Almost and every person has experienced a headache once. Headaches are usually left unattended by labeling them as common and unserious.
Types Of Headaches And How To Manage Them-6 Things To Remember
Contents
But what people do not realize is, headaches can be complicated. There can be a variety of headaches, and their reasons highly differ.
What are some common types of headaches?
Well, there are more than 150 types, but most of them are described below.
Tension headaches
These are the most common headaches among teens and adults. They usually cause mild to moderate pain and fade away gradually.
Migraine headaches
These headaches often cause throbbing and pounding pain. People suffering from this experience it from 4 hours up to 3 days and usually occur one to four times a month.
Migraines bring along many other symptoms. People experience light sensitivity, smell and noise sensitivity, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite. A child suffering from it may feel dizzy, look pale, and have an upset belly.
Chronic daily headaches
These can occur for 15 days or more every month. This makes it almost every alternate day. It can last for three months. They may stop in some time or can last hours. These headaches include:
- Hemicrania continua
- Chronic tension headache
- New daily persistent headache
- Chronic migraine
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are considered one of the most severe ones. People feel intense piercing or burning pain around or behind one eye. It can be constant or in intervals. It can be bad enough to hinder their adjustment. People might not even be able to sit during an attack. Their eyelids may also start drooping, and teary. Their nostrils stuff up or become runny.
This happens as they tend to occur in groups. One might experience it up to three times a day and can last for 2 weeks to 3 months.
These headaches sometimes completely vanish, only to return after some years. Men are more prone to experiencing it than women.
Sinus headaches
These headaches may cause people to experience constant pain in the forehead, cheekbones, and nose. This happens when sinuses, which are cavities in the head, get inflamed. This pain is usually accompanied by other symptoms of sinus like ear fullness, fever, runny nose, and a swollen face. This happens due to a sinus infection. A yellow or green discharge usually occurs from the nose.
Exercise headaches
These headaches are usually uncommon. These occur when the body is active and needs more blood supply to the head, neck, and scalp. This makes people experience pain on both sides of the head. It can last for 5 minutes or 48 hours.
Post-traumatic headaches
These are often experienced 48 to 72 hours after a head injury. The symptoms include vertigo, memory problems, irritability, trouble concentrating, tiring quickly, lightheadedness, and a dull ache.
It is advisable to call a doctor if these headaches persist for more than a few months.
How to manage headaches?
There are several ways to manage or get rid of your headache.
Take off pressures
Many factors like a too-tight ponytail, hat, headbands, or even swimming glasses can pressurize the head. It is advisable to reduce pressure on that area by removing such items from the head in regular intervals.
Use a cold pack
Using cold packs can help to ease migraine pain. You can wrap ice cubes in a towel or take a chilled shower. Let this be applied for 15 minutes, followed by a small break.
Heating pad
Tension headaches can be eased by heating pads. You can place heating pads on the neck or back of the head. Sinus headaches can be managed by applying a warm cloth to the affected area.
Stop chewing
Chewing gums are known to hurt the head too along with the jaw. The same can happen with chewing lips, inside of cheeks, pens, or nails. Avoid consumption of sticky and crunchy foods and take small bites.
Dim the lights
Bright lights are known to cause headaches. This can include TV, mobile and computer screens. Covering the lights, dimming them, or closing the curtains can help. Wearing sunglasses during the day helps. It is advisable to use anti-glare screens on computers.
Stay hydrated
Water seems to be one solution to each and every problem. The same goes for headaches. Dehydration can cause or worsen headaches.
Headaches are usually common upon dehydration and there is nothing to worry about but it is advisable to consult a doctor if the symptoms get worse or persist. Headaches can also be symptoms of underlying conditions like brain tumors or diabetes.
You may also read: How To Improve Brain Health With Leg Movements?
Amanda Wingfield is a certified Diabetes Management Specialist who also holds an MD in Endocrinology, with certifications from ABIM and AACE. She has a decade of experience serving thousands of patients through her independent practice and has been working in the capacity of an expert diabetes consultant for the past 4 years. Ms. Wingfield is revered by her regular readers for her in-depth research and evidence-based analysis of diabetes medications, supplements, and treatments, and her highly critical style of writing.