What do I need to do if I have headaches?
To take charge of your headaches, you need to:
- get a proper diagnosis and work with your doctor to find the right symptom and pain-management strategy
- identify your triggers and take early action when possible
- avoid triggers that bring on or worsen your headaches
- be aware of how your triggers change as you age
- manage stress and anxiety
- maintain a working partnership with your doctor
If you know your headache type and are taking the proper medications for it, you are on the right track to headache management. But you can do even more. Properly managing your headaches means taking charge. That way, you are in control of your life instead of letting your headaches control you.
There are several strategies you can use and lifestyle changes you can make to gain control over the pain and frequency of your headaches. With the right approach to headache management, you can:
- decrease your headache pain and associated symptoms
- reduce disability due to headache
- improve your quality of life