If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffers from headaches, you know just how debilitating they can be. Whether it’s a tension headache or a migraine, these painful episodes can keep you from going about your day-to-day activities. Here’s what the different types of headaches are, what causes them, and how you can treat them.
Having a headache is one of the most common health complaints in the world, with half of people across the globe having had at least one in the last year. The reasons for having headaches can be complex, ranging from stress to side effects from other physical conditions.
Here are some of the main things you need to know about headaches, including how to treat them, and how to avoid having them in the first place.
Types of Headaches
There are four main types of headaches: tension, cluster, sinus, and migraine.
Tension headaches are the most common type, affecting about 90% of people who experience occasional headaches. These types of headaches are usually caused by stress or muscle tension in the neck and head.
Cluster headaches are much less common, but they’re more severe than tension headaches. These types of headaches usually affect men and tend to come in cycles or clusters.
Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation in the sinuses and often occur along with a cold or allergies.
Migraines are the most severe type of headache, affecting about 12% of Americans, and three times as many women as men. Migraines can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, hormones, certain foods, and weather changes.
Another type of headache relates to the overuse of medication. This is called medication overuse headache (MOH) and can occur when painkillers are taken too often. This type of headache usually affects people who have migraines or tension headaches. When people continually take medications to treat their headaches, it can go on to become the new cause of the headaches.
What Causes Headaches?
There are a number of different things that can cause headaches. In particular, stress and muscle tension are common causes of tension headaches. Other causes include dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, hunger, eye strain, and postural problems.
Cluster headaches are often caused by smoking or drinking alcohol. Sinus headaches are usually the result of an infection or allergies. And migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors including hormonal changes (particularly in women), certain foods or drinks (aged cheeses, processed meats, wine, chocolate), weather changes, bright lights or loud noises.
Some people are also interested in the spiritual meaning of headaches, with some sufferers finding relief when they explore this as a cause.
What Impact Can Headaches Have?
Headaches can have a significant impact on your quality of life. They can interfere with your ability to work, enjoy leisure activities, and even get a good night’s sleep. In some cases, headaches can be so severe that you need to go to the hospital.
Some people who deal with headaches frequently can become more prone to depression and anxiety too. This is because of the chronic pain and the impact that headaches can have on a person’s life. Anxiety may occur when you worry about having headaches. Suffering from anxiety can also create tension that causes more headaches.
Depression is usually diagnosed when you start to lose interest in the activities you used to enjoy. Again, chronic headaches can be a cause of depression as well as a symptom. Anyone suffering with their mental health in this way should seek help from a medical professional, as more support may be required than simply treating the headaches themselves.
How to Treat Headaches
The good news is that there are a number of different ways to treat headaches. For tension headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective. You can also try applying heat or ice to the affected area, massaging your neck and shoulders, or practicing relaxation techniques.
One good relaxation technique for preventing headaches is progressive muscle relaxation. This involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body, starting with your feet and working up to your head. Some people also gain some relief with stretching and practices such as yoga. Exercises such as yoga can help you to relax both physically and mentally, which many people find helpful.
For cluster headaches, oxygen therapy is often recommended. This involves inhaling pure oxygen through a mask for about 15 minutes. Sinus headaches can be treated with decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers. And migraines may be treated with medication, such as triptans or ergotamines. Some people find relief by avoiding triggers like certain foods or drinks, while others find that acupuncture or chiropractic care can help.
Some people also find relief with homeopathic cures for headaches. These are natural remedies, and common homeopathic cures for headaches include belladonna, Bryonia, and ignatia.
If you’re suffering from headaches, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once you know what is causing your headaches, you can work on finding a treatment that is right for you. With the correct care, you can lessen the frequency and severity of your headaches and get back to living your life pain-free. It is often a case of finding just the thing that works for you, so a little patience is sometimes required.