Not all headaches are built the same; there are several types. Tension, one of the most common forms, affecting up to 70 percent of the population per the original WHO report, presents as pain located on both sides of the head in a pressure type sensation. Migraines, also common, affect 39 million people in the United States, and are severe, with throbbing pain on one side of the head and often accompanied by nausea and light or sound sensitivity. Cluster, a rare type that involves severe pain on one side of the head, usually around the eye or temple and often includes symptoms such as a drooping eyelid, redness of or tearing of the eye. And sinus, pain located in the cheeks or the forehead. Each headache variation comes with different triggers, “though common triggers include stress, weather changes, skipping meals, lack of sleep, dehydration, and alcohol,” says Adelene E. Jann, MD, headache medicine specialist and clinical assistant professor of neurology at NYU Langone Health. No matter your type, “any headache that comes on very quickly—like a ’thunderclap’—or is associated with neurological symptoms like weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or associated with high fever should be evaluated emergently,” Dr. Jann says. “If headaches have been worsening over time, becoming more severe and more frequent, start interfering with your day, or stop responding to over-the-counter treatments, then evaluation by a doctor should be considered.” When it comes to easing aches, many turn to over-the-counter medications. Popping pills, though, can also be a culprit for chronic headaches, says Dr. Bear. “Medication overuse headaches can occur if someone takes too much pain medication—often using medications on a daily basis,” explains Dr. Jann. “The headache may improve for a short period of time, but then return when the medication wears off.” Good thing medication isn’t the only remedy. There are also plenty of natural ways to alleviate a headache, depending on the type of headaches you get. Here are five science-backed methods worth trying. How much time do you need? Just 40 minutes, according to one study published in the journal Cephalalgia. Getting sweaty for this amount of time three times a week elicited a response equal to those who took a daily preventive migraine medication. It also was more effective at reducing migraines than those who tried relaxation techniques. You can also strike a yoga pose. Not only is it a great way to improve flexibility and relieve stress, but getting bendy for three months proved to be effective in reducing migraine frequency and intensity. One small caveat: Exercise can also cause migraines. “It is theorized to be due to the natural increase in blood pressure that occurs during exercise—especially heavy weight lifting or super intense cardio workouts,” says Olson. However, in the long run, “keeping up regular exercise helps to maintain a lower, healthier blood pressure overall and also helps relieve stress on a regular basis, preventing pent up stress that can affect many things from your GI system to headaches and anxiety.” RELATED: 4 Pressure Points That Can Quickly Soothe a Headache While magnesium supplements are an option, you should talk to your doctor for their guidance before taking a new supplement. Even easier is to try upping your intake of magnesium-rich foods, such as almonds, spinach, and black beans. Dr. Jann also says riboflavin (B2)— found in foods such as eggs, salmon, chicken breast, almonds, spinach—can help too. One study in European Journal Neurology confirms this, noting that people who took 400 milligrams per day had 50 percent fewer headaches than those who did not. RELATED: Does Staring at a Screen Make You Nauseous? You Can Blame ‘Cybersickness’
