4 Types of Headaches & What You Should Do About Them

Last Updated on 2022-05-17 , 2:09 pm

If you’re reading this article because you’re having a headache right now, please put down your phone and take a break before continuing.

If anything, you should try to get enough rest before the pain gets worse. Sometimes, taking some Panadol or Ibuprofen works wonders too. Though, it won’t take long before the pain returns to haunt me.

 

As such, today we’ll be talking about the 5 types of headaches and what you should do about them!

1) Migraine Headaches

Julius Caesar has it. A friend of yours probably has it. Heck, even I have it.

Migraines can affect just about anyone in the world. It’s one of the worst forms of headaches a person can experience.

Usually affecting the one side of your head, it’s usually accompanied by a throbbing or pulsing sensation.

Physical activities can worsen your migraine and the pain is generally moderate to severe. Some of you might even feel nauseous and need to vomit. On really bad days, the pain might even wake you from your sleep.

So, what can we do about a Migraine?

You might want to try one of the following methods (well, they worked for me):

• Put an ice pack on your forehead or back of your head
• Drink tea/coffee, anything with caffeine will help
• Vitamin B2 helps prevent Migraines, so drink more milk and eat more fish and chicken!

2) Sinus Headaches

A Sinus headache is mainly caused by sinus inflammation.

You may feel pain around your eyes, forehead, bridge of the nose and cheeks. It’s a constant pain, similar to that of someone applying pressure to your face.

 

Here are a few things you can do for your Sinus headache:

• See a doctor and get yourself a nasal spray and some pills (The best option by far)
• Staying hydrated by drinking more water
• Use a warm compress on your forehead and nose region

3) Tension Headaches

Also known as stress headaches, I think the reason behind the headache is pretty obvious just from the name.

Hence, it is also the most common type of headache experienced by adults.

Tension headaches are felt around your forehead or at the back of your head and neck. You’ll also feel an uncomfortable tightness as if there’s a giant rubber band around your head.

 

Here are a few things you can do for your Tension headache:

• Massage the affected areas gently to help your muscles relax (Acupressure massage works wonders)
• Take some painkillers with muscle relaxants, but you’ll probably have to see a doctor for them
• Exercise your neck and head by moving them around, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle

4) Cluster Headaches

Ahh, cluster headaches. I’ve indeed saved the best(worse) for last. According to my classmate, a cluster headache is the worst type of headache a person can experience.

And it appears that many websites agree with his opinion too.

 

A cluster headache can wake you up in the middle of the night with excruciating pain around or in one of your eyes. Despite the intense pain, cluster headaches are actually not life-threatening.

The remedy for a cluster headache?

Honestly, just go see a doctor. Considering how bad the pain is, I think you’ll want to rush to a clinic for treatment. Aside from popping pills for the pain (which isn’t very effective, according to my classmate), you can also opt for surgery if the pain is affecting your daily life.

The trigeminal nerve—the culprit behind cluster headaches, can be blocked off during the surgery just to get rid of a cluster headache.

Oh and, since they are often triggered by alcohol consumption, try not to consume any alcoholic beverages, yeah?

Well, that about does it for this article. As someone who has been suffering from Migraines, I find acupuncture and acupressure massages to be the most effective remedy.

Of course, it’s always better to go see a doctor. After all, you might never know *touch wood* if anything else is causing the headache!

Featured Image: Freedom Life / Shutterstock.com