My Head Is Pounding! 5 Different Types Of Headaches

Headaches are not fun, but unfortunately, they’re extremely common, with up to one in 20 adults struggling with them every (or nearly every) single day.

If you experience this type of pain on a regular basis, we’re sure you’re desperate to find an effective remedy.

The first step to achieving that is to understand which of the different types of headaches you have.

Keep reading to learn about five of the most prevalent ones!

1. Tension Headaches

Out of all the types of headaches you can have, the tension ones are the most common.

The pain level is typically mild to moderate and it can happen on your forehead, scalp, neck, and even shoulders. It comes and goes in waves and doesn’t have other symptoms accompanying it.

This type of headache is often a result of stress, and it can be treated using over-the-counter medications, such as Ibuprofen or aspirin.

2. Sinus Headaches

If you struggle with allergies, you’ve probably had a sinus headache before, which is a pain you feel around your sinus area, as well as in the front of your head.

Since this headache occurs when your sinuses are inflamed, the solution is to thin out the mucus that has accumulated.

In order to do so, you can use over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines.

3. Cluster Headaches

Unlike the two types of headaches we’ve described, cluster ones cause a high level of pain, which typically affects either the area around or behind one eye or one entire side of the face.

This pain can come with redness, swelling, and sweating, and it comes and goes over time, with each individual headache lasting from 15 minutes to three hours.

While the cause behind these headaches is still unknown, a doctor will be able to help you minimize your symptoms, so getting medical attention is a good idea.

4. Rebound Headaches

Rebound headaches, otherwise known as medication overuse headaches, can happen to individuals who take prescription or OTC medications more than two to three times per week.

The only way to treat this type of headache is to reduce the intake of your medication, and that can be a difficult process because your body is so used to taking regularly.

However, with time, you’ll see results and start feeling better overall.

5. Migraines

Last but not least, one type of headaches we’ve all heard of: the migraines.

This headache is characterized by an intense pulsing sensation that usually felt on one side of the head, and that can lead to other symptoms, such as:

  • High sensitivity to sound, light, and smell
  • Fatigue
  • Mood changes
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Aura (visual disturbances)

In order to treat migraines, you can try OTC pain relievers. If that doesn’t work, it’s best to talk to your doctor to find a more effective remedy.

The Importance of Knowing the Different Types of Headaches

There are many different types of headaches you can have, and being familiar with them, including their causes and symptoms, will make it a lot easier to find relief.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to read more about health or any other topic, make sure to keep exploring our blog!

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