How to Treat a Stress Headache
- 1). Take an over-the-counter pain relief medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- 2). Visit your doctor. If you have stress headaches frequently that don't respond to over the counter pain medications, your doctor may be able to prescribe special pain medication.
- 3). Place an ice pack or hot pack on your head or neck. This can relieve the pain associated with a stress headache.
- 4). Get a massage. Relaxing your shoulders, head and neck with a massage will help relieve the discomfort of a stress headache. Either massage yourself or have someone, like your spouse, do it for you.
- 5). Take a hot shower. The heat and steam from a hot shower can help you feel better if you have a stress headache.
- 6). Practice relaxation techniques. If you are having a stress headache, things such as meditation and yoga can help relieve your pain and relax you so you feel better.
- 7). Take herbal remedies. Certain herbs, such as peppermint and cayenne, can sometimes relieve the pain of stress headaches. Purchase herbs from a health food store or nutrition specialty shop.
- 8). Rest. Stress headaches can often be diminished by simply going to sleep or resting. Try to rest as much as you can if you are having a stress headache.