The Complete Guide to Headache Types and Treatments

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, but not all headaches are the same. Understanding your headache type is the first step to finding relief.

Tension Headaches

The most common type, tension headaches feel like a tight band around your head:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Pressure on both sides of head
• No nausea or vomiting
• Not worsened by physical activity
• Often triggered by stress, poor posture, or eye strain

Migraines

Migraines are more severe and come with distinctive symptoms:

• Moderate to severe throbbing pain
• Usually one-sided
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Visual disturbances (aura) in some people
• Can last 4-72 hours

Cluster Headaches

Less common but extremely painful:

• Severe, burning pain around one eye
• Eye watering and redness
• Runny nose on affected side
• Occur in "clusters" over weeks or months
• More common in men

Sinus Headaches

Associated with sinus congestion:

• Pain and pressure in forehead, cheeks, or nose bridge
• Worse when bending forward
• Nasal congestion
• Often mistaken for migraines

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the headache type but may include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Prescription medications
• Preventive medications for chronic headaches
• Lifestyle changes (sleep, stress management, hydration)
• Identifying and avoiding triggers