Most headaches are not caused by major issues or medical disorders. However, headache pain can indicate that something is amiss.
Headaches are frequent; almost everyone has one now and then. Headaches can be annoying, painful, and sometimes debilitating, but they are usually not cause for concern.
Continue reading to learn about the indications and symptoms that will alert you to when you should be concerned about your headache.
What are the different types of headaches?
Doctors classify headaches into two types: primary headaches (such as migraine, cluster headaches, and tension-type headaches) and secondary headaches. Secondary headache disorders are headaches caused by another underlying problem that requires treatment, such as a brain tumor, a sinus infection, or even a condition like Lyme disease.
In general, people refer to "regular" headaches as tension headaches. Doctors refer to it as a tension-type headache rather than simply a tension headache because the source is more than just stress or strain.
What causes a tension headache, and what are the symptoms?
We don't know what causes tension-type headaches, which are the most frequent but least understood. What we do know is that those who have them have muscle tenderness around the head, neck, and shoulders, also known as pericranial tenderness. We're not sure if that's the cause of the headache pain or a reaction to it.
Stress and tightening your muscles can cause a tension headache, but other culprits include clenching your teeth, neck tightness, or neck abnormalities. The typical symptoms are dull headaches and tightness or pressure across the forehead or on both sides of the head.
How is a tension headache different from a migraine or cluster headache?
Tension-type headaches are typically milder than migraine and cluster headaches. Migraine headaches are characterized by light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and throbbing pain on one side of the brain. Tension-type headaches may exhibit some light or sound sensitivity but none of the other features.
A stress headache usually does not interfere with daily activities, unless it occurs regularly. It might last anything from 30 minutes to many days. Meanwhile, untreated migraines can persist for 4 to 72 hours and impair cognitive function. Without treatment, they frequently reduce productivity or can be debilitating.
How can you relieve a tension headache?
It commonly responds to over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or Tylenol, as well as caffeine-containing analgesic combinations. Just be careful not to use over-the-counter medications more than two to three days each week, as this may result in more frequent headaches. For some, the discomfort is minor enough that resting or drinking a cup of coffee is sufficient.
Daily preventive medicines may be provided for chronic tension headaches. Some antidepressants, antiseizure medications, and biofeedback have been demonstrated to effectively reduce headache frequency. Speak with your doctor about what's best for you.
What is biofeedback, and what other alternative therapies are available?
Biofeedback is a sort of mind-body therapy that teaches you how to control specific bodily functions such as muscular tension, body temperature, and heart rate to relax. It's one of the most effective treatments for a tension headache. Other complementary therapies, such as massage, physical therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you relax and relieve tension in your neck and shoulders.
Managing stress can also aid in prevention. Stretching during the day, avoiding excessive coffee consumption, getting adequate sleep, eating regularly, and striving for work/life balance are all beneficial practices.
When should you worry about a headache?
Any headache that worsens over time should be evaluated by your main provider. Also, if you're 50 or older and start suffering headaches for no apparent cause, it's a red flag that could indicate an underlying illness.
Other warning indicators that should prompt you to consult your doctor:
- You've had a headache for several days and it isn't going away.
- Your headache begins to feel different or grows in intensity.
- Your headache keeps you awake in the morning.
- You get new symptoms, such as fever or stiff neck.
If you are experiencing stroke-like symptoms along with your headache, like:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Sudden confusion
- Loss of balance or inability to walk
- Slurred speech or a sudden inability to speak
- Sudden numbness in your face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of your body
The bottom line: If your headaches are becoming more frequent, aren't going away, or you're experiencing other symptoms, consult your doctor. If you don’t have one yet, try to search for “top headache doctor near me” to find one in your area.
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