Blog Post

Headaches can make it hard to focus on anything, can interfere with your daily life, and can leave you feeling pretty miserable. Managing your discomfort starts with identifying the type of headache you're experiencing. 

At Houston Medical ER, our expert physicians understand the different types of headaches and the best ways to treat them. So whether your head pain is the result of tension, sinus pressure, or something else, we help you find relief. 

Different types of headaches

Not surprisingly, headaches are one of the most common health complaints. While they may be a mere inconvenience for some, they can be debilitating for those who suffer from chronic headaches. 

There are several different types of headaches, each with unique symptoms and causes. 

Tension headache

Tension headaches usually present as a dull ache on both sides of the head and sometimes feel like a tight band squeezing around the forehead. People who suffer from tension headaches often describe feeling pressure or tightness in the temples or back of the neck. 

In some cases, these headaches may also be accompanied by sensitivity to light or noise and feelings of fatigue or difficulty sleeping. 

While tension headaches can be uncomfortable and disruptive, they’re usually not serious and can often be treated with over-the-counter pain medications or relaxation techniques.

Migraine headaches

Migraine can be a chronic and debilitating condition. Some of the most common triggers of migraine headaches include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and environmental factors. 

While the exact cause of migraines is still unclear, various treatment options are available to help alleviate symptoms. These include medications such as pain relievers and lifestyle changes like stress management techniques and avoiding trigger foods. 

With the right diagnosis and management, you can drastically improve your quality of life and reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraine headaches. 

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches can cause some of the worst pain imaginable. These headaches come in cycles that can stretch on for weeks or even months, and during each cycle, they can happen multiple times a day. 

The pain typically only affects one side of your head or face and can even come with some odd side effects like teary or red eyes or a plugged-up nose. 

Sinus headaches

Sinus headaches can be debilitating and are certainly nothing to sneeze at. If you're experiencing pressure and pain in your forehead, cheeks, or nose, you may have this type of headache. 

Other symptoms may include a runny or stuffy nose, cough, fever, and fatigue. Sinus inflammation, allergies, or a sinus infection often cause these headaches. 

While over-the-counter pain medications can help manage the pain, addressing the underlying cause is the key to preventing future headaches. 

Rebound headaches

Did you know that taking too much medication for headaches can actually make them worse? These rebound headaches can be a real pain, but they don't have to be. With the right treatment plan, you can soothe the pain and reduce the frequency of these headaches. 

The first step is to recognize the triggers causing your headaches. Common triggers include overusing pain medications, caffeine, and alcohol. 

Once you have identified your triggers, we can help you create a personalized treatment plan. This may involve gradually reducing your use of medications and making lifestyle changes to help prevent future headaches. 

Seeking medical help

Don’t ignore a headache, as it can indicate an underlying health issue that needs addressing. If you have a headache that isn’t going away, seek medical attention immediately. 

At Houston Medical ER, we understand the importance of treating headache symptoms and ensuring you receive the care you need swiftly and safely. 

If you are experiencing intense or persistent headaches, please don’t hesitate to contact us for help today. We’re here 24/7, ready to support you on your path to better health. Visit us anytime or call to make an appointment. We’re located in Houston and Spring, Texas.