When your head hurts, you may feel like curling up into a ball until the pain goes away. If you don't have that luxury, you can still take several steps to prevent and treat headaches before they become severe.
Common headache types
Headaches come in many forms, and knowing which kind you have can help you get the right treatment.
Tension headache. The most common headache type, a tension headache is usually mild to moderate and feels like a band of tension tightening around your head. Stress and depression can trigger it.
Migraine. Migraines cause moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Some people see flashes of light or lose their vision temporarily during a migraine. They can cause nausea and sensitivity to light, and movement makes them worse. Lack of sleep or food, stress, genes, and hormonal changes in women can cause migraines.
Sinus headache. Fever and nasal drainage often accompany this type of headache. A sinus infection or a deformity that blocks the sinuses is often the cause. In many cases, someone with a self-diagnosed sinus headache actually has a migraine.
Cluster headache. This type of headache causes severe, piercing pain on one side of the head close to the eye. It can last from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Like the name suggests, a cluster headache attacks in clusters, followed by a length of time with no headache. It can be hereditary; alcohol may also trigger it.
Prevention and treatment
Not every headache can be prevented, but these tactics can keep many at bay or help make them less severe.
• Get enough sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours every night.
• Be aware of and avoid headache triggers. These include bright lights, smells, certain foods and beverages, and too much stress.
• Try relaxation techniques. Deep breathing exercises, yoga and massage can help you control your body's natural fight-or-flight response to stress and pain.
• Keep a journal. Jot down what you were doing, drinking and eating before the headache started. Note how long it lasted, how severe it was and what type of medication you took for it, if any.
• Take pain relievers. Ask your doctor which type of over-the-counter or prescription medication is best for you.
If your headaches are caused by underlying health issues, such as a sinus infection or head trauma, you may need more specific treatment for that condition. Talk to your doctor about what's causing your headaches and how to cope.
Sources: American Migraine Foundation; Merck Manual; National Center for Biotechnology Information; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; National Headache Foundation