Most of the time headaches get better or go away with home treatment and do not require a visit to a doctor. Home treatment for headaches can often help reduce the severity of pain and the length of time the pain is present. Home treatment may also relieve other symptoms, such as fever, nausea or vomiting, anxiety, or muscle aches. Start home treatment as soon as you can. Be sure to review the home treatment information for any other symptoms you may have.

If your doctor has prescribed a specific treatment for your headaches, begin treatment as soon as a headache starts. Be sure to follow his or her instructions when taking any prescription medicine for your headache.

For mild pain without other symptoms, try the following:

• Rest in a quiet, dark room.
• Place a cool compress on your forehead.
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.

You may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches by trying:

• Relaxation exercises. These exercises can help take away tension and stress that cause headaches or make them worse. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.
• Heat, such as hot water bottles, heating pads, or hot baths, to relax tense muscles. Be careful not to burn yourself.
• Ice, such as an ice pack applied to the back or the neck or the temples.
• Massage therapy and biofeedback, which can reduce muscle tension, especially in your neck and shoulder muscles. This muscle tension can cause headaches or make them worse. For more information, see the topic Complementary Medicine.