Defining the Headache

By Kenna McHugh

Headaches can be painful and debilitating.
Understanding the cause may help ease your troubles and relieve some of your pain. There are several types of headaches, and a few may require a visit to your doctor. Let’s take a look at the different types, the causes, and some solutions that might ease your discomfort.

Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are caused by stress and are not chronic. They do fluctuate with moderate pain caused by constant pressure or ache surrounding the head at the temple to the back of the neck. It’s your body telling you to relax and find solace. Taking a nice quiet walk, scheduling a massage, or getting some exercise are excellent outlets in which to relieve stress. Some people may even find that trying marijuana products, similar to ones found on sites like https://www.budexpressnow.ca/product/strawberry-cough/ could help relieve pains experienced from these headaches.

Pamper yourself! Feel the stress and the headache melt away.


Migraine Headaches
Said to be the worst form of headache, migraines can cause sensitivity to light, smells, noise, nausea, belly pain, and loss of appetite-lasting from a few hours to a few days. Studies indicate poor hydration and a deficiency in magnesium are behind dreadful headaches. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and eat high fiber foods and green leafy vegetables.


Cluster Headaches
These headaches are very severe and cycle with unbearable pain behind the eyes or on one side of the face with watery eyes, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. The good thing is they are less common than tension headaches and migraines. The best treatment is prevention by avoiding alcohol (red wine) and smoking. Poor posture and lack of hydration might be part of the cause as well. If you experience cluster headaches, talk to your doctor and try to determine what triggers the pain.


Sinus Headaches
Caused by an infection in the sinus cavities, sinus headaches cause moderate to heavy pain around the forehead, cheeks, or bridge of the nose. The sinus infection usually results in a fever and requires a visit to the doctor who may prescribe antibiotics, antihistamines, or decongestants. Allergy testing is recommended as a preventive measure.


Rebound Headaches
Overuse of medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, and prescription painkillers are the cause of rebound headaches. Taking an excessive amount of medication, or withdrawing from it, can trigger these painful headaches. It is best to talk with your doctor and determine if you are experiencing rebound headaches. The solution is simple and easy to remedy.

Experiencing a headache is not something to take lightly. You are miserable, and it’s a sign that something is not right with your body. Popping a Tylenol or ibuprofen may seem like the best solution at the time, but it is only treating the symptoms. It is best if you discover the cause of your headache and remedy it accordingly. After all, prevention is the best medicine.