If you often have headaches, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to live with the pain. There are different types of headaches, each with its own treatments. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the right treatment for your headaches:
1. **Keep a Journal:** Start by keeping a headache journal. Jot down each time you get a headache, noting the time of day, where the pain is located (like behind your eyes or at the back of your head), any other symptoms, and when the headache goes away. Keeping track of these details can help you and your doctor understand what’s triggering your headaches.
2. **Consult Your General Health Physician:** Once you have enough information in your journal, make an appointment with your doctor. Share your diary and any other observations. This information can help your doctor make an initial diagnosis, though further tests like an MRI or x-ray might be needed to find the exact cause.
3. **Visit an Eye Doctor:** Sometimes, headaches are caused by eye strain. If your vision isn’t perfect, your eyes might be working too hard. An eye exam can determine if you need glasses or contact lenses, which might solve the problem.
4. **Consider Common Causes:** Besides eye strain, headaches can be due to bad posture, stress, muscle fatigue, injury, or even joint disease. If there is an underlying issue, your doctor will treat that condition, which should help reduce your headaches.
5. **Explore Treatment Options:** Headache treatments vary widely. Depending on the type of headache, you might find relief with over-the-counter medications, stretching exercises, massages, acupuncture, or other methods. Severe tension headaches might require prescription medication.
With so many treatment options available today, you don’t need to suffer from chronic headaches. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to find out what’s causing your headaches and to get some much-needed relief.