Understanding Headache Treatment
Headache treatment depends largely on determining the cause of the headache. Tension headaches can usually be treated by the use of over-the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol, Motrin, or even aspirin. When tension or stress is the cause, other modalities of treatment may address the cause or relief from the tension or stress, such as working less when possible, getting massages to relieve muscle tension, or other means such as yoga or other forms of exercise. It is important to note that some headaches may return after the regular use of strong pain-relieving medications. These headaches are known as medication overuse, or "rebound" headaches, since they occur when the pain reliever wears off.
The treatment of migraine headaches is somewhat more involved and may involve a number of different approaches to the pain. (Please see the topic covered under "Migraine Headaches"). Cluster headaches, because of their more severe nature, require the attention of a doctor who can prescribe proper treatments, usually with medications.
Understanding Migraines -- Diagnosis and Treatment
There is no specific test to diagnose a migraine headache. If you seek help from your health care provider for recurring headaches, you may be asked to keep a headache diary in which you record information about symptoms leading up to a headache, symptoms of the actual headache, and possible triggers that may have provoked the episode. Your health care provider will want to take a careful history to determine any patterns to your headaches and to learn whether such headaches run in your family....
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Sinus headaches can usually be relieved by addressing the cause. This may involve the use of over-the-counter decongestants or may require the use of antibiotics to cure a sinus infection. Infrequently, surgery may be necessary to drain a sinus abscess or to relieve chronic sinus inflammation.
Many other types of treatment of headaches are the same of those covered under the Treatment Section for Migraine Headaches, but include relaxation techniques such as meditation and biofeedback, massage, hypnosis, acupuncture, and the use of herbal remedies to treat headaches pain.
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