10 common types of headaches and their surprising causes

Everyone gets headaches, and everyone hates them. They can be mild or severe, they can affect your entire head or just a specific part of it.

Whatever they are, they’re the worst. They make simple tasks unbearable and make even the best day miserable.

But what you might not know is that different types of headaches come from different causes, which means you can ease the pain, even a little, if you know what’s causing it.

Just like any other part of your body, you can learn from your headache habits, and know how to relieve them, and also how to prevent them in the future with a few changes in diet and habits.

There are several types of headaches. The most common are migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. They can be the result of an illness, injury, or some problem in the body. They can be caused by stress or emotional tension, overexertion, or even poor nutrition.

In addition, there are primary and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are annoying and painful, but not harmful. A secondary headache is a symptom of another problem, and can be harmful or even dangerous.

If you suffer from recurring headaches or those that interfere with your daily life, consult a doctor to learn about treatment options. And keep reading to find out what your headaches are trying to tell you.

1. Allergies

Allergies are a major source of headaches, especially when they block the sinuses and cause pressure in the head.

Allergy headaches are usually accompanied by watery, itchy eyes, and the pain is usually felt all over the head and face. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably know this.

Treatments usually involve prescription medications from a doctor.

2. Sinusitis

Sinusitis causes pressure, but so does inflammation.

These headaches are usually felt in the forehead, around the eyes, and in the cheeks. They usually get worse as the day goes on.

Treatment includes antibiotics and nasal decongestants.

If you suffer from them more than most people, see a doctor to make sure there is no underlying problem causing them.

3. Anxiety

If you are stressed, you may feel a ‘sweat-wicking’ headache around your forehead.

These headaches usually occur during times of stress and anxiety, such as a stressful job or an emotional time.

Managing stress is the best way to prevent cluster headaches. Breathing exercises and meditation can help, and getting enough sleep will help relieve the pain.

4. Cluster

A cluster headache is one of the most painful headaches there is and is usually centered around the eyes.

They can cause watery eyes and nasal congestion. Facial redness is also common.

These headaches are more common in men than women and usually occur in attacks. There is no known cause, it may be genetic, and drinking alcohol and smoking can make it worse.

5. Caffeine Withdrawal

If you drink a lot of coffee, you may feel a headache after a while without coffee. This is a sign of withdrawal – caffeine is a drug, after all.

These headaches are caused by blood vessels that were constricted by caffeine dilating again.

The best way to prevent these headaches is to reduce your caffeine intake. In some cases, you may need to cut out caffeinated beverages altogether.

6. Migraines

Migraines tend to run in families, so if your family has a history of migraines, you’re more likely to get them. The pain is usually felt on one side of the head and is mild to severe.

They can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, and can disrupt daily life. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and/or sound.

Some people feel the migraine before it hits.

7. Stress

Tension headaches are usually felt at the back of the head and down the neck.

They can range from mild to severe, but painkillers usually relieve them.

These pains are caused by pressure on the muscles and connective tissues in the neck and scalp, and the causes are both physical and mental.

The best treatment is rest and stress management.

8. Temporomandibular Joint

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain comes from muscle spasms in the jaw and temple, and can be accompanied by painful clicking sounds in the temple when the jaw moves.

The pain is usually caused by the jaw being out of place and causing physical pressure.

Treatment involves resting the muscles and correcting the jaw movement.

9. Digestive Problems

A headache that occurs along with a stomachache is probably caused by something you ate. Hunger can also cause headaches, but sometimes it’s also because of something you didn’t eat!

Other times, these headaches are the result of food allergies or sensitivities, as well as additives.

Excessive alcohol consumption will also cause headaches, which are felt across the forehead, eyes, and temples.

If you suffer from these headaches frequently, it is recommended to change your diet and reduce your alcohol intake.

10. Temporal Arteritis

Temporal arteritis causes headaches and scalp tenderness, as well as jaw pain and vision problems. Without treatment, it can lead to vision loss and stroke.

This condition requires medical attention, so consult a doctor.

Illustration: Tayra Lucero for LittleThings