Headache Types and How to Cope with the Pain

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints worldwide and there are many headache types. In the United States alone, as many as 14 percent of the population (around 45 million people) have chronic headache conditions, according to the National Headache Foundation. Headaches rank as the number one reason people call in sick to work or school. As many as 157 million days are missed yearly due to head pain. This negatively impacts productivity and education. But what kind of headache do you actually suffer from?

Types of Different Headaches

It can be hard to tell one kind of headache from another. Here is a brief list of some common headaches:

• Migraines: Severe head pain is the number one symptom of this condition. However, migraines can happen without head pain. They are actually a neurological condition. Head pain can last from 4 to 72 hours and be very intense. They are usually throbbing and pounding in nature. You may have sensitivity to light, sound, and certain odors. Nausea and vomiting are usually present.
• Cluster headaches: These are actually rare headaches, and they are by far the worst type due to the severity of the head pain. The pain is described as burning, throbbing, and sharp. Some people cannot sit still when they have these headaches. Pain is usually located behind one eye. They are called cluster headaches because they happen in clusters (usually a few times a day) and can last from two weeks to two months.
• Tension headaches: The most common kind of headache, the tension headache feels like your head is being gripped in a vice or has a tight band around it. However, they are not so severe as migraines or cluster headaches. You will probably be able to perform your daily routines.

Why Do Headaches Happen?

Headaches happen when something in the body is not right. A connection has been seen between headaches and a misaligned bone in the top part of the neck. Correcting this misalignment often leads to relief of headaches. Upper cervical chiropractors are specially trained to do this. A gentle adjustment is often all that is needed to help those suffering from headaches.

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