Four Different Types of Headaches

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Headaches are typically described as dull but intense pressure or throbbing pain that is felt anywhere from the front to the back of the head, including the neck. They are the most prevalent pain individuals experience, causing discomfort and hindrance in conducting daily activities. An irritation usually causes headaches in the head or neck, such as a muscle spasm coming from a mix of signals between the brain, nerve tissues, and blood vessels.

A man having a headache

Headaches are often not taken seriously as they are seen as a minor inconvenience. Fortunately, most headaches are not life-threatening. Nonetheless, what if you’ve got an excruciating one that keeps interrupting your routine?

What Causes Headaches?

The history of a headache is crucial since each individual is unique. The physical examination, related symptoms, patterns or triggering variables—such as food and stress levels—can assist in pinpointing the origin of each individual’s particular headache. Headaches may also be caused by changes in brain chemistry, such as medication responses, circulation and blood flow changes, and trauma.

One of the most common headaches, migraines, are brought on by inflammation or irritation of brain-surrounding structures or the brain itself. Everything above the shoulders, including the neck, skull, and face, may cause a person to feel discomfort in their head. Infection and dehydration are two common causes of headaches in patients with systemic diseases.

A man with a headache holding his forehead

Many different types of headaches are cured by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, drinking more water, resting, or just waiting for them to go away on their own. Though they may not seem life-threatening, headaches may be a source of great anxiety for those who suffer from them. Although most headaches are unpleasant, they don’t pose a long-term health risk.

Let’s look at various types of headaches and their possible causes and cures.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches occur when you tighten your muscles to relieve stress or anxiety. The pain is usually on both sides of your head and gets worse when you’re stressed or trying to sleep. The effects might linger for a few days at a time. Tension headaches are usually manageable for most individuals. There is no evidence that physical activity causes them to worsen, although it’s not unheard of for someone to be sensitive to bright light and noise.

A man with a migraine pressing his eyes

They may be exacerbated by exhaustion, tension, and an uncomfortable sleeping posture. People who consume excessive coffee or alcohol and go for extended periods without eating might suffer from tension headaches.

Simple pain relievers frequently relieve tension headaches. Changing one’s diet, drinking more water, and cutting down on caffeine may assist. Changing pillows, getting a good night’s sleep, and avoiding excessive noise may all help. Reading for lengthy periods in low light might lead to tension headaches if your eyesight is poor.

The following are examples of common symptoms of tension headaches:

  • Headache on both sides of the head with mild pain
  • Stress on the brows or behind the eyes
  • A feeling of pressure behind the ears
  • Muscles in the neck or shoulders that become particularly sensitive

Migraine Headaches

Another prevalent ailment is the occurrence of migraine headaches. A typical migraine is a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Indeed, migraines are more likely to cause one-sided headaches, throbbing headaches, and headaches that make you feel ill. Migraines may sometimes be incapacitating due to their severity. Some individuals need a nap to alleviate their pain.

A migraine can persist anywhere from a few hours to many days. Movement and loudness increase the symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects, even if the pain isn’t severe. Some people might experience headaches from bright lights, including television.

How to Treat Migraines

Migraines are alleviated by resting and sleeping in complete darkness and quiet. Drinking a lot of water and using basic painkillers can help too. Using a daily migraine medication prescribed by the doctor can be a useful option for individuals who suffer from regular headaches.

Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache is a rare type of headache that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. The pain is typically so intense that it feels like someone is driving a spike into the head and can last for several hours or even days. Cluster headaches are only found in men, with about 75% of them affected by 45.

For days or even weeks, they appear in swarms and vanish for months. These headaches are more likely to develop in adult male smokers than in non-smokers. They make it hard for people to continue with their daily routine as they are debilitating and disabling. It is common for cluster headaches to be one-sided with a drooping, red, watery eyelid and a runny nose.

Chronic Headaches

Most headaches are brought on by back-of-the-neck muscular stress and affect women more often than males. When something is long-lasting, it’s considered chronic. Neck injuries or exhaustion may lead to headaches worsened by drug misuse. A persistent daily headache persists almost every day for at least six months.

A woman with a headache pressing her head

If your headache lasts more than a few days, returns often, or otherwise affects your daily activities, you should seek medical attention. There might be an emergency if you or someone you care about develops a strong headache with accompanying symptoms, including disorientation and unconsciousness.

If you are looking for a professional massage clinic, Get in touch with 5 Star Clinic LTD, the best physiotherapy clinic in Lancashire. They offer professional Chinese acupuncture, massage services for all types of body pains, and hypnotherapy sessions.

Visit their website now to book your appointment for your migraine treatment today.

About the Author

Felix Shelby is a renowned hypnotherapist affiliated with 5 Star Clinic. He has helped many individuals in refining their lives and achieving their goals. He often writes about various self-help strategies for people in a local magazine to help them improve their well-being.

About Nancy

Nancy Bonney is a health blogger and the founder of her own blog about fitness. She has been blogging for three years now and loves to share what she learns with others. Nancy enjoys reading, cooking, and staying active outdoors.