors that some people find helpful in reducing the frequency of their headaches:

• Watch your caffeine intake. Although fine in moderation, it’s important to avoid excessive intake as it can increase your probability of headaches.
• Eat consistently and avoid skipping meals. Skipping meals can trigger a headache. It may be helpful to carry snack bars with you. A healthy and well-balanced diet is best.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Monitor your posture, how you sit at your desk and what type of pillow you sleep on. Remember to take breaks and stretch your neck or get up and walk around.
• Manage your stress levels. Try tactics like yoga, mindfulness, journaling or exercise.
• If you are spending a lot of time in front of a screen it is important to take small breaks, for every hour you spend on the computer, try to take a 3-5-minute break
• Maintain good sleeping habits and make sure you get 7-9 hours per night.

There are also medications and medical devices that can be used to prevent headaches. These include blood pressure medications, antidepressants and anti-seizure medications, among others. Your doctor can help determine the best choice for you—whether that’s lifestyle changes, medications or devices, or a combination.

When to seek care for your headaches

It’s very important to talk to your primary care physician if you’ve been experiencing headaches that are not responding to over-the-counter medication or lifestyle changes.

“If you struggle with painful and ongoing headaches, please see a headache specialist for the right treatment to improve your quality of life,” said Dr. Sundaramoorthy.

According to the American Headache Society, some red flags that suggest a secondary headache disorder and require further medical evaluation include:

• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss or gain
• History of malignancy or immunosuppression
• One-sided weakness or numbness
• Behavior or personality changes
• Visual disturbances such as double vision or transient vision loss
• Imbalance

In general, other signs you should seek care include:

• An intense headache that is sudden in onset and reaches peak intensity in less than one minute
• The new onset of headaches before age five or after 65 years of age
• A change in headache characteristics or pattern
• Headaches while pregnant

Living with headaches? Find out if you’re eligible for Baylor Scott & White’s Virtual Headache Care program, so you can get to the root of your headaches, develop a personalized treatment plan, and find tools to help you track your progress—all without a referral from your provider.