What If Aspirin Doesn't Get Rid of My Headaches?

Headaches are a common ailment that we see in many patients at the practice of Samuel I. Fink, MD. There are different causes of headaches, along with a few different types of headaches.

Typically, a dose of over-the-counter medicine, such as aspirin, is enough to quell the pain caused by a headache. But you do have other options available if aspirin doesn’t get rid of your headache.

What is aspirin?

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is an over-the-counter medicine used to relieve aches and pains — including pain from a headache. Aspirin is derived from salicylate, which comes from different plants such as myrtle and willow trees. It’s one of the most widely used medications across the globe.

Headaches that don’t go away, and how to handle them

You have different solutions depending on the type of headache you’re suffering from.

Tension headache

If aspirin has been ineffective at relieving your symptoms from a tension headache, there may be some alternative and home remedies you can follow to eliminate pain. Massage therapy can help relax tense muscles that cause tension headaches. You can practice self-massage techniques at home or visit a massage therapist to try and get relief.

An appropriate dose of caffeine can also help reduce tension headaches by restricting blood vessels that lead to your head.

Migraine

A number of different things can trigger migraines — severe throbbing that can last for hours or even days. To reduce the occurrence and effects of migraines, try maintaining a routine schedule that minimizes stress and adheres to regular mealtimes and a proper sleep schedule.

It’s important to speak with Dr. Fink if you’re suffering from migraines. He may decide the best course of action is to prescribe medication that’s stronger than over-the-counter pain relievers.

Rebound headache

Rebound headaches — also known as medication overuse headaches — can be caused by over-the-counter medication like aspirin. If you’re experiencing consecutive rebound headaches, it’s important to seek help from Dr. Fink sooner rather than later. He can guide you through proper treatment, which may include using antidepressants to eliminate your rebound headaches. 

When to see a doctor

It’s crucial to speak with Dr. Fink if you’re experiencing headaches that:

• Are becoming more frequent and more painful
• Are accompanied by fever, stiff neck, weight loss, or other symptoms
• Appear out of nowhere and cause severe pain and discomfort
• Interfere with your life

If you’re suffering from headaches and haven’t been able to find relief from aspirin or other over-the-counter medications, call Dr. Fink today or schedule an appointment online for a consultation.