Headache: What It Is, Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A headache is more than just pain; it signals something about your health. Read on to find out why.

Did you know? The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that almost 40% of the population across the world experiences a headache once a year. Understanding types of headaches can help you recognise the cause of your headache and effectively treat it.

In this blog. We will comprehensibly understand what the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment of headache are. So read to the end!

Key Takeaways

• Typical forms of headaches are tension, migraine, cluster, sinus, and chronic headaches.
• Headaches can be triggered by stress, poor posture, dehydration, hormonal fluctuations, or underlying health problems.
• Serious headaches may be indicated by severe throbbing, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, and sensitivity to light/sound.
• Remedies can include hydration, resting, yoga, medications, physiotherapy, and, for cluster headaches, oxygen therapy is helpful.
• Hydration, stress management, sleeping regularly, eating balanced meals, and taking screen breaks can reduce headaches considerably.

What is a Headache?

A headache is pain or discomfort in your head or upper neck. A headache can last a few minutes, a few hours, or a few days. The pain can vary from mild to severe. Some headaches happen occasionally, while others can become a daily occurrence and impact your quality of life. Knowing more about the causes of headaches is essential to managing headaches, and preventing them.

Common Types of Headaches

There are different types of headaches, each with unique patterns, triggers, and treatment options.

Types of Headaches and Causes

The types of headaches and causes are based on one’s lifestyle, environment, and health.

• Stress and Anxiety- One of the main types of headaches, and a reason for working professionals. 
• Poor Posture – Contributes to back headache and neck tightness. 
• Eye Strain – The result of too much time in front of the screen or uncorrected vision. 
• Hormonal Changes – Migraines are common in women with hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy. 
• Dehydration – Probably one of the simplest but completely overlooked daily headache causes. 
• Underlying Health Issues – High blood pressure, infections, migraine from neurological issues.

You can also read a blog on Brain Tumor vs. Migraine

Symptoms of Headaches

Headaches do not all feel the same. Knowing headache symptoms will help identify the type:

• Pain on the right side or the left side of the head
• Dull ache or pressure in the middle of the head
• Headache and fever during an infection
• Neck stiffness and pain in the back of the head
• Feeling heavy in the head
• Blurred vision, nausea, or dizziness
• Sensitivity to noise and light
• Vomiting when having a severe headache or migraine

If these headache symptoms are consistent, see a headache specialist.

Reasons for Frequent or Daily Headaches

The reasons for frequent headaches can be lifestyle or medical. If you are wondering what causes headaches everyday, here are some reasons: 

• Excessive caffeine or alcohol
• Unusual sleeping patterns
• Not eating properly or skipping meals
• Chronic stress or anxiety
• Overuse of pain pills
• Sinus or nasal allergies
• High blood pressure
• Neurological disorders

All of these can be the causes of a constant headache if you ignore them. You can also read a blog on Top 7 Headache Reasons in Summer You Shouldn’t Ignore!

Special Headache Locations and Reasons

Some headaches impact certain areas of the body. Let’s understand why.

1. Pain on the Right Side of the Head

Oftentimes, right side headache is a migraine, cluster headache, or nerve irritation.

2. Pain on the Left Side of the Head

Could be tension headaches or migraines, but in rare cases could indicate more significant issues like stroke.

3. Pain in the Back of the Head

Poor posture, prolonged sitting, or neck muscle strain are common reasons for back and neck pain.

4. Headache in the Middle of the Head

Generally, tension headaches or sinus infections.

“Why is the back head paining regularly?” is a common question. Spondylitis, poor ergonomics, or significant stress potentially cause this pain. If consistent, please search for a doctor or a head pain specialist doctor near me.

Severe Headaches

A severe headache can interfere with daily living. If you experience any of the following:

• Headache with vomiting
• Sudden loss of vision
• Weakness in arms or legs
• Constant worsening pain

It is time to see the best doctor for headache in Hyderabad.

Is Cluster Headache Dangerous?

Yes, they are very painful, rare, and will impair your quality of life with no treatment. See a migraine doctor urgently.

How to Cure and Reduce Headaches

Relief depends on the type and cause. Listed below are solutions:

Home Remedies for Headache Relief 

• Drink lots of water
• Take a brief nap in a dark, quiet room
• Practice a breathing exercise for migraine
• Apply a cold or hot pack 
• Practice yoga and meditation

Medical Treatments

• Over-the-counter headache medicine, such as paracetamol, for mild cases
• Prescription medications to treat migraine and cluster headaches
• Physiotherapy for pain that is related to posture
• Oxygen therapy for cluster headaches
• Referral to a headache specialist for chronic cases

Prevention Tips

Preventing headaches is better than curing them. If you are looking for how to reduce headache naturally. Here are some tips  to try: 

• Drink 8–10 glasses of water per day
• Eat balanced meals on time
• Get 7–8 hours of quality sleep
• Limit consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and smoking
• Take breaks from screens every hour
• Utilise stress management techniques
• Do some form of light exercise every day

These simple measures can eliminate most headache causes.

Which Doctor to Consult for Headaches?

You may ask yourself, for a headache, which doctor to consult? 

• For any mild headaches, you need to see a general physician. 
• For recurring headaches or severe headaches, you need a headache specialist or neurologist. 
• If your headaches are complex, the top neurosurgeon in Hyderabad will help with advanced treatment. 

Take Control of Your Headaches

Headaches are common but can be harmful to your health if ignored. Whether it’s a right-sided headache, constant pain, or a migraine, it’s always important to treat your headache as early as possible. 

That’s why you should see an expert like Dr Raveesh Sunkara because he can help you find long-lasting relief from your headaches. Visit our website today and consult the best doctor for headache in Hyderabad. 

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