5 Common Types Of Headaches & How To Alleviate Them

Do you often find yourself taking ibuprofen at your desk in the afternoons, or clutching your forehead and shutting off the lights early in the evenings? Roughly 1 in 6 American adults report suffering from a severe headache or migraine, and that number jumps to 1 in 5 in women. A frequent headache is not only frustratingly common for some people, but can be difficult to treat if you don’t know the root cause. Here are the most common headaches and how to fight them, according to experts.

Tension headache

The most common type of headache is the tension headache, which causes pain on both sides of the head or at the back of the head and neck. They’re thought to be caused by a combination of stress and muscle tension, though genetics and your environment can play a role too. For example, if your posture at your desk is consistently poor, you might notice tension headaches building up around the same time every day at work.

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with the occasional tension headache, but if you get them frequently, it’s important to talk to your doctor. “There are prescription medications we can explore to get you more relief,” says Aaron S. Tawes, MD, a family medicine physician. “There are lifestyle changes that can help as well, like getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly and trying some relaxation techniques throughout your day.”

Exertion headache

You’ll know you’re dealing with an exertion headache when the pain comes on during or right after intense physical activity. They tend to come on rapidly, and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. They are more likely to affect you if you’re being active in extreme heat or cold, in altitudes you’re not used to, or dehydrated.

“Exertion headaches are not a huge cause for concern, but if they are happening often, and especially if they’re preventing you from exercising and staying active, you should speak with your doctor,” says Dr. Tawes. “If over-the-counter pain relief methods aren’t working, prescription medications like beta-blockers have been proven to be helpful to some people.”

Sinus headache

Was there a coating of yellow pollen on your car when you woke up this morning, and now you feel intense pressure in your face that’s turning into pain? It’s probably a sinus headache, caused by inflammation and tenderness in your sinuses. A good test of whether your headache is caused by your sinuses is to bend forward or lie down, and see if it worsens your pain when you do.

“Sinus headaches can usually be treated by taking an antihistamine and an over-the-counter pain medication,” says Dr. Tawes. “If you find yourself dealing with a sinus headache more than half of the days in a month, you find that OTC medications don’t help, or you’re missing school or work, it’s time to see your doctor. Migraines can sometimes act like sinus headaches, and those can be treated differently by your provider.”

Hormone headache

Also known as menstrual migraines, hormone headaches are caused by changes in hormones, – specifically a drop in estrogen – around the onset of your period. They tend to feel like one-sided pulsing or throbbing, and can feel worse if you move around or encounter light, loud sounds, or strong smells. Roughly 60% of people with periods report having migraines at the start of their cycle, but know that there are a variety of treatment options available.

“NSAIDs can often be all that’s needed, but sometimes triptans or even hormone therapy are required in order to keep hormone headaches under control,” Dr. Tawes says. “Oral birth control pills can also contribute to hormone headaches, so experimenting with different types and dosages can provide a person with major relief.”

Cluster headache

Cluster headaches generally come on suddenly, with a severe pain concentrated behind one eye. They can last one to three hours each time, and sometimes occur multiple times in one day. Over time, you might notice that yours are triggered by drinking alcohol or using tobacco, eating foods high in nitrates (like deli meat or bacon), extreme heat, or bright lights.

Unfortunately, you may have also noticed that over-the-counter painkillers typically don’t work on a cluster headache. Avoiding your headache triggers is a key part for pain reliever, and you should see a doctor for additional support. “Medications like triptans can offer relief,” says Dr. Tawes. “We can also walk through your daily activities together and ask questions to help identify triggers in your day you may not think about otherwise.”