A Headache or a Migraine?
You might ask what's the difference between a migraine and a headache?
Well according to News Medical a migraine consist of a throbbing pain that can be at different points around the head. They also can be accompanied with other symptoms. Some include, but are not limited to: nausea, vomiting, light headedness, dark spots in vision, fuzzy vision, and light sensitivity.
A migraine can last for several hours and in severe cases several days. In some rare cases some people may experience chronic headaches ( headaches that last more than one day)
A severe headache feels like a rubber band around the head, with a dull pressure on the skull.
Now that we know the difference between a migraine and a headache, there just happens to be multiple types of headaches.
There are several types of headaches that range in severity and symptoms the most common in today's world is stress induced tension headaches. The symptoms are not severe and the chronic throbbing pain comes and goes.
Types of headaches and causes:
Cluster Headaches are categorized as a burning or piercing feeling behind the eyes. It is very uncommon and they come in "clusters" or groups. Many of the people who suffer from these types of headaches usually pace or walk around during an episode. They have a hard time sitting still.
Sinus Headaches have a throbbing feeling in the bridge of the nose, the cheekbone, and the forehead. This headache is common with people who suffer from severe allergies. It is an inflammation of the sinus cavities in the skull. These headaches can be accompanied with: stuffy ears, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes (depending on the person), fever, and swelling in the face.
Acute Headaches, the most common headache for children to get, and are usually caused by a respiratory or sinus infection. These go away quickly. If they keep persisting, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.
Hormone Headaches are common in women during menopause, premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, or any other hormonal changes.
Some headaches are caused by the environment or induced from allergies or illness. The most common type of headache come from being exposed to an allergen or from an illness. These are the sinus headaches written about above . Acute Headaches in children are usually caused by illness or allergies so watch and be aware of how your child is feeling.
Most adults suffering from tension headaches are often dealing with life stress causing strain on the body. People suffering from tension headaches NEED to be careful because a simple headache can turn into hypertension and other high risk problems in the body. Find a way to relax and keep the stressors in your life down to a minimum.
My question was with so many types is there any help at all for headaches?
The answer is yes and no. There are herbs that have been seen to reduce the inflammation and mildly prevent headaches like feverfew. For some mild heat applied to the sinus area helps, for others a cool ice pack on the back of the neck. Both are ways of handling inflammation, however there seems to be no actual way around it.
If there is stress in your life then theres bound to be a headache or two in your future.
The best thing to do is to find ways of de-stressing your daily life before the onset of a headache or migraine begins. Start the day of by meditating, or write a daily journal to relieve some of the extra tension. For me while I was a student it was simply to walk away from my computer make myself a hot tea and decompress. For others I know taking a short walk helps doesn’t even have to be outside. Moving your body can help blood flow and that little bit can be the difference between a headache and some mild peace.
