The National Headache Foundation states that approximately 45 million Americans experience some form of headache at one time or another, with 28 million of them suffering from occasional migraines. While there are as many as 150 different types of headaches, the following are the most common.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are perhaps the most common types of headaches that develop in people today. These headaches cause you to feel a constant ache or pressure in your head and are typically associated with stiffness in the neck or shoulders. They are not as severe as migraines and rarely make it difficult to participate in daily activities.
Usually, over-the-counter treatments such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen can effectively relieve the symptoms of a tension headache. Professionals believe that these types of headaches are triggered by either changes in your brain's chemistry or your response to extreme stress.
Sinus Headaches
Another common type of headache is a sinus headache. These are most common in the spring months when pollen is filling the air. Millions of people experience sinus headaches every year. If you are allergic to pollen and your sinuses become inflamed, you may get an infection.
This can lead to a variety of symptoms including sinus pain, fever, coughing, a sore throat, a stuffy nose and headaches. The good news is that these symptoms can easily be relieved with such things as antibiotics or over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are the most debilitating type of headaches you may experience. These types of headaches can make it extremely difficult to perform even the most basic daily tasks. Not only do migraines cause severe pain in your head, but they can also lead to nausea, vomiting, dizziness and vision difficulties.
These headaches can be the most difficult to treat. However, there are some methods that have been known to be effective. Some of the most common treatments available for migraines include Botox, relaxation therapy, triptans, opiates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and beta blockers.
Eyestrain Headaches
In today's high-tech world, another common type of headache is caused by eyestrain. When you watch too much TV or use a computer for lengthy amounts of time, your eyes can become tired. This can lead to headaches. If you need to use a computer for a long period of time, it is a good idea to take intermittent breaks.
Get up and stretch occasionally. Additionally, if your job requires you to use a computer, use a screen with anti-glare features. If this is not possible, try wearing tinted glasses while using your computer. Finally, seeing an eye doctor may help if you have issues while using your computer or watching TV.
Alcohol-Related Headaches
Many people enjoy a drink or two on occasion. While drinking in moderation is OK, if you drink too much, it can affect your health negatively. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause you to become dehydrated, which can lead to such symptoms as disorientation, nausea, vision problems, balance loss, impaired judgment and headaches.
These are just the most common types of headaches that people suffer from. Other types of headaches include those that are due to the improper use of medications, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, hormonal imbalances and consumption of too much caffeine.
The vast majority of headache symptoms can be avoided if you make changes in your lifestyle or seek the advice of a knowledgeable medical professional.
Julian helps clients receive treatment for migraine attacks. At the Migraine Relief Center, he works to mitigate the pain experienced by migraine sufferers.
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