Types of Headaches and How to Deal with Them

There's nothing worse than suffering from a headache, but did you know there can be many different types of headaches that you can suffer from?

The debilitating pain of a headache can be awful. Knowing the correct type of headache that you are suffering from can be a key in treating the pain.

The following is a list of different types of headaches as well as some ways that can be used to treat these headaches aside from the use of painkillers.

Migraines

Is your headache a throbbing pain that usually occurs on one side of your head? Is the pain so bad that it induces nausea, vomiting, blurred or impaired vision, and sensitivity to light or sound? Chances are that you have a migraine. Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to four days.

For treatment of a migraine, some simple solutions are:

1. Cold compress: using a damp cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel, apply to your forehead and neck.
2. Caffeine: caffeine withdrawal can sometimes show itself in the form of a migraine. Having a cup of coffee can sometimes combat the effects of a migraine.
3. Quiet time: migraines feed off of bright lights and loud noises. Turn out the lights, turn off your phone ringer and have some quiet time. If possible, nap, as rest is very healing.

Stress/Tension/Anxiety Headaches

Is your headache a dull pain or tightness around your forehead, neck and/or back of your head? Chances are you have a stress headache. This type of headache is the most common type of headache in adults.

For treatment of stress, tension, and anxiety headaches some simple solutions are:

1. Cold compress: using a damp cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel, apply to forehead and neck.
2. Massaging neck and/or head muscles can sometimes provide relief.
3. Find ways to minimize your stress. For some, this can be a hot bath, yoga, or taking a walk.

Sinus Headaches

Are your sinuses/nasal passages inflamed? Is there pain or pressure in your forehead and/or around your cheekbones? That could mean that you have a sinus headache.

For treatment of a sinus headache, some simple solutions are:

1. A hot compress can help warm the nasal passages which will in turn help flush out any secretions and relieve pressure
2. Nasal spray or a saltwater irrigation can be used to flush the sinuses and therefore relieve pressure
3. Eating spicy foods have been known to open up the nasal passages which can relieve the pressure

Cluster Headaches

When you get a headache, does it last a short time but frequently return? Is it a throbbing pain? Can you feel your blood pulsing? Chances are that you have a cluster headache.

For treatment of cluster headaches some simple solutions are:

1. Essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus can help reduce symptoms of a cluster headache. To do this, gently rub the essential oil onto your forehead and temples.
2. Breathing exercises can be used to help get more oxygen which in turn can be used to help manage pain.
3. Ginger has been known to help manage headache symptoms. An easy way to ingest ginger is to make it into a tea.

Hopefully, this list of different types of headaches and the remedies to stop them will be helpful to you. These remedies are designed to be easy to do and cost-effective.

Please remember that if your headache persists for an extended period of time to contact a doctor.