• The best ways to get rid of a headache include drinking more water, eating balanced meals, trying relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and taking medication like Tylenol.
• Headaches can be caused by many factors — including stress, poor diet, and underlying medical conditions — and figuring out what's triggering your headache can be important for treating it.
• This article was medically reviewed by Medhat Mikhael, MD, pain management specialist and medical director of the non-operative program at the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A headache is one of the most common and irritating types of pain. In order to relieve your headache, it's first helpful to know what's causing it.

There are two main types of headaches. A primary headache occurs independently of any other medical condition. Whereas a secondary headache is a side effect of another health issue such as a sinus infection or high blood pressure.

Secondary headaches are most effectively treated by addressing the underlying medical condition. But there are many simple ways to get rid of a primary headache. Here's how.

How to get rid of a headache

"When it comes to primary headaches that have no other underlying cause, figuring out your headache 'triggers' and avoiding them is the best defense," says Vernon Williams, MD, director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute.

Headache triggers can be a specific part of your lifestyle — like diet, stress, or sleep habits — that bring on the pain of a headache. Here are the best ways to avoid or get rid of your triggers:

• Hydrate. If you suspect dehydration could be the cause of your head pain, make sure you're drinking enough water each day. Experts recommend dividing your weight by two, so if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink about 75 fluid ounces each day. "As your body becomes dehydrated, the blood vessels of your brain narrow in an attempt to conserve water," says Carrie Lam, MD, a physician. And stay away from alcohol — congeners, the chemicals present in alcoholic beverages, can also trigger headaches.
• Eat balanced meals. If you have poor eating habits, like skipping meals or frequently snacking, you could experience headaches triggered by changes in blood sugar. Individuals who are prone to headaches should begin by focusing on eating three balanced meals each day that include a healthy source of protein — such as milk, fish, or meat. From there, you may be able to recognize food sensitivities by taking note of how you feel following a meal or snack, and determining which aspects of your diet may be causing your headaches.
• Deep breathing. Stress can increase muscle tension, dilate blood vessels, and trigger headaches — and tension headaches are often associated with stress. Tension headaches can include pain in the forehead, the scalp, and the neck. If stress is behind your headache, deep breathing techniques may help you relax. Something as simple as slowing down your breath — for example, counting to five as you inhale and then five again as you exhale — can help you handle stressors and relieve head pain. Trying meditation or yoga may also help.
• Medication. "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, and caffeine are over-the-counter treatments that many patients find effective at stopping a migraine headache in its tracks," says Williams. Acetaminophen, like Tylenol, relieves headache symptoms by blocking pain signals to the brain. Anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen or Advil, keep the body from producing chemicals responsible for inflammation. These medications can often work for tension headaches, as well.

When to see a doctor for your headache

"Most headaches are episodic, meaning they are infrequent and don't require medical attention," says Williams. One of the treatment methods above may provide relief, or the headache can even resolve on its own.

However, more severe or persistent head pain should be checked out by a doctor. If your headache occurs three or more times in one month, Williams says, then it's a good idea to speak with your primary care provider.

In addition, headaches that follow physical injury or include other concerning symptoms may require serious medical attention.

"If a headache follows a blow to the head, is accompanied by sudden, excruciating pain, a stiff neck, fever, convulsions, confusion, loss of consciousness, or associated with severe pain in the eye or ear, then immediate medical evaluation is crucial," says Williams.

Finally, you may want to see your doctor if you experience headaches alongside blurring of vision, double vision, facial numbness, or any cognitive changes. Even if these symptoms go away, it's important to get yourself checked out.

Related stories about primary care:

• How to tell if you have a fever without a thermometer
• What causes a fever and when to seek medical attention
• How to break a fever and help alleviate your symptoms
• What is normal body temperature? How to know if you have a fever
• You're probably not washing your hands long enough, and it could be making you sick

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