1. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Most painkillers won’t kick in for about 1-2 hours, so take a dose as soon as you start feeling the headache coming on. Earlier treatment is always better to address a headache. Even if you’re already in the depths of misery, a quick dose of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin or even a capsaicin nasal spray can take the edge off.
2. Know when to seek medical assistance immediately
If your headache includes other symptoms, it may be a sign of a more severe condition, such as stroke, encephalitis, or meningitis. See a doctor immediately or call the emergency services.
3. Find a quiet, dark place to take a break
If you can, try to lie down and relax for at least 30 minutes. Shut the blinds, turn off the lights, and focus on your breathing. This sensory reduction can help you relax and heal.
4. Practice progressive muscle relaxation.
Progressive muscle relaxation can help ease headache pain. Other exercises focused on relaxation, such as gentle yoga or meditation, can also help.
5. Use a cool compress
Placing something soft and cool over your forehead and eyes can help the blood vessels constrict, which will reduce inflammation and may ease your headache pain. This works particularly well if the problem is concentrated in your temples or sinuses.
6. Do neck exercises
Stretching and strengthening your neck muscles can help relieve chronic headaches,but they may help in the moment as well. Here is a simple routine to stretch your neck muscles:
7. Massage your neck and shoulders
Tension in your neck and shoulders can cause headaches. Fortunately, although tension headaches are the most common type of headache they’re also one of the easier headaches to treat.
8. Massage your face and scalp
Particularly if you suffer from tension headaches, massage can help improve circulation and relieve tension, which will help relieve the pain of your headache. Tension headaches can be caused by a variety of things, from poor posture to jaw clenching to strained muscles. Anxiety and depression may also trigger tension headaches.
9. Water
If the cause of your headache is dehydration, you can easily get relief from the pain by rehydrating your body.
10. Ice Pack
Placing a cold compress like an ice pack on your forehead will numb the pain, help shrink the blood vessels and improve circulation to the area. This particular remedy works well for headaches due to stress or sinus problems.
11. Hot Water
Applying heat on the back of your neck can relieve headaches caused by stress. Heat relaxes tense muscles, thus alleviating the throbbing pain.
12. Lemon
Lemon is a very effective and powerful ingredient to treat headache because it is refreshing and relaxing. Plus, it helps maintain the acid-alkaline balance in the body.
13. Apple
Both apples and apple cider vinegar can be used to fight off a headache. They help restore the acid-alkaline balance in the body. Furthermore, simply the smell of green apples can help reduce migraine headaches.
Sources:
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Headache
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/how-to-get-rid-of-a-headache-fast.html
http://www.ritchiechirohealth.com