How to Handle These Three Common Types of Headaches
How to Handle These Three Common Types of Headaches

While headache pain may feel familiar each time you experience these unwanted symptoms, there are actually more than 150 different types of headaches according to the Cleveland Clinic. Try these tips to identify and treat three of the most frequently occurring categories.

Take Away Tension Headaches

Take Away Tension Headaches

By far the most common category, tension headaches result from a nervous system disruption. You might develop this mild-to-moderate pain if you forget to eat lunch or don't get enough shut-eye. To tackle a tension headache, try over-the-counter pain relievers and stress-removal techniques like yoga and meditation. You can also apply ice or heat to the sore area for a few minutes at a time.

Cancel Cluster Headaches

Cancel Cluster Headaches

Chronic headaches that happen every day for a period of weeks or months are categorized as cluster headaches. The pain usually arises quickly on one side of the head and resolves quickly after just a few minutes or several hours. Oxygen therapy or nasal spray can reduce the blood vessel constriction that causes these headaches. Your doctor might also prescribe daily medication to prevent cluster headaches from happening.

Migraine Pain No More

Migraine Pain

Intense, throbbing headache pain could be a migraine. With this type of headache, triggers such as stress, sounds or smells trigger the attack, which can last several hours and occurs with nausea and light or sound sensitivity. Keeping a headache journal to understand your triggers can help you avoid migraine pain. Health care providers can also prescribe preventive medication.

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