You’ve felt it before: the pounding temples, pain like a band around your head, or even the sharp pains and vision impairment of a migraine. Headaches are common and affect millions of Americans, and some experience discomfort daily. While medication is an option for pain relief, consider the tips below for minimizing your headache symptoms.

4 Ways to Relieve Headache Pain

1. Get a Massage

Massage is a great way to ease the muscle tension in the upper back and neck that can cause headaches. If you don’t have time for a full session, consider walk-in spas that offer a 10-minute chair massage. Even a short treatment will help to ease tight muscles and will offer you a break from the stress of your day.

2. Apply Warm or Cold Packs

Tension headaches can be caused by muscle tightness and contraction. Applying heat helps relax muscles, and cold packs can relieve pain. Use a heat pack, heating pad, or hot water bottle on the neck and shoulders for 15-30 minutes. Ice or cold packs placed on the painful area reduce intensity. Use cold packs for 10 minutes at a time.

3. Use Essential Oils

Certain essential oils are effective for reducing headache symptoms when inhaled or placed on the temples, neck, or forehead. Peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus are common, affordable, and available at most health food stores. Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil before placing on the skin to reduce the skin sensitivity. Prepare a bowl of hot water and 10-20 drops of essential oil. Place a towel over your head to trap the steam and breathe it in for a few moments. Take a break and then repeat. 

4. Drink Water

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. If you drink coffee, tea, or soda all day, it is easy to become mildly dehydrated. Choose water over soda, and carry a water bottle with you to remind you to keep drinking. Aim for about 2 liters of water—or eight 8 oz servings—per day to stay hydrated, and drink more on hot or active days.

Stroud Chiropractic Clinic in Archdale, NC, offers safe, effective, and natural relief for headaches, chronic pain, and treatment for arthritis and sports injuries. Their clinic uses chiropractic adjustment, ProAdjuster treatment, spinal decompression therapy, and Triton DTS® to combat misaligned joints. Call (336) 434-2107 for an appointment or visit their website to see their list of pain management services.