What Can You Do About Headache Pain?

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Throbbing, aching head? You’re not alone. Nearly everybody has had a headache. It’s one of the major reasons people visit the doctor and miss work or school.

Not all headaches are the same. They can differ in how severe the pain is and how often you get them. Some people may get them only once in a while. Others may get them daily.

What causes headaches varies. Some types of headaches run in families. Others can be triggered by stress, alcohol, certain smells, allergies, or even the weather.

Tracking your headaches can help your health care provider figure out what causes them and choose a treatment for them. Write down the time of day they happen, what you were doing at the time, how long they lasted, any medicines or food you had beforehand, and anything you notice like noises, smells, or other possible triggers.

Your provider can review this information and your medical history to help figure out what type of headaches you’re having. They can also run lab tests for other medical conditions that may be the cause. Different types of headaches are treated differently.

Not all headaches require medical care. But sudden onset headaches can signal a more serious disorder. Get help right away if you experience a sudden, severe headache along with a stiff neck, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Or if you’re getting headaches more often or more severely over time.

Learn more about headaches.