There are a variety of health issues that we may experience but one that is common among many people are headaches. For some, they tend to be mild but for others, they can be severe and debilitating. They may also affect different areas of the head in different ways.
Regardless of what they are or why they happen, they are more than an inconvenience. They can take a normal day and make it miserable. What you may not realise is the fact that there are many different types of headaches, each of which has its own specific causes and potential treatments. Once you are able to learn the habits of a headache, you will have a better opportunity to reduce the pain and perhaps even to avoid them in the future.
There are quite a few different types of headaches. The most common include migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches. They may occur as a result of illness, injury or a problem that is somewhere else in the body. Stress and emotional tension are also common issues, as are overexertion and dietary problems.
In addition, you have primary and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are painful but harmless but the same can’t be said for a secondary headache. This is a symptom of another problem that may, in fact, be quite dangerous. Pay attention to the following 10 different types of headaches and what they may be telling you:
1. Allergies – One of the major sources of headaches are allergies, as they can cause pressure in the head that blocks the sinuses. In many cases, allergy headaches go along with itchy eyes, watery eyes and most people experience the aching all over their head and face. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you have probably experienced them
The treatment for allergy headaches include antihistamine and Cortizone medications. These may be prescribed by your physician.
2. Sinus – Many people suffer from this type of a headache due to pressure caused by a sinus infection. They are typically felt around the eyes, in the cheeks and on the forehead. They also tend to get worse as the day moves on.
Nasal decongestants and antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear sinus headaches.
3. Anxiety – When you are experiencing stress, you may have pain across your forehead. This type of headache usually accompanies high levels of stress and anxiety.
Prevention of this type of headache is possible with the proper stress management techniques. These may include medication and breathing exercises. It is also important to get plenty of sleep.
4. Cluster – These are one of the most painful types of headaches and they usually center around the eye. They can lead to nasal congestion and watery eyes and many people have facial flushing. They are more likely to occur in men and often come in the form of attacks. Smoking, alcohol and genetic issues are often behind them.
Most people receive prescription medication to ease these headaches.
5. Caffeine withdrawal – Believe it or not, a problem with caffeine withdrawal is a very common issue that leads to headaches. If you have gone a while without a soda or a cup of coffee, you might be experiencing withdrawal from caffeine. Caffeine headaches tend to throb because the blood vessels are dilated when the caffeine leaves the system.
The best way to ease a headache is to drink some caffeine but to overcome them permanently, wean yourself off of caffeine slowly.
6. Migraines – This type of a headache tends to run in families so you are likely to have a problem if you have a family history. They tend to affect one side of the head and are quite severe. Some people experience them along with other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. Some people also experience an aura before a migraine sets in.
Most people treat migraines with prescription medication or biofeedback.
7. Tension – Tension headaches are the most common type of head pain and usually are felt in the temples, down the neck and in the back of the head. They may be mild to severe and are usually overcome with an over-the-counter pain killer.
8. TMJ – TMJ pain comes from muscle contractions in the jaw and temple and may be associated with a clicking in the jaw when it is moved. This type of pain is typically associated with a misalignment of the jaw.
Relaxation of the muscles or correcting the bite may help to relieve this type of pain.
9. Digestive issues – If you have head pain and a stomachache at the same time, it may be caused by something you ate. Headaches may also be caused by hunger as well. Food allergies and sensitivities are other reasons why this type of pain may be experience.
If you have headaches associated with digestive issues regularly, assess your diet and make needed changes.
10. Giant Cell Arthritis – This type of head pain is associated with inflammation in the lining of the arteries, typically in the area of the head around the temples. It may lead to headaches, scalp tenderness, vision problems and jaw pain. You may even be at an increased risk for stroke or vision loss.
This type of condition may require medication from your doctor.
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