Enduring a headache is, in my opinion, one of the shittier experiences in life. I find headaches to be brutal in the sense they’re a bloody nuisance; it is quite difficult to go about your daily tasks and duties when every movement you make causes pain in your head.
I am fortunate in the sense I don’t experience many headaches, but, unfortunately, many people I know do tolerate them regularly. My husband, Blaine, is one such person; he probably gets between two to four headaches in a given week. Sometimes they’re mild and they don’t bother him too much, but other times, they’re more intense.
Most of us arguably don’t perceive headaches to be a terribly intricate concept, but understanding the type of headache you have is the first step in addressing the pain and treating it. Check out the following information from dignityhealth.org detailing different kinds of headaches.
“1. Tension Headache
Tension headaches are a common headache often triggered by stress. The pain can vary between individuals, but it’s commonly felt all over the body as a dull, aching sensation. Sensitivity or soreness around your neck, forehead, or shoulder muscles may also occur. Most tension headaches can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to relieve symptoms.
“2. Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches occur when the sinus cavity is inflamed from allergies, illness, or dry weather, says the American Migraine Foundation (AMF). They’re associated with a deep and persistent ache in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. The pain often increases with sudden head movements and occurs with other sinus symptoms, like nasal discharge, fever, and facial swelling.
Sinus headaches are treated by thinning out mucus buildup that causes sinus pressure. OTC decongestants and antihistamines and prescription nasal steroid sprays may help relieve symptoms. A sinus headache may be a symptom of a sinus infection, which may require prescription antibiotics to treat the infection and help relieve your headache and other symptoms.
“3. Exertion Headaches
Exertion headaches can happen immediately following periods of intense physical activity. Running, weightlifting, and sexual intercourse are common triggers for exertion headaches. These short-lived, throbbing headaches can occur on both sides of your head and are easily treated with OTC analgesics and melatonin.
“4. Migraines
For 12 percent of Americans, migraine headaches are incapacitating and can cause severe, debilitating pain that disrupts daily life. Migraines are related to blood vessel contractions and other brain changes, and they’re often triggered by environmental or weather changes, stress, or sleep deprivation. They can last as little as 30 minutes or up to several days.
Unlike typical headaches, migraines can cause throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, and light, noise, or smell sensitivity. Migraines may be preceded by visual disturbances, such as halos, flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots.
Typically, OTC pain relievers can help with migraine pain. For chronic migraine sufferers, your doctor may prescribe medications that decrease inflammation and change biochemical pathways,” the web page explains.
Check back tomorrow for the remaining three types of headaches.
Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash
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