Okay, denizens of Misc., I have had a headache for the past week, three days and one hour. I suspect a stress, allergy and hormonal trifecta and have done all my usual tricks to try and get it gone. Does anyone have cures that have worked for particularly stubborn headaches?
A hot bath or shower, or heat applied in other ways, often works for me. However if I had a headache that lasted days I would be going to the doctor. Edited to add from here
I have never had a headache that lasted that long, and I would go straight to the doctor if I did. What seems to work for me is keeping myself hydrated, drink a lot of water and rest. But I want to stress that it has never lasted that long. Consult your doctor
You'll laugh: sex. http://news.discovery.com/human/health/sex-relieves-migraines-130305.htm My girlfriend and I tested it thoroughly, exhaustive, in-depth and rigorous under various conditions. But headache for over a week is probably something that a doctor might want to look at.
^Ninja'd! Sex. Seriously. It works. I agree with the others, that unless week-long headaches are something you've experienced before and already had checked out, then you ought to see your doctor, but if you have been to the doctor and know you're fine, then grab your significant other, Naked Funtime Partner, or toy of choice and have some sex. The exercise increases blood flow to the brain and the endorphins ease pain.
If you've had a headache for a whole week you need to see a doctor ASAP. My headache cure is 2 Advils, a banana, and a liter of fresh-brewed iced tea. Works every time, almost instantly.
I have tried a lot of cures, including the Orgasm Cure. I have toys. I also tried the ice cream headache cure which is supposed to work under the same principle as a fire break or red matter in stopping a supernova from eating up the galaxy. I hope it stops on its own. I tire of doctors. iguana, can it be instant espresso? I have some of that. Otherwise, I may run to my favorite bakery tomorrow morning and get theirs. Starbucks espresso is too freakin' bitter and there's no Tully's nearby.
A WEEK? Yes, I second the "see a doctor" recommendation. I suffer from periodic chronic migraines (as if I didn't already have enough to worry about with cerebral palsy, but I digress....), and they never last more than three days, usually. I take either Excedrin, or doctor-prescribed Immitrex (in pill form. The shot made me sick), and doing that, plus sleeping them off is what works for me. Nothing else usually does.
Maybe a problem that needs to be "attacked" from multiple fronts, as suggested in the OP, so besides all the other things mentioned, don't forget to relieve stress. Possibly the hardest thing to do, because some stress is impossible to avoid. I've no surefire ideas on how to do that. For me, nature walks are good. Whatever it is for you, consider making time to do something that pleases you, calms your mind, and recharges your emotional batteries, even if it pleases no one else.