According to the International Headache Society, there are 12 categories of headache types and they have a standardized terminology and description of headaches.
Headaches get divided into primary (the headache is the condition) and secondary (a result of an underlying pathology). A person may suffer from more than one category of headache at a time, and the cause of a headache can range from postural disturbances to a serious underlying illness.
Below is a brief description of the most common types of headaches:
TENSION HEADACHE: have muscular origins and are associated with trigger points and other myofascial pain syndromes. It is the most common type of headache.
CHRONIC DAILY HEADACHE: is used to describe chronic daily or near-daily headaches that are constant but with fluctuations in pain levels.
MIGRAINE HEADACHE: is an unknown neurological disorder with many signs and symptoms but have been related to blood vessel contractions and other changes in the brain.
MIXED HEADACHE SYNDROME: is combination of tension headaches and migraines. Adults and children can suffer from this type of headache.
SINUS HEADACHE: are associated with deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose.
HORMONE HEADACHE: found in women and occurs during the changes in hormone levels due to menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
CLUSTER HEADACHE: is the least common type of headache and its name is derived from a group a headaches that have a characteristic grouping of attacks.
Alternative Treatments: Massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, biofeedback and meditation do aid in decreasing headaches and migraines.
- Using hydrotherapy you can put your feet into a warm foot bath and put a cold compress around your neck. This allows for the vessels to close into your head and allows the blood to be drained into your feet.
- Peppermint and lavender essential oils are useful as well.
- Cryoderm is a great product that works as a treatment and Escents has a product called Headache Roll-On.