Headaches suck. How many times have you been in the middle of something important, like a Netflix binge, when suddenly you get a headache and are forced to stop what you’re doing to figure out how to get rid of it?
The first step towards getting rid of that headache is to identify what kind of headache you’re experiencing. 150 categories of different types of headaches have been established, so this list is far from extensive, but here are a few of the most common types of headaches and how to get rid of them:
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They cause aches and/or pressure mainly at the temples or the back of your head and neck. They don’t really interfere with daily activities and usually last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Suggestions for Relief
Tension headaches can be treated with your favorite over-the-counter painkiller, like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Tylenol. Taking a nap, massaging your head, or stretching your neck by tilting your head to each side can also help ease that headache.
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Migraines
Migraines are usually described as a pounding, throbbing pain that can occur in either just one place or spread throughout your entire head. The pain tends to worsen with activities such as talking, reading, or making any kind of movement.
These types of headaches usually last anywhere between 4-72 hours and typically occur one to four times a month.
Migraines are associated with a heavy list of symptoms:
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and odors
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal/Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
Suggestions for Relief
Although migraines are more severe then tension headaches, you can go about getting rid them as you would a tension headache. Since migraines can be debilitating, it’s best to just lay down and rest until it subsides.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches usually accompany a cold, flu, sinus infection, or allergies, occurring when your nasal passages are congested. You’ll experience a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, and/or bridge of your nose.
Suggestions for Relief
You’re going to want to bust out the antibiotics and decongestants for this type of headache. Since this headache is caused by inflammation of your nasal passages the only way to get rid of the headache is to reduce the inflammation.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster Headaches are probably the most obscure type of headache. However, they have been said to be the worst kind of headache. These headaches are described as a burning or piercing sensation that is throbbing or constant. They occur behind one of the eyes, just one, without changing sides, and can cause swelling of the eye, nasal congestion, or a runny nose just on that one side of the face.
They’re called “cluster” headaches because they tend to attack in periods one to three times a day. These “cluster periods” can last between two weeks to three months, and can disappear for months or years only to resurface later.
Suggestions for Relief
These types of headaches require some bigger guns, ones that over-the-counter medication may not provide. Going to the doctor and discussing a plan of action is the best option.
Conclusion on Headaches
If any headache you are experiencing is lowering your quality of life, you may want to think about going to your doctor to see what can be done. Make sure that headaches aren’t interfering with your daily life.
