Headaches: Migraines, Tension, or Sinus?

Headaches in any stage can be a real pain in the…head.  Millions of people experience headaches but knowing which type may help you better understand the triggers and ways to prevent them.  Three common ones include migraines, tension and sinus/allergy related.

Migraines are usually moderately to severely intense and can include an aura (pre-symptoms to let you know it is coming such as flashing lights, change in vision, tingling sensations) or no aura. The pain is often described as throbbing or pulsating in a particular area of the head as opposed to the entire head.  Many experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and light sensitivity due to the pain requiring medication, ice, cold wash cloths, or sleep in a dark room.  Migraines may follow a pattern such as onset with weather/barometric changes or ovulation and menses or they be sporadic which is why tracking them may be helpful.  Common triggers include stress, lack of sleep, wine, MSG, chocolate, diet sodas, tight muscles, food sensitivities, and skipping meals/hypoglycemia.  Common treatments include over-the-counter pain medications, prescription pain medications, migraine medications, avoiding triggers, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and the herbs feverfew and butterbur.

Tension headaches generally occur with stress, too little sleep, tight muscles and poor posture.  Unlike a migraine, tension headaches are generally described as milder pain that is dull and aching or squeezing like a band on the head and possibly extending into the neck and upper shoulders.  These headaches can occur sporadically or daily depending on the trigger.  Many people report tension headaches in certain situations, such as during long work days, after family events or other stressful situations.  Common treatments include over-the-counter pain medication, avoiding triggers, focusing on proper posture, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and finding ways to reduce stress.

Sinus and allergy type headaches are triggered by congestion and pressure build up in the sinuses which are the open cavities located behind your cheeks, nose, and forehead/eyes.   During allergy season, sinus infections or a cold, the sinuses can become inflamed leading to pain in the forehead, behind the eyes, at the bridge of the nose and the cheeks.  Common treatment includes allergy medications, nasal sprays, decongestants, antibiotics if necessary, and avoiding allergic triggers.

It is important to note that tension or sinus/allergy headaches can turn into a migraine therefore being proactive and knowing your triggers can help prevent this progression.  Talk with your health care provider for additional help and work-up especially if your headaches are changing or worsening.

 

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References:

1)      A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia (2011).  Migraine.  Web. 7 April, 2013.

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001728/

2)      Barclay,L. (2009).  Sleep Disturbance Linked to Tension Headache.  Web.  7 April, 2013.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/588351

3)      Busko, M. (2009).  Migraines, Tension-Type Headaches Respond to Acupuncture.  Web.  7 April, 2013.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/587243

4)      Wells, R., Bertisch, S., Buettner, C., Phillips, R., McCarthy, E. (2011).  Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults with Migraines/Severe Headaches.  Web. 7 April, 2013.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/746815