7 Common Types Of Headaches & Their Surprising Causes

Symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. We’ve all experienced a headache at some point or another. You feel pressure, pain, throbbing and become sensitive to light and sound. It’s far from enjoyable. Different types of headaches stem from different causes. Knowing what’s causing your pain can help you treat it. By learning the habits of your headaches, you can avoid them in the future by making simple changes to your diet or habits.

Here are seven common headache types and their causes:

1. Sinus Headache
A sinus infection causes pressure that can be painful. A headache from a sinus infection can usually be felt inside your forehead, around your eyes and in your cheeks. Sinus headaches usually get worse as the day goes on. If you get sinus headaches regularly, talk to your doctor to make sure there isn’t a bigger issue, such as a deviated septum. Try using capsaicin cream to treat a sinus headache.

2. Allergy Headache
Allergies are one of the most common sources of headaches, because they can cause sinus blockage and pressure. A headache brought on by allergies is usually accompanied by watery, itchy eyes. The pain can often be felt all over the head and face. Making some simple changes in your diet and routinecan help ward off allergy headaches.

3. Caffeine Withdrawal Headache

If you rely on coffee or energy drinks to get you through the day, you’ve probably experienced a headache when you can’t get your hands on your usual drink. A headache can be a sign of caffeine withdrawal. This type of headache causes throbbing, caused by blood vessels dilating which were previously constricted by the caffeine. The best way to get rid of these headaches is to cut back on caffeine.

4. Anxiety Headache

If you feel stressed on a regular basis, you may have experienced an anxiety headache. This type of headache causes pain across your forehead in a headband formation. It usually arrives during a period of stress and anxiety. The best way to avoid an anxiety headache is to find a way to manage your stress levels. It’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough sleep.

5. Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches. They can be felt in the temples, the back of the head and down the neck. A tension headache can be caused by strain on the muscles and connective tissue in the neck and scalp. Both emotional and physical stress can cause a tension headache. Rest and stress management are the best ways to relieve tension headaches.

6. Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches can be severely painful. They’re usually centered around the eye, causing the eyes to water and creating nasal congestion. Cluster headaches have no known cause, but smoking and drinking alcohol are believed to exacerbate them. If you experience cluster headaches, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

7. Migraine Headache

Migraines can last anywhere from 4-72 hours. They can be extremely debilitating, causing nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Many people turn to medication to soothe migraines, but there are several natural remedies that can help. Peppermint oil, a cold compress and apple cider vinegar are known to help relieve migraine pain.

Sources:
Web MD
Reader’s Digest
Mayo Clinic