Described as pain that is located in either the head or back of the neck, headaches can range from brief and/or irritating, to immobilizing. Though present, headaches are not as common in young children, as they are in teens, young adults, and adults. Headaches usually fall into one of the following categories primary, secondary, or other pain related headaches. We will begin by mentioning the last two types of headaches, but we fill focus on primary headaches which are the most common headaches.

Secondary headaches are caused due to bleeding in the brain, tumors, or other structural problem in the head and/or neck. Due to the severity of the causes these headaches are not common. The third category of headaches is caused by facial pain and other nerve related pains. These are also less common types of headaches. Within primary headaches are tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. Tension headaches are characterized by pain in the back of the head and neck. Similar to migraines, tension headaches are more common in women than men.

Symptoms of migraines are usually associated with head pain or sensitivity to light and sound but can also include vomiting and nausea. While there are no clear causes of migraine headaches, there are numerous triggers. Some common headache triggers include, hunger, caffeine heavy foods and drinks, alcohol, hormones, stress, and lack of sleep. Migraines can be so draining that sufferers often feel tired and weak after the migraine has subsided. Unfortunately, migraine headaches can last at least 4 hours on a given day to 72 hours over a course of weeks. And migraine headaches are more common in women, than men. Migraine treatments can be either prescription or over the counter. One of the most widely used prescription migraine medicine Imitrex. This and similar medications stop the migraines by reducing inflammation and constricting blood vessels. These types of medications are not recommended by people who are pregnant, or at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. For these migraine sufferers, narcotics are often prescribed; but, with great care due to their addictive nature.

Cluster headaches are usually characterized as head pain that occurs several times within a day, week, period of weeks, or even months. These headache clusters can last from 15 minutes to a few hours long each time. Unlike migraines and tension headaches, cluster headaches occur more often in men than women. Cluster headaches sufferers also have a difficult time finding relief, as laying down does not ease cluster headache pain. However, similar to migraine headaches, the cause of cluster headaches is unknown. Yet, common triggers include alcohol and nitroglycerines or similar medicines. Cluster headache treatments include DHE or Migranal which is available as a nasal spray and injections, narcotics, and 100% pure oxygen. There are a few other medications that can be taken in order to prevent cluster headaches. The most popular of these medications include Prednisone, Lithium Carbonate, and Verapamil.

Regular headache relief can be either over the counter or natural. Most people are familiar with over the counter headache relief medicines such as Tylenol, Excedrin, Advil, and Aleve. Yet, one thing many people may not realize is that some common headache medicines can actually cause headaches. So, they unknowingly get caught into a side effect cycle. However, natural headache relief revolves around preventing or eliminating triggers, by cutting back on alcohol, acupuncture, changing environmental factors and/or eating habits.