Types of Headaches
There are four main types of headaches:
- Tension headache: Most people describe a tension headache as a constant, dull, ache on both sides of the head, or like a band around the head. Tension headaches usually begin slowly and gradually and often start in the middle of the day.
- Sinus headache: Sinus headaches are described as a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. The pain is usually accompanied by other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, stuffy ears, head and nose, and fever.
- Migraine headache: Migraines are painful headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. The pain sometimes preceded by seeing flashing lights or spots.
- Cluster headache: Cluster headaches typically occur at the same frequency at the same times each day for up to 12 weeks, until the “cluster period” is over. Cluster headaches are the most uncommon headache, and more often affect men. The pain is usually located behind or around one eye and is very severe. The eye and nose on the same side as the pain may become red, swollen and runny.
Treatment
- Tension headaches: Use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. See the tips below for pain management ideas. If OTC medicines don’t help, see your doctor or Nurse Practitioner.
- Sinus headaches: Treat fever, headache and sore throat with over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. An over-the-counter decongestant and saline nasal spray may help relieve other symptoms. See your doctor or Nurse Practitioner if the pain becomes severe or your fever persists.
- Migraines: Use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. For more severe or frequent migraines, see your doctor or Nurse Practitioner. He or she can diagnose your problem and may prescribe prescription medicine for migraines. See the tips below to help manage your pain.
- Cluster headaches: See your doctor or Nurse Practitioner. He or she can diagnose this rare type of headache and may prescribe prescription medicine.
Ten Things You Can Do to Relieve a Headache
You don’t necessarily need a prescription or an OTC pain reliever to treat your headaches. Here are some steps you can take to lessen or get rid of the pain.
- Apply an ice pack to the painful area of your head.
- Put a heat pack on your head or neck.
- Take a warm bath or shower.
- Ask someone to rub your neck and back, or treat yourself to a massage.
- Apply gentle, steady rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your index finger and/or thumb. Maintain pressure for seven to 15 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed.
- Sit quietly in a low-lit room. Close your eyes and try to relax any tension in your body.
- Take a nap.
- Get enough sleep at night.
- Reduce your stress, or take a break from stressful situations.
- Get regular exercise. Try to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, four to six times a week.
QUESTION and ANSWERS: Do you have other headache tips or ideas? Please share a comment with us. If you have further questions please send them directly to questions@whiteglove.com and we will get to them as quickly as possible.
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Liz MacDonald
Social Media Associate – WhiteGlove House Call Health
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I use Tiger Balm on the back of my neck when I have a headache. And Aveda’s Blue Oil is also a very good warming relief option. (yes, I work for WhiteGlove, but I’m a headache sufferer)
#1 Comment vom 07. April 2011 um 9:17 am
I’m no medical professional but I am an expert on what it feels like to get migraines. I’ve dealt with them my entire adult life, but with the following tips I’ve learned, they’ve become much less frequent:
1. Get consistent rest. Try to sleep with a consistent going to bed, waking up schedule. Life can make that difficult but it’s better than dealing with a migraine. If you take medicine for your migraine, try to rest even if you start feeling better because it helps the medicine work better.
2. Don’t get dehydrated and don’t skip meals. Usually by the time you realize you are thirsty or hungry, it’s too late—you can feel the migraine coming.
3. Be careful with caffeine. Even people who don’t get migraines can sometimes get headaches because they missed their morning cup of coffee. Migraines affect the blood vessels in your brain and so does caffeine. Some people with migraines do poorly with caffeine and cut it out of their diet. For me, I keep my consumption limited and only in the morning. Some people if they feel a headache coming on, drink some coffee to stop it from happening. Some over-the-counter headache medicines include caffeine for the same purpose. Even so, you don’t want to be on the caffeine roller coaster because it hurts.
4. Alcohol is not your friend. Some people with migraines can’t drink at all. Others have to be particularly moderate with their drinking, or determine what types of alcohol are particular problems for their headaches. Like caffeine, alcohol affects the blood vessels in your brain, and often has other compounds in them that can cause headaches like sulfites. The best way to prevent a migraine from alcohol is the best hangover preventative advice: Moderation. Only drink with food in your stomach. Plenty of water. Figure out what type of alcohol disagrees with you.
5. Regular moderate exercise. I get exercise-induced migraines, especially if it is in outdoor heat. But overall, exercise and a healthy body weight are supposed to help with migraines. Know your exercise limits, and then increase your fitness level gradually so your body is comfortable with the amount of physical activity you are doing.
6. Discover your own triggers. It’s common advice for people with migraines to keep a headache diary. Certain things are common migraine triggers, like caffeine and alcohol, but others might be harder to discover. In the diary, you write down the food and drinks you had, what sort of sleep you got, your exercise, other health issues etc. Being on vacation can be a trigger because of disruptions in your routines.
7. Seek medical advice. If your headaches laugh at over-the-counter pain treatments, you might need to seek medical advice to rule out other physical problems, determine your type of headache, and if a prescription treatment might be helpful for your condition. I was fortunate to work with a medical professional who found the right treatment for me.
Ultimately, the best way to deal with a migraine is not to get them in the first place. Finding your own migraine triggers can help reduce the number and severity of your headaches.
#2 Comment vom 08. April 2011 um 11:23 am
Stephanie, Thank you for your information. We appreciate you taking the time to comment and share your migraine experience.
JMac
#3 Comment vom 08. April 2011 um 11:26 am