Although headaches can feel the same, there are actually different kinds of headaches. The type of pain you may feel depends on where the headache is located and the other symptoms that may accompany it. Knowing the type of headache you might be dealing with is essential to get the right treatment.
Below is a guide to help you understand what your headache’s location might mean:
Migraines
In terms of migraines, you may associate them with neck pain right away. However, migraines are a common feature of neck pain. More than 70% of people with migraines get neck pain. Although migraine triggers vary by persons, common triggers that should be prevented include stress, some food, and alcohol. Check out treatheadaches.com for the best migraine treatment.
Cluster Headaches
A cluster headache can manifest through head pain in and around the eye. It often affects just one eye which may be droopy, swollen, teary, or red. Also, this kind of headache may radiate down the neck, nose, cheek, shoulder, and temple. It usually lasts as little as half an hour or as long as many hours. It can be dealt with by taking medications such as injectable triptans, some local anesthetics, and breathing pure oxygen through a mask.
Tension Headaches
Although tension headaches do not cause actual scalp pain, they are likely to cause the area to feel tight. Often, they cause pain on both sides of the head, especially the back of the head, forehead, neck, and shoulders. Tension headaches are often caused by stress. If you experience this kind of headache, you can try taking over-the-counter painkillers; however, visit your doctor if the condition gets serious. Your doctor will determine possible causes of the headache and refer to the Headache Locations Chart – What the Location of Your Pain Means.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are migraines or tension headaches. Doctors say that the majority of headaches are referred to the sinus region. You will suffer a headache if you have acute sinus disease; however, this is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and a pussy discharge from the nose.
Cervicogenic Headaches
These headaches occur in the back of the head. They stem from the joins at the top of the neck. These are secondary headaches caused by an underlying condition like neck injuries, high blood pressures, and infections.
Dehydration Headaches
These headaches may develop at the front or back or just a side of the head. But, sometimes, they may also be felt throughout the entire head. These headaches can get worse when you bend your head down or move it from side to side.
Exertion Headaches
You can experience these headaches during or after sustained, strenuous exercise. The symptoms of an exertion headache are moderate to severe pain that you may describe as throbbing. Some of the activities associated with this kind of headache include rowing, running, weightlifting, and swimming.
Caffeine-Withdrawal Headaches
Symptoms associated with this kind of headache include throbbing headaches due to rebound dilation of the blood vessels. This condition can take place several days after consuming huge quantities of caffeine.