A headache is a condition that causes pain in any region of the head. Headaches may produce gradual or sudden pain, pain in an isolated area, pain throughout the head, or pain that lasts a few minutes, hours, or days. There are several types of headaches, including cluster headaches, tension headaches, migraines, and sinus headaches.
Headache Causes
Headaches are typically caused by over-activity of pain-sensitive structures in the brain. They may also be caused by a chemical reaction in the brain, a change to the nerves or bloods vessels outside the skull, or by tension in the head, neck, shoulders, or upper back. Headaches can be acute or chronic and may be caused by:
- Alcohol
- Certain foods
- Poor posture
- Stress
- Underlying disease
- Dehydration
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Headache Symptoms
Depending on the type and cause of a headache, symptoms may include the following:
- Pain on either side of the head
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Pain that is sharp, throbbing, dull, or aching
- Pain that decreases with rest
Headache Treatments
For chronic headaches, a pain management physician may recommend the following treatment options: