Not all chronic headaches are migraine headaches– many types of headaches require specialized care for pain relief. Whether you have Sinus headaches or tension headaches, knowing how to identify your headache type is the first step in choosing an appropriate headache relief remedy.
Even if you suspect your headaches are not symptoms of migraines, it is still crucial to see a doctor before attempting to treat your head pain. Taking the wrong type of pain medication could make your headache symptoms worse.
Part 1 dealt with migraine headaches. Part 2 addresses non-migraine sinus headaches and tension headaches, including symptoms and treatment.
Sinus headaches
Your head contains cavities, sinuses, which constantly secrete watery mucus in order to clean out your nasal cavities. Your sinuses are in three locations- behind your forehead, your cheekbones, and your nose. When you are sick, you sometimes feel severe head pain in corresponding “hot spots.” This happens when your sinuses become swollen or irritated, preventing proper drainage of mucus from your nasal cavities.
Symptoms of sinus headaches are:
- Strong head pain in the forehead, bridge of nose, or cheeks
- Feeling of fullness in head, particularly the ears
- Fever, indicating an infection
- Runny nose
- Swollen glands
Treatments for sinus headaches include:
- Antibiotics (with signs of infection)
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
- Nose drops
- Corticosteroids
- Hot compresses
- Natural alternative medicine (Read Sinus Headache Remedies from the Kitchen- Eat This, Not That)
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are caused by muscular constriction in the head, and are the most common type of headache. Still, if you suffer frequent tension headaches- about every other day for several months- then you might be experiencing chronic headaches that require medical attention.
Symptoms of tension headache are:
- Painful pressure in the head and scalp
- Sensation of having a tight band, or vise, wrapped around your head
- Pain that spreads around the entire head, including the temples and scalp
- Shoulder and neck pain
Tension headache triggers are:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Migraines
- Prolonged sedentary activities
- Sleeping in an awkward position
- Alcohol usage, hangovers
- Smoking
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Eye strain
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) (Read Is it Migraine or TMJ Headache? Temporomandibular Disorder)
Treatments for tension headaches include:
- OTC pain relievers
- Massage, including face, scalp, neck, and shoulders
- Hot or cold compress
- Exercise, both aerobic and muscular strengthening workouts
- Lifestyle changes, such as restrictive diet, increased sleep hours, quitting smoking or drinking
- Stress management, including biofeedback, meditation, and yoga
- Alternative medicine, including herbal supplements, acupuncture, and aromatherapy
Read more about different types of headaches:
Migraines and other Types of Headaches- How many are there? Part 1
Migraine or Sinus Headache? Make Sure your Headache Doctor Knows the Difference
Biofeedback for Treating Migraines- Top 4 FAQ Answered
Managing your Migraines at Work- 4 Healthy Changes in Attitude
Sources:
Sinus Headaches: Symptoms and Treatment
Tension headache: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
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