When you have a headache, the pain may be constant and get worse over time and sometimes even go away. But certainly, when you have a problem, it is difficult to spend your time normally.

It is here that you should learn more about the different types of headaches, what causes them and which one affects you often. Your knowledge will help tackle the problem of headaches.

Type of headaches

Headaches due to tension/stress

These are called muscle contraction or stress headaches and are the most common type. The pain in the head occurs on both sides and you may feel as if a belt is being tightened on your head. You will also feel the pressure on your face, head and neck. Light and sound can worsen the problem.

Tension-type headache is usually caused due to postures and the strain on your head or neck muscles. When you hunch over a computer for hours or hold your phone to your ears for long, it causes stress in the shoulders. Other reasons are stress in life, intense work, missed meals, depression, anxiety and too little sleep at night. All these will affect the muscles in your neck, face, scalp and jaw which leads to headaches.

The treatment for tension headaches begins with treating other health issues like arthritis, teeth grinding, or sleep apnea. If it doesn’t help or you don’t have other health problems, then some medicines are prescribed including ibuprofen. Sometimes a hot shower or a warm wet cloth on your back will help manage the headache.

Migraine headaches

Usually, migraine is identified with a throbbing pain on one side of the head. It is most intense and activities, like talking or walking, can make it worse. At the same time, you will feel nauseated and sensitive to light, noise or smells.

Some changes in food cravings and the way you pass urine can happen. Some others have an ‘aura’ kind of feel before, during, or after a migraine attack. You will see flashy light, wavy lines or blind spots.

Causes for a migraine attack include the environment as well as genetic conditions. Triggers for a migraine attack are many and different for different individuals. Hormonal changes, stress, sleep problems; strong odors, tobacco, missed meals, flashing lights, and anxieties can all contribute to a migraine. Typical food that triggers a migraine is wine, cheese, pickled foods, pepperoni an d salami.

Treatment for migraine involves total rest, where you close your eyes and sit in an entirely dark room with some application on your forehead. If you have been vomiting, it is fine to drink lots of water. Finally, some medicines from the doctor will help either to prevent migraines or lessen their symptoms.

Cluster Headache

These types of headaches occur suddenly and are very painful. They happen on one side of the head and often behind the eye. The headache appears at the same time every day for several weeks. It can last for up to three hours. The nose and eyes swell; you will be sensitive to light, sound or smell and feel an aura like in migraine.

Triggers may be red wine, smoking, or alcohol. The chances of getting it is higher if there is a family history and if you have a head injury of some kind. They are often mistaken for seasonal allergy.

The treatment will usually be a therapy where you breathe pure oxygen to make less blood flow to the brain. Some medications are also used to narrow the blood vessels and ease the pain.

Sinus Headache

You get pain in the face, nasal congestion and watery eyes and get worse when you lean forward. Thick yellow mucus with fever and trouble smelling are other signs of sinus headache.

Sinus infection is what usually causes a sinus headache and will get better on its own within a week. If it lasts longer, it is a bacterial infection and can be treated with antibiotics. You can clear the sinuses with a saline solution or come medications for inflammation.

Apart from all these types, secondary headaches will occur due to some conditions affecting the brain. This type of headaches can be treated by treating the disease that is causing the problem.