Headaches are more than just a pain -- they can be completely debilitating. And maybe it sounds dramatic, but if you're one of the 45 million Americans suffering from chronic headaches (most of whom are women, by the way), knowing how to get rid of a headache can vastly improve the quality of your life.

Headaches can manifest in a number of zones around the head -- a dull pang at the back of the head, constant throbbing at the temples -- so it can be difficult to nail down the exact reason for the pain. Some headache causes include not drinking enough water, not sleeping enough, too much stress ... the list goes on. And of course, there are different ways to get rid of a headache, depending on whether you're dealing with a shut-out-the-world migraine or a what-did-I-do-to-feel-this-way tension headache. (Just thinking about all these headache factors are enough to give a girl a serious stress-pounder.)

But, take heart -- headache relief is on the horizon. We consulted with doctors to find out how to get rid of a headache, no matter what types of headaches -- sinus headaches, tension headaches or monster migraines -- you're plagued by.

Keep reading to learn all of the home remedies for headaches.

Headache location: The bridge of your nose, above the brows or at the temples

How it feels: Your cheeks are throbbing, pressure is increasing and it hurts to bend over

Headache causes: Nasal blockage or a change in atmospheric pressure is the likely culprit, brought on by seasonal maladies such as springtime allergies or a cold.

Shortcut to headache relief: To get rid of a sinus headache, Amanda Salvado, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist in Culver City, California, recommends using a neti pot (those weird teapots for your nose) or an over-the-counter saline rinse product. You can also turn to over-the-counter Afrin. "This is usually a no-no, because it's so strong and can cause adverse reactions, but you should be fine if you use the correct dosages for no more than three days," says Dr. Salvado. "And make sure to irrigate afterward."

Long-term headache relief: If the pain just isn't going away, you could have acute or chronic sinusitis and should see your primary care doctor or an ENT doctor. Some people mistake sinus headaches for migraines, so your doctor may need to rule that out.

Headache location: The bridge of your nose, above the brows or at the temples

How it feels: Your head is being squeezed in a vice

Headache causes: If you sit at a desk all day hunched over a computer (like right now, as you're reading this article -- sorry), you may be prone to tension headaches. As you bend forward, the muscles in your neck, back and shoulders are forced into a tense, shortened position.

Shortcut to headache relief: Popping an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) should be your first line of defense. If you're not the pill type, work on releasing the physical tension. "Anything that helps you do the opposite motion will provide relief," says naturopath Carolyn Dean, MD, ND. "Leaning backward on a physio ball can help, as well as sleeping with a cervical neck pillow. That will keep the tension in the neck away, which ultimately leads to the head tension."

Long-term headache relief: Because tension headaches are also caused by stress, finding ways to manage daily pressures will bring headache relief as well. When you're trying to get rid of a tension headache, you have the perfect excuse to drop all responsibilities, float in a bath of Epsom salts and demand a massage. Another tension headache cure: regular exercise.

Location: In the temples, from behind the hairline down to the your ears

How it feels: So tender to the touch that eating pudding feels like a chore

Headache cause: Do you subconsciously clench your jaw? If you're going through a stressful period in your life, you may have started grinding your teeth in your sleep or during tense situations, which can cause persistent headaches that are usually mistaken for tension headaches.

Shortcut to headache relief: Dr. Salvado suggests taking an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen (not Tylenol) and using a warm compress for 20 minutes every hour while at home. After a week, if you haven't gotten rid of your TMJ headaches, make an appointment to see your primary care doctor. And as much as it may pain you (metaphorically), you must say no to chewy steaks and gum for at least two weeks. A diet of softer foods like mashed potatoes, eggs or bananas will be far more comforting to your jaw.

Long-term headache relief: If your TMJ pain persists, consider being fitted for a mouth guard to protect from further damage and future headaches.

Location: All over, but typically on one side of the head

How it feels: Throbbing pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light and sound. About one-third of people will experience a "classic aura," according to board-certified physician Jeffrey Lazarus, MD, FAAP. This is like a warning signal -- a flash of light, dizziness or nausea -- that occurs anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes before the headache pain.

Headache cause: Your blood vessels are constricting and dilating. As your nerve endings stretch, pain chemicals are released, giving you that hit-by-a-train migraine you dread.

Shortcut to migraine relief: To get rid of a migraine fast, build yourself a migraine panic room -- a dark, quiet place where you can relax and give yourself a break from pain-causing stimuli. "Unfortunately, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can often lead to rebound headaches when you suffer from chronic migraines," says Dr. Lazarus. "If you're taking the medication too often and you stop taking it, you'll just be stuck with another headache."

Long-term migraine relief: If your migraine headaches become chronic, meaning you experience debilitating pain multiple times a month for long periods, you may want to consider more creative options. Dr. Lazarus specializes in medical hypnosis, coaching patients to recognize the signs of oncoming migraines and stopping them by creating a focused, empowered state of mind. "There is something we call highway hypnosis," says Dr. Lazarus. "We've all had the experience of driving in the car, thinking deep thoughts, and we miss our turnoff. We're not asleep, we were simply in a highly focused state of mind." Teaching patients how to be in this highly focused state allows them to realize things they could never do before -- mentally putting a "stop sign" on oncoming pain.

Dr. Salvado also recommends Botox treatments for those with chronic migraines (more than 15 days a month warrants Botox treatments). "The whole procedure takes about five minutes. I inject the Botox across the forehead and between the eyebrows. It lasts about three months and often provides drastic migraine relief."