Headaches are extremely common, with virtually everyone experiencing them at some point in their lives. However, the duration and intensity of a headache can vary dramatically depending on its type. With this in mind, we’ve put together a helpful list of the most common types of headaches and how to treat them.
1. Tension headaches
Tension headaches are by far the most common form of headache. Characterized by tight neck muscles and dull ache affecting both sides of the head, tension headaches are triggered by a range of causes, including:
- Stress
- Tiredness
- Dehydration
- Hunger
- Noise
- Strong smells
- Poor posture
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Consuming too much caffeine
- Lack of physical activity
Fortunately, tension headaches are relatively mild and non-life-threatening. If your tension headaches are recurrent, it may be worth keeping a diary to help you ascertain what’s triggering them. Then, you can alter your lifestyle accordingly.
2. Migraine
Migraines are severe headaches that feel like a pulsating pain deep in the skull. Some people with migraine experience additional symptoms, including visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and temporary cognitive issues. It is not always possible to determine the causes of migraines, but they’re often thought to be genetic and are three times more likely to occur in women than men.
If you experience migraines, they may disrupt your ability to work and lead a fulfilling life. Fortunately, there are many therapeutics available. If natural solutions are your thing, Root Logic’s Headache & Migraine Defense supplements could provide effective and long-term relief.
3. Thunderclap headache
As the dramatic name suggests, a thunderclap headache produces severe pain that comes on rapidly and only lasts for a matter of seconds. Often, thunderclap headaches are nothing to worry about. However, they could also signal a stroke, blood vessel tear, vasculitis, or brain injury. As such, you must seek immediate medical attention when you experience a thunderclap headache for the first time.
4. Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches tend to cause pain behind one eye or on one side of the face. The pain associated with cluster headaches is often described as burning or piercing and may feel almost unbearable. Other possible symptoms include facial redness, sweating, swelling, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
During a cluster headache attack, people will usually experience intermittent pain, sometimes for several hours at a time. Unfortunately, cluster headaches remain a mystery to many doctors. They are more common during the fall and spring months and are three times more prevalent in men – but nobody knows why.
5. Icepick headache
Icepick headaches cause intense stabbing pains on localized areas of the head. They can happen multiple times per day and often occur without warning. Potential therapeutics for icepick headaches include melatonin, indomethacin, and gabapentin.
If you continue to experience icepick headaches on a single part of the head, it may be a sign of an underlying condition. As such, you must seek medical help.
6. Sinus headache
Sinus headaches are often felt around the forehead and the rest of the face. They are caused by mucus build-up in the sinuses and can last for several days or even weeks. The most common treatment options for sinus issues include nasal or oral decongestants.
7. Hemicrania continua
This headache is characterized by moderate pain and a lengthy duration – typically over three months. Other tell-tale signs include restlessness, eyelid drooping, nasal congestion, and eye redness. Fortunately, hemicrania continua is not serious and can be effectively treated with a course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Fed up with constant headaches? Root Logic is here to help!
If you’re suffering from a headache, the first thing to do is assess whether you’re experiencing a medical emergency. If you have unusual changes in vision, a severe nosebleed, numbness or tingling, shortness of breath, chest pain, cognitive disturbances, or a headache so bad that you can’t think straight, it’s time to visit the emergency room.
If, however, your headaches can be classified as migraine or tension headaches, it’s time to take control of the situation. Many people choose to pop painkillers when a headache strikes. This may solve the issue in the short term, but it’s unlikely to cause lasting results. For gentle, natural, and effective relief, we recommend our Headache & Migraine Defense product. Whether you’re experiencing pesky tension headaches or full-blown migraines, this scientifically backed formula could help you to feel like yourself again.
