Whether you’re trying to finish an important presentation or just enjoy a movie with the family, a headache can quickly get in the way. In addition to limiting your daily activities, they can also be painful, resulting in muscle tension and even stomach pain from anti-inflammatory medication. If you’re tired of dealing with headaches and all their side effects, use these home health care tips to alleviate your symptoms.

3 Ways to Get Rid of a Headache

1. Decrease Inflammation From the Outside

Instead of turning to common painkillers on a regular basis, which can lead to liver damage, minimize the inflammation by using a cold compress or ice pack when you feel a headache coming on. Applying the pack to the back of your neck, forehead, or temples will shrink swollen blood vessels and slow down nerve conduction, alleviating your discomfort without having to speak to a home health care provider.

2. Get a Massage

If you don’t have a migraine, you most likely have a tension headache, which is often brought on by tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back. Ask a friend or family member to massage these areas, as well as your temples, scalp, and forehead. You can also put two tennis or lacrosse balls into a long sock, and then lie down on the floor. Move your torso up and down on top of the balls to break up the tension in your neck and shoulders.

3. Find a Quiet Place to Rest

When you have a headache, loud noises, hectic environments, and pressing deadlines can trigger stress hormones, exacerbating your headache pain. If possible, ask your spouse to take over watching the kids, or talk to your boss about leaving early. Next, head to a quiet place in your home where you can comfortably lie down. Whether you take a nap or take the time to enjoy some peace and quiet, minimizing your stress will help alleviate your discomfort.

If you deal with headaches on a regular basis, turn to HDR Healthcare Network in the Bronx, NY. They offer ambulatory and home health care services to people throughout Upper Manhattan and the West Bronx. Whether you’re looking for an urgent care facility or preventive tips, their skilled team provides services for a wide range of needs, from pediatrics to cardiology. To learn more about their facilities and home health care solutions, call (929) 256-5005.