Is there any genuinely effective remedy for headaches other than pills?

[louise987]

Genuinely intrigued if anything works other than paracetamol/ibuprofen to get rid of headaches.

At the slightest start of a headache it's an inevitable wait until it gets worse and worse, until I give in an take the tablets. I've tried what I think is everything (no screens, drink water, have a nap) but nothing shifts it other than pills. I wouldn't mind but getting headaches on more days than not and not keen on always medicating.

Any remedies or behaviours that you swear by?

Prevention... what triggers mine is sleep deprivation, dehydration or bright light.

A cefaly device www.cefaly.co.uk/.

Gave me back my life...

Also google medication overuse headache - that can creep up on you with too much painkiller usage & it gets into a spiral of getting worse & worse headaches.

Finding out what causes your headache can reduce your need for them if you can form a diet and lifestyle around it.

For example:
Dehydration headaches
Caffeine headaches
Stress headaches
Tired headaches

There'll be more but I'm no dr.
Dehydration and caffeine are easier to do than stress and tiredness. Drs harness these by making routines for bedtimes by having last coffee at 10am amongst other things.

Stress can be reduced by getting plenty of sleep although it can't get rid of any problems causing the stress it should help you deal with it better.

I was taught this really effective remedy to cure a headache in 60 seconds but it does not work on tension headaches. They will return.

Dig the thumb of one hand into the fleshy part of the other hand between the thumb and forefinger. Press hard so that it hurts and hold it there for 30 seconds. Then do the same with the other hand. I find it works about 90% of the time.

A friend had Botox for headaches, she said it was v effective. Not 100% but enough to keep doing it.

Though this was really Migraines.

If I have just a little niggle I put lavender oil all over my forehead and temples.

I mean, I do that anyway but sometimes it does the trick by itself - with a mug of coffee.

Proper migraines need the drugs.

Kool N Soothe gel patches
Lots of water

Pain killers are generally more effective if taken when the headache starts, so by delaying the inevitable you're probably making it worse for yourself

If you have chronic headaches (more than half of days) I'd speak to your GP

I get headaches and migraines quite a lot and I swear by the 4head sticks. I have them in every bag I own and under my pillow. I also put deep freeze gel on my head too! I have to take paracetamol and ibuprofen as well but they definitely help.

Are you having migraine headache?

I found I could reduce the frequency by total obsessional reduction of triggers:
No fragrance anywhere
Getting up same time, no late nights
Regular meals
Blue light filters on screens
Minimal or no alcohol
Ask for a desk assessment at work so screen is at right height

Cephaly definitely helps reduce them but for me doesn't get rid of an actual headache - I know it does for some people
If I am in quick enough, ice/tiger balm can eliminate a headache by rapid cooling of my temples and back of neck

Medication overuse is a big thing and I used to have it, - my neurologist has a strict rule of only 2 doses of painkiller(any, triptans especially) for a headache a week and max 6 in a month.

But some migraines just need the drugs.

if you get headaches that often you need to see your gp.
possibly go and have your eyes checked before you do.
I had constant headaches and theg went away instantly after getting glasses.

also look at your posture especially if you are working at a desk or are a lot on your phone.

Depends on the type of a headache, but for me if I catch it early, anything strongly minty, eg tea or polo mints, sipping cold drink slowly, a walk in fresh air but not in full sun, sleep.