Experts recommend quick action for headache relief

Your head hurts. Maybe you looked at your computer or phone too much. Or you skipped breakfast, didn’t sleep well, or got stressed fighting traffic. But now that it’s here, what can you do to get rid of it? CR explains what to take to treat the dreaded headache.

Research shows that the prevalence of tension-type headaches is about 27% of the general population, while the prevalence of migraines is about 15%.

Doctors say that in addition to doing everything you can to prevent a headache, you’ll also need a rescue plan for when one starts.

Time is of the essence. You must take medicine immediately. So, which over-the-counter medications will give you the fastest pain relief?

In a study comparing ibuprofen with acetaminophen, people who took 400 milligrams of ibuprofen had better and faster pain relief than those who took 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen.

With ibuprofen, you should know that long-term use at high doses, or more than 2,400 milligrams per day, may cause an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, people who have recently had a heart attack are advised to avoid it.

Some supplements and alternative treatments may also help treat your headache. Studies show that migraine sufferers have fewer attacks per month when they take certain supplements.

Sometimes a headache can be a sign of something serious. Here are some conditions that should prompt you to call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room.

If you are pregnant, a headache may mean that your blood pressure is too high.

You might also get a tension-type headache after exercise, but if it includes chest, jaw or neck pain, it could mean a heart attack and you should get medical help.

It might sound strange, but several studies suggest that consuming ginger, either the root itself or in powder form, can relieve migraines. An ice pack or ice face mask can also ease migraines. For a tension headache, try a hot pack or a hot bath.