Headaches are one of the most common reasons people search for health advice. Some are mild and go away with water and rest. Others stop you from getting through the day. This page explains common types, quick ways to feel better, and clear signs that you should see a doctor.
Tension headaches feel like a band squeezing your head. They often come from stress, poor posture, or staring at a screen too long. Migraines are stronger, usually on one side, and can bring light sensitivity, nausea, or visual changes. Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful and come in tight episodes. Sinus headaches are tied to nasal congestion and pressure. Other causes include dehydration, skipped meals, lack of sleep, caffeine withdrawal, certain medications, and loud noise.
Knowing the pattern helps. Ask yourself: where does it hurt, how long does it last, what made it start, and what helps it fade? A simple tracker on your phone can reveal repeating triggers over a few weeks.
If you need fast relief, try these practical steps: drink a full glass of water, move to a quiet dark room, and lie down for 15 to 30 minutes. Apply a cold pack to your forehead for migraine pain or a warm compress to the neck and shoulders for tension headaches. Gentle neck stretches and slow deep breathing can ease muscle tension.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen work for many headaches. Use them as directed and avoid taking them daily for long stretches; regular use can cause rebound headaches. A small cup of coffee can help some people, especially early in a migraine, but watch the total caffeine you get each day.
For frequent or severe migraines, doctors may prescribe triptans or newer options like CGRP blockers. Preventive medicines are available too, from beta-blockers to topical treatments. Always talk to a clinician before trying prescription drugs.
Simple lifestyle fixes cut headaches for lots of people: keep a regular sleep schedule, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, limit alcohol, take breaks from screens, and manage stress with short daily walks or breathing exercises.
Get urgent care if a headache comes on extremely fast and severe, or if you have fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, slurred speech, seizures, double vision, or a recent head injury. See your primary care doctor if headaches are getting more frequent, not responding to usual treatments, or if they interfere with work or sleep. A doctor may order tests or suggest a headache plan, including preventive medicine or referral to a neurologist.
Headaches are often manageable. Tracking patterns and trying a few simple fixes usually helps. If you’re unsure or the pain feels different this time, reach out to a healthcare pro — it’s better to check than to wait.
