Common Headaches And How To Stop Them?

Answer 1

Headaches have numerous types and triggers. There are stress headaches and spinal headaches, cluster headaches and migraines. They may be caused by tension, temperature or too much exercise. The trick to ridding yourself of troublesome headaches often depends on your understanding of how, when and why they occur.

The most common type of headache is the tension headache. Often felt in the back of the head and upper neck, these headaches are generally caused by emotional or physical stress. Tension headaches rarely affect your quality of life. While uncomfortable, you are able to function normally. Over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen will generally vanquish the pain.

A cluster headache is a whole different breed. These headaches come in waves, sometimes lasting for months at a time. With a duration of 30 to 90 minutes an episode and occurring two to three times a day, cluster headaches can be incredibly frustrating. The pain is intense and located around one or both eyes. Cluster headaches are a mystery to modern medicine, but it is suggested they may have a genetic cause, as they tend to run in families. High levels of oxygen or prescription migraine medication may be beneficial during an episode. Over-the-counter medication tends to have no effect.

Migraine headaches can severely affect your quality of life. The pain is incredible. A migraine can last for days or even weeks. There are many triggers, making it difficult to isolate the true cause of the headache. Migraines can be attributed to certain food or drink, drastic temperature changes, overexertion, dehydration, sensitivity to certain lighting (such as exposure to strobes) or even sleep disturbances. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can prevent migraines. Prescription prophylactic medications can help stop the migraine before it starts, provided you are able to recognize the headache coming on. Many people report seeing flashing lights or having trouble forming words in the hour or so before the pain arrives.

Headaches are no fun, but learning their triggers and causes may help you to avoid the headaches altogether. If the headache is the worst you have ever experienced, call your doctor. This could be a sign of stroke or other underlying medical condition.