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Pain Conditions

Headache

A headache is pain felt in the head or face and is often described as pressure that may be throbbing, constant, sharp, or dull. Headaches vary widely in their type, intensity, location, and how often they occur. They are extremely common, and most people experience headaches many times throughout their lives.

Headaches are the most frequent type of pain and a leading cause of missed work or school days, as well as visits to healthcare professionals. Although most headaches are harmless, some types may indicate a more serious underlying condition and should be medically evaluated.

Primary Types of Headaches:


  • Tension headaches: The most common type, often described as a dull, aching pressure around the forehead or back of the head and neck. They’re commonly linked to stress, poor posture, or muscle tension.
  • Migraine headaches: Intense, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head. Migraines may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.
  • Cluster headaches: Severe, burning or piercing pain that occurs in clusters or cycles, often around one eye or one side of the head. These are less common but very painful.
  • Sinus headaches: Pain and pressure in the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes, often associated with sinus congestion or infection.
  • Rebound (medication-overuse) headaches: Caused by frequent use of pain-relief medications, leading to recurring headaches when the medication wears off.
  • Hormonal headaches: Linked to hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
  • Cervicogenic headaches: Headaches that originate from neck problems, such as muscle tension or spinal issues.

Migraines:

Migraines are very common headaches. A typical migraine usually affects one side of the head and has a throbbing or pulsating quality. Headaches that are one-sided, pounding, and associated with nausea are more likely to be migraines than other types of headaches. Migraines can be intense and disabling, often forcing individuals to lie down or sleep until the pain subsides.

Migraine attacks can last anywhere from four hours to up to three days. Symptoms are often aggravated by physical movement, noise, or sound. Many people experience nausea or vomiting, even when the headache pain is moderate. Sensitivity to bright light and screens, such as television, is also common. Most individuals who experience migraines have one to two attacks per month.


What’s the difference between a headache and a migraine?

A migraine is a specific type of primary headache disorder. While the term headache refers broadly to pain in the head or face, migraines are a neurological condition with distinct features.
Migraines commonly cause a throbbing or pulsating headache, often affecting one side of the head. They are frequently accompanied by additional symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, sound, or smells, and worsening pain with physical activity. Migraine attacks typically last at least four hours and may continue for several days.

Headache / Migraine Treatment