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Treating Your Own Headaches
You don't necessarily need a doctor's prescription to treat your headaches. Here are some ways you can find relief, without medication:
- Apply an ice pack to the painful area of your head. Try placing it on your forehead, temples, or the back of your neck.
- Take a warm bath or shower; take a nap; or take a walk.
- Ask someone to rub your neck and back, or treat yourself to a massage.
- Apply gentle, steady rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your index finger and/or thumb. Maintain pressure for 7-15 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed.
- Rest, sit, or lie quietly in a low-lit room. Close your eyes and try to release the tension in your back, neck, and shoulders.
- If you have excessive muscle contractions in the neck, physical therapy exercises performed daily are often helpful.
Reviewed by Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatric Neurology, The Cleveland Clinic.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Reviewed by
Jonathan L Gelfand, MD on January 23, 2008
Edited by
Lily Jung, MD on December 01, 2006
'Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
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