You can’t focus during a meeting; so you dread picking the kids up after school and your date night plans now sound displeasing. Headaches are interfering with your life.
The location of your head pain can be an important clue in determining what type of headache you have and what potential remedies you require.
What Exactly is a Headache?
A headache occurs when the pain-sensitive structures in your head are stimulated by over-activity or underlying disease.
While there is a myriad of reasons for a headache, here’s what the location of your headache is telling you:
Top of the Head
Headaches that occur at the top of the head are typically a result of tension headaches, which are the most common. Associated with a dull pain, tightness or constant pressure around the head, they are triggered by things like a change in diet, poor sleeping habits, activity or stress.
Back of the Head
Back-of-the-head headaches are also a source of tension headaches, especially if you’re experiencing neck or spinal muscle spasms. Headaches in the back of the head may also be a result of poor posture.
Side of the Head
Pain on the side of the head is a good indicator of a migraine. Migraines are triggered by hormones, diet, caffeine or stress. If the pain is severe and continues on a daily or weekly basis, it may be a result of a cluster headache, which is commonly associated with allergies or stress. Side-of-the-head headaches are also brought on by tension headaches, inducing pressure and pain.
Behind the Eye
Headaches that occur behind the eye are another sign of migraine. If you’re experiencing pain behind both eyes, it may be a symptom of infection in the Ethmoid or Sphenoid sinus cavity – a sign you may need more than medication to find relief.
Forehead
If you’re experiencing a headache located in the forehead, it may be another sign of a tension headache. If the pain is only affecting one side of the forehead it may be an indicator of a migraine or cluster headache. Forehead headaches are also commonly caused by infection of the Frontal sinus. Frequent headaches in this area are a sign you may need more than medication to find relief.
Here are some natural, non-invasive ways to help ease your headache pain with self-care:
- Lie down in a dark, quiet room. Take a nap if you can.
- Apply ice or a cold compress to the area that hurts. Some people find that heat works better.
- Drink water to stay hydrated.
- Do some deep breathing exercises
- Drink a little caffeine.
In conclusion…
The area of your head that hurts can tell you something about the type of headache you’re having. Other symptoms and the frequency of your headache pain can tell you a lot more.
If your headaches aren’t too severe or frequent, natural home remedies may help get you through them.
If you have any type of chronic headache, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor or natural healthcare provider. Headaches are considered chronic if they happen 15 days or more per month.