For those with tension headaches, heat may be the go-to method of natural remedies. This can be done by applying a hot towel or warm pack to the head. In addition, a warm shower can help. That said, the NHF says to exercise caution when it comes to headaches and heat. If the water or warm pack is too hot, it can cause muscles to spasm. (Note that warm packs should be applied to the neck and back of the head.)
4. Exercise
While it would seem that exercise would make a headache worse, some experts say this simply isn’t the case. Dr. Nabih Ramadan, a neurologist at the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago, told Everyday Health that this belief is a myth.
In fact, he believes that fitness and headache relief go hand in hand. “People with exercise-induced headaches have a very rare condition, and using that to tell headache patients not to exercise is a myth we don’t propagate,” says Ramadan in the article. So consider adding exercise to your routine. While exercise may not help with the headache at hand, it could potentially decrease the amount of headaches you get in the future.
5. Caffeine
Did you know that caffeine can actually help relieve headaches? It’s true. In fact, many headache medications actually contain this stimulant.
Dr. Kathleen Digre, an expert in the topic, told Live Science that caffeine can help with a rare type of headache called a hypnic headache, which is seen in the elderly. “Drinking a bit of coffee before you go to sleep can prevent hypnic headaches,” says Digre. “Caffeine is also used in post-lumbar puncture headaches [which can occur after a person undergoes a spinal tap].” In addition, caffeine can help to make pain medications more effective.