Understanding Headache - Treatment

Treatment of Headaches:

Treatment of headaches 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 modalitites 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.

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, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain a sinus adscess 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.