The Best ways to beat a bonce ache – without pills

Pain relieving pills can trap a headache sufferer in a vicious cycle (Rex Features)

It appears the drugs really don't work – yes, they just make you worse. According to new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's (NICE) up to one million people in the UK are trapped in a "vicious cycle" of taking pain relief, only for that to cause more headaches.

The reason this happens is unclear, but don't despair, there are other ways to stem the throb of a headache, without resorting to the little white pills. Here are four to try:

1. Acupuncture – NICE recomends this for tension and migraine headaches. Not that convenient compared to a couple of Nurofen caplets, mind.

2. Water – often that aching brow is just down to simple dehydration.

3. Tiger balm white – it might not find favour with NICE, but some of the Trending team find applying this herbal preparation to their temples eases pain.

4. Massage – try rubbing away the tension, or better yet, get someone else to manipulate your sore scalp.