Types of Headaches and What They Mean

Headaches come in all forms. There are dull aches, sharply focused headaches, and intense migraines that can be debilitating when they become a chronic condition. Even the occasional headache can cause great discomfort and interfere with your workday. While many headaches are occasional, it is important to recognize the types of headaches that you experience to prevent their harmful long-term effects. Headaches present themselves in different regions of the head and may be indicative of a variety of underlying causes.

Tension Headache

This type of a headache is most common among working professionals and is characterized by a constant ache that affects both sides of the head. Unlike other headaches, it is not usually accompanied by throbbing pain and may radiate to the back of the neck. This common ailment is usually indicative of stress, poor posture, and extraordinary mental or physical exertion. Relaxation techniques such as a massage or meditation can help relieve the causes. Over-the-counter medications are also of great help for pain management.

Dental Headaches

Dental conditions such as bruxism, which is grinding the teeth while asleep and temporomandibular joint disorder, which is caused by stress, poor jaw alignment or even arthritis can cause headaches that extend to the face. These headaches are continual and do not abate until the dental problem is treated.

Cluster Headaches

These headaches are far more common in men and children and are characterized by intense pain on one side of the head, usually focused on the eye. They are recurrent and can occur several times a day, for a few days at a time with dormant periods that range from weeks to months. Other symptoms include persistent watering and redness of the eyes. Cluster headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors including smoking, high altitude, and alcohol consumption.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are among the most chronic and debilitating types of headaches affecting millions of people around the world. The causes of migraine headaches remain unclear but stress, sleep patterns, hormonal changes and dietary patterns play a role in the onset of this condition. Migraines may occur in one of both sides of the head and are intensely painful with a throbbing sensation.

In general, headaches can also be caused by caffeine withdrawal, dehydration, sinus conditions, and neck conditions. Localized headaches accompanied by a loss of sensory functions could indicate the presence of a tumor in the brain.