Your day is going well until you notice a dull aching in your temples, which indicates the start of a headache. While headaches can be terrible, they are also fairly frequent, and the majority are not cause for alarm. Common causes of headaches include stress, dehydration, particular meals, and spending too much time staring at electronic devices. While some forms of headaches can be successfully treated with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, others necessitate contact with your physician. Learn about the various types of headaches and how to identify the difference. 1. Tension headaches Tension headaches are the most prevalent type of headache. They typically begin at the back of the head and may be followed by stiffness in the shoulders and neck. Some people describe tension headaches as feeling like a rubber band around their head. You may feel dull, squeezing pain on both sides of your head, almost as if your head is in a vise. The pain may continue from 30 minutes to seven days. OTC pain medicines such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen) are usually effective for tension headaches and stiff necks. If tension headaches persist, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain reliever, such as Naprosyn (naproxen). To prevent tension headaches, doctors may prescribe an antidepressant, typically a tricyclic antidepressant like Elavil (amitriptyline). 2. Sinus headaches These excruciating headaches can seem like the scourge of your existence. Sinus headaches are located in the front of the head and are frequently caused by irritated sinuses or allergies. They can feel like dull pressure behind the eyes. They may also accompany a sinus infection, generally known as sinusitis. You might be surprised to know that a migraine can be mistaken for a sinus headache. Both a sinus headache and a migraine can result in facial pain. Sinus headaches can be treated with decongestants to relieve nasal congestion, but see your doctor or pharmacist first because they may mix with other medications you're taking. You can also use a warm compress for uncomfortable facial areas or use a saline nasal spray to treat sinus headaches. 3. Cluster headaches These episodic, severe headaches usually affect one side of the head (commonly behind the eye or at the temple) and might occur in cycles throughout the day. Cluster headaches usually recur at the same time of day and last for several weeks or months. They can happen multiple times per day and last ranging from 15 minutes to several hours. Cluster headaches are less common than migraines and tension headaches, although they can be quite unpleasant. While the exact etiology of cluster headaches is unknown, some circumstances such as drinking or smoking, strong light, or exercise may provoke them. OTC medications are usually ineffective in cluster headache treatment (https://www.advancedheadachecenter.com/headaches/cluster-headaches), but your doctor may recommend oxygen treatments and sumatriptan nasal sprays. 4. Migraine Migraines are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. They are not the same in everyone, and symptoms can differ from one individual to the next. Migraines can occur repeatedly, fluctuate in intensity, and last anywhere from a few hours to many days. If you suspect you have a migraine, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical that includes a neurological evaluation. They will question how frequently you have symptoms, if you have a family history of migraines, and about your "headache burden," or how many days per month you suffer migraines and how they affect your daily life. 5. Caffeine headaches If you drink coffee regularly and then abruptly stop, you may have withdrawal symptoms, the most frequent of which are headaches. A caffeine headache might start about 12 hours after your last cup of coffee and persist for two to nine days. If you've decided to stop using caffeine, you should do so gradually to lessen your chances of developing a caffeine headache. If you get a headache caused by caffeine withdrawal, over-the-counter pain medicines may help, but be sure they are caffeine-free. Also, try to stay hydrated, since this might help reduce caffeine withdrawal symptoms. When to see a doctor for a headache If your headaches are sporadic, non-life-altering, and occur only a few times each month, over-the-counter drugs are likely to suffice. "If your headaches don't respond to OTC medications and occur three or more times a week, you should talk to your doctor," Dr. Cho advises. Alternatively, if your headaches are causing serious discomfort or interfering with your daily activities, you should consult a doctor.