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5 Types of Headaches and Ways to Get Rid of Them

Everyone has experienced headaches at least one time, but only a few know the solutions to get rid of them.

By The Curious BrainPublished 3 years ago 5 min read
5 Types of Headaches and Ways to Get Rid of Them
Photo by Usman Yousaf on Unsplash

Is there anyone in the world who has never had a headache. Sometimes, you can solve this annoying problem by yourself. Yet In some cases, see a doctor immediately.

We specify Headache as a pain arising from the head or upper neck of the body. Headaches may occur on one or both sides of the head, be confined to a certain location, or radiate across the head from one point.

A headache may appear as a sharp pain, a throbbing sensation, or a dull ache. Therefore, I’ve put together a detailed guide to help you identify five types of headaches and the best ways to get rid of them.

1. Tension headache

This is the most frequent type of headache in the world. Tension headaches occur because of tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp, and jaw. Everyone has experienced this at least once in their life.

Symptoms

The sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head (Helmet Effect).

You might feel severe tension and spasms around your eyes and upper forehead.

You feel a dull gnawing pain. Most often the intensity of the pain increases from morning to evening.

The Causes:

The main factors that seem to contribute to tension headaches are :

Fatigue

Poor posture

Holding the head in an improper position for a long time.

Chronic tension headaches are rare and often associated with head or neck injuries.

How To Get Rid Of It?

You can take any appropriate painkiller but only use them occasionally. If headaches occur frequently and last for a long time, consult your doctor. Also, try to be physically active. Stretch your shoulders and neck regularly and spend more time outdoors.

2. Sinus Headache

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Sinus headaches are headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis). You may feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks, and forehead.

Symptoms

Deep pain, pressure, and fullness in your cheeks, brow, or forehead. The pain usually gets stronger when you move your head sharply.

A running or blocked nose.

You might feel tired and weak.

Worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down

They are also a common complication after a cold or during a seasonal allergy.

The Causes:

Sinus headaches are associated with pain and pressure in the face. Most of these headaches are not caused by sinus infections.

The common cold.

Seasonal allergies trigger mucus production.

Nasal polyps, abnormal growths in the nose or sinuses. Nasal polyps can block mucus from draining.

Too much mucus gives germs an opportunity to grow. As germs build-up, they irritate the sinuses. In response, sinus tissue swells, blocking the passage of mucus. Swollen, irritated sinuses filled with liquid make your face feel tender and achy.

How To Get Rid Of It?

You might take antibiotics, as well as antihistamines or decongestants for a short time. You can also use inhaled nasal decongestants, but only for up to 3 days. Longer use can make your symptoms worse.

You can also feel better with simple at-home tricks, such as drinking more fluids, using a humidifier, or saltwater nasal spray.

Keep in mind that sinus headaches rarely go away on their own. If you have an allergy antihistamines may help. In other cases, it is best to see a doctor.

3. Migraine

A migraine is often associated with a violation of the metabolic processes and a dilation of blood vessels in the brain. A person may also inherit the ability to get a migraine. Migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

Symptoms:

All symptoms of severe headache occur during a migraine attack, it progresses through four main stages:

First Stage — PRODROME

It lasts for one to two days.

You feel irritable, fatigued.

Increased or decreased appetite.

Second Stage — AURA

It usually lasts up to 30 minutes.

You become sensitive to light and feel tingling and numbness

Might have speech disorders

Have a heavy feeling in your arms and legs

Notice changes in smell, taste, or touch

Third Stage — HEADACHE

Might last up to 72 hours

Might have trouble concentrating on daily tasks

Sadness or anxiety

Hot flashes and chills

Dizziness

Fourth Stage — POSTDROME

After the most intense phase of a migraine, you may experience a postdrome before your migraine attack is over.

It might last up to 24 to 48 hours

Severe throbbing pain

Mood changes, which can include sadness, anxiety, or elevated mood

Muscle aches

Prevention

Prevention is the key to avoiding a prolonged migraine hangover, and in managing your migraine health on a daily basis. Maintaining a headache diary will help you track your symptoms and their changes during the prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome phases, which can help you identify patterns, like behaviors or foods correspond with your attacks, helping you reduce your exposure to triggers.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for migraines, although a number of treatments are available to help ease the symptoms. You need to see your doctor to choose the right one. Moreover, regular exercise will help you improve your health significantly.

4. Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are rare, affecting less than 1% of the population. They are five times more common in males than in females. It’s hardly possible to confuse this headache with another one.

A cluster headache may cause stabbing pain behind or around your eyes, usually on one side of your head. It frequently develops during sleep. The pain usually lasts from 15 minutes to one hour

Symptoms

Redness of the eyes

Sensitivity to light

Lacrimation

Scientists don’t know exactly what causes cluster headaches. These headaches are most often linked to disruptions in the body’s biological clock. Treating it can be tricky. Because the pain appears and disappears spontaneously. And at a moment’s notice, only a doctor can help you solve this problem.

5. Hangover

Photo by thom masat on Unsplash

A hangover is a group of unpleasant signs and symptoms that can develop after drinking too much alcohol. We hear many versions of why people often have a headache after drinking alcohol.

One of them suggests that alcohol causes blood vessel dilation and affects serotonin levels in your body. Moreover, Alcohol promotes water loss and dehydration, which are major migraine triggers.

Symptoms

Throbbing or dull aching pain.

Fatigue and weakness.

Excessive thirst and dry mouth.

Headaches and muscle aches.

Best Remedy

Take a painkiller

Drink plenty of water

Get some good sleep.

Eat a nutritious breakfast. It can help maintain your blood sugar levels.

Take a hangover seriously, if you have a headache after consuming even a small amount of alcohol. It may indicate that you’re suffering from a mild form of migraine.

I hope you never experience any of these headaches, but if you get one of them it’s better to consult a doctor before taking any medication. Do not self medicate because the consequences can be dire. Thanks for Reading. Hope it made your day better.

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About the Creator

The Curious Brain

Sharing my Thoughts and Connecting with People.

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