How to Make a Bad Headache Go Away

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By writedesign
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Bad headaches can ruin your entire day.

Having a bad headache can keep you from doing what you want to do. If the headache has been nagging for hours, you might have dizziness and fatigue associated with the headache as well. Headaches can be hard to get rid of, especially if you get migraine headaches. Migraines are sometimes resistant to over the counter medications, so if you have migraines, you may need to get stronger medication and advice from your doctor. Sinus headaches can be dealt with more easily with over the counter medications as long as there is no infection. If you suffer from chronic headaches, see your doctor before attempting any headache remedies. For more infrequent, sporadic headaches, follow these tips to make a bad headache go away:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Cold, damp washcloth
Meal with protein, vegetables and carbohydrates
Two glasses of water
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Someone to give you a massage (optional)

Step 1

Go home.

Go home. If you are at work, out shopping, visiting friends or just running errands, go home so you can get some rest. Bad headaches will not go away if you ignore them while you're out and about - they just get worse! You're probably not all that productive at work with a headache anyway, so don't feel guilty about going home early if you need to.
Step 2

Drink water.

When you get home, drink two full glasses of water and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen (follow the dosage amounts on the bottle). If your headache is related to dehydration, drinking water will help immensely. Drinking water also helps relieve dry sinuses and sinus headaches.
Step 3

Eat a low-sodium meal and a potato.

Eat a low-sodium meal that includes protein (chicken, turkey or fish), vegetables and a food high in potassium (preferably a potato) since potassium reduces pain. Some examples of foods that are high in potassium are sweet potatoes, rice, bananas, orange juice, apricots, and unsalted nuts. Protein, vegetables and carbohydrates will give your brain the fuel it needs to function properly and get rid of your headache or migraine fast. If you don't feel like cooking or you don't have leftovers handy, be sure to pick up a meal before you head home.
Step 4

Take a long shower.

Take a long shower. A shower will help you de-stress and wind down from the day's activities.
Step 5

Isolate yourself in your bedroom.

Isolate yourself in your bedroom and turn off all electronics, TV's and phones. If you have kids or anyone/anything you think MIGHT make noise while you're resting, let them know you have a headache and you need complete silence in the house (or else!).
Step 6

Close the curtains and the blinds.

Close the curtains and blinds in your room to make it as dark as possible. Sun light and indoor lights can make headaches and migraines much worse.
Step 7

Apply a cold, damp washcloth to your head.

Dampen a washcloth with cold water, place it on your forehead and retreat to your bed. The washcloth will help cool your head and acutely relieve your headache before the medication kicks in.
Step 8

Get a massage.

Ask someone to give you a massage. If you have a loving family member, spouse or friend who doesn't mind helping out, recruit them. Bad headaches can be hard to get rid of and a massage may just be your headache cure!
Step 9

Stay in bed until the headache is gone.

Stay in bed until your headache is gone, even if it takes 24 hours to get rid of it. Just make sure you eat a meal and drink water every 3-4 hours. If you don't eat and drink, your headache or migraine WILL get worse. Eating helps reduce dizziness and fatigue as well.
Step 10

If all else fails, see your doctor.

If all else fails, see your doctor. While most headaches can be cured with rest, relaxation, hydration, nutrition and over the counter medication, some headaches need medical attention to find out if there is an underlying problem.