Headaches

Headaches are a very common ailment, and people from all parts of the world and all cultures suffer from headaches. They can be caused by many reasons, but no matter what causes them, headaches can be very painful and may be an indicator of an underlying condition. If you suffer from frequent or severe headaches, talk to your doctor to see if they are being caused by something else.

Headaches Causes

Headaches can cause pain in different parts of the head depending on what type of headache it is. Tension headaches are common and cause many of the same symptoms, making them easier to treat. During a tension headache, you will most likely feel tight pain at the bottom of the head near the neck. These are usually treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Some headaches are more severe and can greatly limit your ability to work or perform your day to day tasks. Migraines affect many people, and they are a very painful headache that can cause other symptoms. Many migraine sufferers also experience nausea and sensitivity to light or sound during a migraine. The pain and other symptoms can interfere with a person’s ability to work and concentration. Migraines can be triggered by food or smell sensitivities or hormonal changes. Doctors will often prescribe specific migraine medications, and some over-the-counter pain relievers can provide relief.

Headaches can also be caused by eye strain. Spending too much time watching television or working on a computer can lead to a headache. Headaches can also be caused by bright light or sunlight. Dehydration or needing prescription glasses can also cause a headache. In these cases, a headache is a signal to the body that something is wrong and to fix it.

Headache Categories

Nearly all headaches fit into one of five categories of headaches. They range from mild to severe pain.

1. Vascular Ache. Swollen blood vessels in the head and neck cause these headaches. Migraines are an example of vascular ache.

2. Traction Headache. This is a serious type of headache caused by stretching in the head. They can be caused by an injury to the spine or bone or a tumor.

3. Myogenic Headache. These are caused by the constriction of muscles in the head and neck.

4. Cervogenic Pain. Caused by a trauma to the head from an accident, they can be mild to severe. The pain goes away when the injury heals.

5. Inflammatory Headaches. This is a very serious kind of headache. It is caused by a disease in the spine or upper body or head area.