Headaches are among the most common types of pain and a leading reason for missing work or school. According to the National Headache Foundation, over 28 million Americans suffer from migraines alone.
Given the wide range of causes—from colds to hormonal changes—it can be difficult to know what type of headache you’re experiencing and how best to treat it.
6 Common Types of Headaches
1. TMJ Headache
TMJ headaches originate from issues in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often due to teeth grinding, tension, or arthritis. Pain can radiate to the temples, cheeks, ears, neck, and shoulders.
2. Sinus Headache
These headaches result from inflamed or blocked sinuses and cause pain behind the eyes, nose, and cheeks—typically worsening when bending forward or after waking. They may be triggered by allergies, infections, or even tumors.
3. Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are intensely painful, come on suddenly, and usually affect one side of the head. They tend to occur at the same time each day and are often accompanied by a red eye and nasal congestion. Episodes may come and go for months, followed by headache-free periods.
4. Tension Headache
The most common type, tension headaches stem from stress, anxiety, or lack of sleep. They create pressure or tightness around the forehead, temples, and scalp, and can last from minutes to several days.
5. Neck Headache (Cervicogenic)
Though felt at the back of the head, these headaches originate in the neck or shoulder area, often caused by nerve compression, muscle strain, or joint problems. Relief often involves treatments like massage, acupuncture, or physiotherapy.
6. Migraine
Migraines cause intense, throbbing pain, usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people also experience visual disturbances or numbness. Attacks can last for hours and may leave lingering fatigue.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Some headaches may signal more serious health issues, including brain infections, bleeding, high pressure inside the skull, tumors, or stroke. Urgent medical attention is needed if:
- Your headache is sudden, severe, or explosive.
- It’s the worst headache you’ve ever had.
- You experience confusion, vision changes, slurred speech, or loss of balance.
- You have a fever, stiff neck, nausea, or vomiting.
- The headache follows a head injury.
- It’s localized in one eye with redness.
- You’re over 50 and have new headaches.
- You have cancer or an immune disorder and develop new symptoms.
Natural Headache Relief
Overuse of pain medications can lead to rebound headaches. For long-term relief, consider natural remedies:
- Ginger tea
- Himalayan salt
- Lavender lemonade
- Magnesium supplements
- Vitamin B2
Resting in a quiet, dark room with a cool cloth on your forehead and drinking water can also help reduce pain.
Track Your Triggers
Keep a headache journal to identify patterns. Record the timing of your headache, what you ate or drank, how much you slept, and what was happening when the pain began. This can help pinpoint triggers and prevent future episodes.
For more tailored support, consult with a healthcare professional, nutritionist, or naturopath to better understand your body and improve your overall well-being.