Everyone experiences some kind of headache at least once in their lives. No matter how ambiguous or dull the pain may be, know that different kinds of pain signal varying kinds of health problems. Learning how to identify the type of headache allows you to understand the root of the problem and find ways to ease your pain.
1. Migraines
Migraines are distinguished as an intense, sharp pulsing pain. Sufferers from migraine often report attacks so strong they are unable to carry out their daily activities. Individuals experiencing migraine headaches often become reactive to sound and light stimuli, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
Studies say that women are likelier to develop migraines than men. They are hereditary in nature and can easily be passed on from one family member to another. Migraines are also a common sign of nervous system problems, so it’s always ideal to get checked when you’re experiencing constant migraine attacks.
2. Caffeine-induced
Caffeine changes the brain’s natural chemistry. As a result, people who religiously ingest caffeine or have never done so in the past might experience a headache when they start altering their brain’s natural rhythm.
It’s common for frequent coffee-drinkers to get caffeine-induced headaches after quitting the drink as a sign of withdrawal. Caffeine-induced headaches can also be experienced by individuals who ingest a different amount of caffeine, as the brain has become used to a certain amount. This triggers a headache that can resemble a migraine.
3. Hypertension
Hypertension is alarming enough as it is. On the other hand, a hypertension headache is often symptomatic of a more urgent medical problem. When an individual does not regulate or treat his or her hypertension, their blood pressure becomes too high that the patient starts experiencing headaches.
Hypertension headaches are usually characterized as a pulsating pain experienced on both sides of the head. Other sensations include numbness, chest pain, and palpitations.
On the other hand, people who are treating hypertension may also be susceptible to this kind of headache. As the body adjusts to a healthier environment, your system will react and send signals to your brain in the form of headaches. When this happens, just stay on your treatment plan as the headaches disappear soon after your blood pressure has been thoroughly stabilized.
4. Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common kind of headaches. Typically caused by stress, this type of headache can be identified as a dull painful sensation on the head. Unlike migraines, they usually last no longer than a few minutes and can easily be treated with over the counter medicine.
However, tension headaches can easily become serious by translating into chronic pain. When applicable, seek medical help to understand the underlying causes of your tension headache.
5. Cluster Pain
Cluster pains are often described as a piercing pain that occurs on one side of the face. Although intense in nature, doctors still aren’t sure what triggers cluster headaches. While inconvenient, cluster headaches typically don’t have any other symptoms and are no cause for worry. Most doctors alleviate the pain by suggesting a preventive treatment to help sufferers through attacks.
6. Rebound Headaches
People experience rebound headaches differently. Some feel a mild tension-type headache, others experience sharp pains similar to a migraine. Whatever the sensation, the cause remains the same: rebound headaches are due to medication overuse and are likely caused by OTC medications.
How To Treat Headaches
Whatever shape or form it takes, it all boils down to this: headaches are the body’s way of reacting to chemical change. While hopping on pain relievers will ease the pains as they go, they do nothing in fixing the problem in the long-run.
If you want to invest in a long-term headache prevention plan, the best way is to go natural. Headaches can be treated with exercise and a healthy diet. You’ll be surprised to see what a better lifestyle can do for your body and your health.
On the other hand, chronic pains should be treated with vigilance. If you experience consistent extreme pain, it might be time to visit a health specialist who can understand the underlying causes of your headache attacks. Visit a local chiropractor to learn how to manage your headache, as well as other kinds of pain.
Visit First Choice Chiropractic today. New patients can enjoy our limited New Patient Offer, available at our Chermside and Springfield Central clinics.
