Why Does My Head Hurt? How to Treat and Prevent Different Types of Headaches

Pain in the head and neck can stem from several causes.

A painful, nagging headache is not what you want when you are trying to go about your day. Whether the ache is dull, sharp or radiating, it can be enough to drive you to distraction or make it feel impossible to function. The key to finding relief is understanding the source of the pain.

What Causes Headaches?

Some people experience episodic headaches, meaning they happen on occasion and last a short time, usually a few hours. Chronic headaches, on the other hand, occur 15 days or more per month and can last for hours or even days. There are dozens of types of headaches, and each has its own potential cause. Pain in the head and neck can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, dehydration, poor sleep, illness, certain foods and more.

To determine the type of headache you have, try keeping a headache journal. Anytime you get a headache, write down the details, including how long it lasts, the type of pain and where you feel it. Also include as much as you can recall from before the headache — how much sleep you got, how much water you had, what you ate, and what kind of activity or exercise you did. If you try at-home treatments (see below), record what you tried and whether it was successful. This can help you see patterns and potentially pinpoint causes of future headaches.

Read More: Reduce Your Risk for Brain Pain

Migraine Headaches

Probably one of the most widely known types of chronic headaches is the migraine, which affects 1 in 10 people. Throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head can last for up to three days and cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound and smell. These headaches can be triggered by a variety of lifestyle and environmental factors, including stress, lack of sleep, hunger and dehydration.

Migraines stem from stimulation of the nerves in the brain, which can send signals that trigger pain and other symptoms. Women are three times more likely than men to experience migraines, possibly due to hormonal fluctuations from menstruation. At-home treatment options include resting in a dark, quiet place, drinking plenty of fluid, and using an ice pack on your head. Your provider can also prescribe medication to prevent or treat chronic or severe migraines.

Cluster Headaches

As the name suggests, cluster headaches tend to come in groups, with a series of headaches that can occur daily and last for weeks or months at a time. It can feel like a severe, stabbing pain on one side of the face or behind one eye, along with facial redness and swelling and nasal congestion.

While experts don’t know what causes cluster headaches, researchers have noted some correlations. For example, people tend to have bouts of these headaches in spring or autumn, and men are three times more likely than women to experience cluster headaches. Only about 0.1 percent of the population, or 1 in every 1,000 people, have these headaches. They tend to set in after age 30, and risk factors can include alcohol consumption, prior brain injury or surgery, and a family history of cluster headaches. Medication can help treat and prevent these headaches. For many people, oxygen therapy can quickly and effectively stop symptoms.

Hypnic Headaches

If you have ever awoken with a painful headache in the middle of the night, it might be a hypnic headache. This sleep-induced headache typically occurs at the same time of night and feels like a dull ache that can disrupt sleep and last for at least 15 minutes.

Researchers don’t know what causes hypnic headaches, though many think the condition could be related to the parts of the brain that regulate pain, produce the sleep hormone melatonin or affect REM sleep. These headaches are somewhat rare — studies show that between 3 and 6 in every 1,000 people experience them, though they are slightly more common in people older than 50. Providers may prescribe medication to offer relief from these chronic headaches.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

A severe, stabbing headache on one side of the face could be trigeminal neuralgia. The trigeminal nerves are the largest nerves in the skull, with one starting behind each ear and splitting into three paths that lead to the eye, cheek and jaw. These headaches can be extremely painful, though they typically last only for seconds or minutes.

There are several possible causes of trigeminal neuralgia, from dental problems and recent procedures to blood vessels compressing the nerve. In rare cases, multiple sclerosis or tumors could cause this pain. While over-the-counter medication doesn’t typically provide relief, prescription medication, nerve blocks and surgery can help to reduce pain.

Read More: Take the Bite Out of Headaches

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches happen as part of an allergic reaction, which can cause painful inflammation in the sinus cavity. It often feels like a deep ache around the nose, forehead and cheeks, and it might be accompanied by a runny nose, fever and swelling.

This is a secondary headache, meaning it is a symptom of another condition — in this case, allergies or a sinus infection. It can be treated with over-the-counter nasal decongestants or antihistamines. For sinus infections, providers may prescribe antibiotics or nasal steroids for relief.

Hypertension Headaches

High blood pressure, or hypertension, typically does not cause headaches. But if it spikes to dangerous levels, a pulsating ache on both sides of the head that worsens with activity can signal a medical emergency. If you experience this headache along with vision changes, numbness in the extremities, a nosebleed, chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

Effective Headache Treatment Options

At-home treatment varies by the type of headache and will affect people differently. There are several actions you can take to prevent and treat headaches:

• Stay hydrated.

• Stick to a sleep schedule and get adequate rest.

• Do moderate exercise.

• Eat a well-balanced diet and limit potential triggers such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar.

• Apply a warm compress or ice pack to your head.

• Use over-the-counter pain medication as recommended by your provider.

• Massage your face or head to relieve tension.

If headaches are keeping you from enjoying life and you are looking for relief, your primary care provider can help you identify the source of the pain and recommend treatments. To help with a diagnosis, bring your headache journal and share any patterns you have observed. Your provider may order blood tests, a procedure known as a spinal tap, or an MRI or CT scan. In some cases, your provider might also refer you to a specialist for a more in-depth evaluation.

Need help with your headaches? Click here to find a primary care provider near you and make an appointment to talk about treatment options and specialty care.