7 Types of Headaches and How to Treat Them

Headaches are common, but they can be frustrating when you don’t know what’s causing them or how to treat them. There are many different types of headaches, each with their own symptoms and treatments, so your first step in treating them is to find out exactly what type of headache you have before proceeding with treatment and trying natural remedies that could backfire on you. Headaches typically fall into one of seven different categories, so let’s take a look at each one below to learn more about what causes them and what kind of treatments are most effective against them.

1)Common headache

A headache is a ach  or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck(cervical region). According to the National Institutes of Health, headaches are one of the most common health problems in the United States. There are different types of headaches, and each type has its own set of symptoms and causes. 

2) Tension headaches

Tension headaches is  the most ordinary  type of headache. They're caused by muscle tension in the neck, head, or jaw. You may feel pain on both sides of your head, or it may be focused on one side. The pain is usually mild to moderate. You may also have a headache if you clench your teeth or grind them at night. Treatment includes over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.  Ask your doctor about stronger medication for chronic tension headaches. Relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing or massage therapy can help too. 

3) Muscle contraction headaches

Also called tension headaches, muscle contraction headaches are the most common type of headache. They're caused by the tightening of the muscles in your head and neck. These headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. 

4) Migraine

A migraine is a type of headache that can cause severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are often preceded by aura, which can include visual disturbances like flashes of light or blindness. There are several types of migraines, including those with aura (classical migraines) and those without aura (common migraines). Treatment for migraines typically includes over-the-counter or prescription medications.

5) Cluster headaches

Also called histamine headaches, cluster headaches are one of the most severe types of headaches. They're characterized by a burning or piercing sensation on one side of the head, often accompanied by watery eyes, runny nose, and swelling. Cluster headaches typically last for 15 minutes to three hours and can occur several times a day. There is no known cure for cluster headaches, but there are treatments that can help relieve the pain.

6) Sinus headaches

A sinus headache is usually caused by a viral infection, such as a cold, and is characterized by pain in the front of the head and face. The best way to treat a sinus headache is to take over-the-counter pain relievers, drink plenty of fluids, and rest. If your symptoms are severe, you may also need to use a decongestant or an antihistamine.

7) Allergy induced headaches

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may also experience what’s called an allergy-induced headache. These headaches are caused by the same histamines that cause your other allergy symptoms. They can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines or prescription medications. If you have severe allergies, you may also need allergy shots.