If different types of headaches have left you writhing in pain or reducing screen time, you are not alone. It is sometimes tricky to unearth their root cause, but once diagnosed, there are measures to go around this irritating ailment. Headaches are painful sensations and discomfort experienced in the head and face. The pain can be dull, boring, lingering, throbbing in spurts, or excruciating and unbearable.
While some headaches have transient causes, others signify an underlying health condition. Having chronic headache episodes should be a red flag that needs immediate attention. Headaches always have a backstory. It is a response to an ongoing discomfort in some body parts. Let us discuss the top causes of different headaches:
1. Tension-type headaches
It is the headache you get after a stressful day at work, when in extreme grief/anger, before a major upcoming event, or anything that gets you worked up or stressed. You will usually experience dull discomfort around your head and sensitivity or tenderness in your neck, forehead, scalp, or shoulders. Poor posture, tight muscles, or weak muscles in the head and neck also cause them.
Physical therapy, including mobility stretching, strengthening exercises, muscle re-education, and relaxation techniques, can help. Meditations, slow breathing techniques, and socialising with your partner, friends, family, or a therapist can sometimes resolve the issue.
2. Migraines
They often affect one or both sides of the head with a throbbing or pulsating sensation and tend to occur in episodes. They are more prevalent among women and often have a genetic link. Migraine sufferers are often super sensitive to light, sound, and smells, and some may experience additional symptoms such as dizziness or visual disturbances, while others only experience severe headaches.
Various factors and foods that cause migraines include insufficient sleep, acidity, exposure to excessive sunlight, strong odours, exertion stress, and consuming processed meat, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. Managing and preventing migraines involves lifestyle changes, including reducing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, and adjusting your diet. Cutting down on sugar and avoiding foods that trigger migraines may help reduce their frequency.
3. Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are painful and intense in nature. They typically appear on the face and around the eyes but can also occur on one side of the head. They are easier to identify owing to their short-lived and one-sided nature. You may also have nasal congestion, tears in your eyes, or eye redness.
These headaches can recur several times every day, usually at the same time (mostly at night) and at certain times of the year. They resolve after a few repeated episodes.
4. Thunderclap headaches
Thunderclap headaches are severe, can be life-threatening, and come too quickly. Serious conditions like subarachnoid haemorrhage often cause them and need immediate medical help.
Our bodies and headaches are unique. What works for you may not work for your friend, so it is important to see a doctor if you have chronic headaches.
