Whether it's from lack of sleep, too much stress or rainy weather, people are plagued with headaches.
With the combination of poor diets and heavy procrastination, students' heads seem to be pounding more than ever, but the answers to ending them may be easier said than done.
Dr. Frederick Kam, executive and medical director of the Auburn University Medical Clinic, said headaches are one of the most common ailments.
"There are those that are sinus related, (or caused by) allergies or cysts," Kam said. "You can have headaches related to eye strain. People often get them from staring at computer screens."
Laura Macedonia, junior in pre-vet, said she gets headaches frequently.
"(They're worst) anytime I'm really stressed out about school," Macedonia said.
Kam said stress and poor eating habits are often the easiest headaches to relieve.
"If you can find the underlying cause, then you can end them," Kam said. "Take care of the cause."
But if the pain cannot easily be resolved, Kam said he suggests taking medications such as Tylenol, Motrin or Advil.
For migraines, he said Aleve would work best.
Instead of running to her medicine cabinet, Macedonia said she goes to bed.
"I try to sleep it off," Macedonia said. "If that doesn't work, I take some aspirin."
Although Macedonia will occasionally pop a headache reliever, she finds the most effective way to get rid of her pain doesn't involve medicine.
"Drinking a lot of water and sleeping is best for me," Macedonia said.
Rachel Greer, senior in elementary education, also avoids medicine until she feels it's necessary.
"I'll eat and nap," Greer said. "Exercise is also good for me."
But if the pain gets to be too much, or she realizes her headache is really a migraine, Greer turns to a more powerful resource.
"I can't function without Excedrin for migraines," Greer said.
Unlike Greer, many people live with headaches that are more than just a natural nuisance.
"There are a number of people with migraine headaches that are misdiagnosed," Kam said. "They'll say, 'It's just sinuses,' or 'It's just the weather,' but it's often neurological."
Many people also blame caffeine for their daily cranial aches, but Greer said she feels the opposite works for her.
"I don't drink caffeine," Greer said. "But the caffeine in Excedrin is what helps me. I'm pretty convinced."
Macedonia agrees caffeine only helps a headache, not enables one.
"I know that some aspirin is made with caffeine," Macedonia said. "That's more of a part of the solution."
Kam agrees and disagrees with Greer and Macedonia.
"It can help a headache," Kam said. "Maybe a migraine or a tension headache. But if you're a regular caffeine user you can experience caffeine withdrawal."
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