Almost everyone gets an occasional headache. Since headache is such a common symptom, it is useful to learn more about it.

There are many causes of headache, but 90% of all headaches are due to simple tension headaches. Other less common types of headaches include migraine, cluster headaches and sinus headaches. Some headaches may be due to serious conditions, such as a stroke, meningitis (infection of the membrane that covers the brain) or bleeding in the brain (usually following a head injury). Thus, it is important to recognize your headache and know when to get medical advice.

Recognizing a Headache

Tension headaches occur when your head, neck, face and shoulder muscles are tensed for a long time. This may be due to physical stress (such as prolonged straining over a computer screen), mental stress (e.g. concentrating for too long without a break), or emotional stress (such as depression or anxiety). The pain occurs on both sides of the head, dull in nature and is often associated with achy shoulders and neck.

In contrast, a cluster headache is very painful, and occurs mainly in middle-aged men. It can last from 30 minutes to two hours, and then recur within a few hours. This can continue for several days. Symptoms include a steady, boring pain in or around one eye, occurring in episodes that often begin at the same time each day; and watering and redness of one eye, with nasal congestion on the same side of the face.

The pain of a migraine headache is caused by the increased dilation of the blood vessels in the head. It occurs suddenly and often recur. The headache is throbbing in nature, often on one side of the head, and may be accompanied by nausea. Bright spots or flashes of light, distorted vision, areas of blindness or abdominal pain may precede the attack.

Migraine headaches can be triggered by hormonal changes that occur during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, or when using oral contraceptives. Other possible triggers include physical or emotional stress, certain foods (such as chocolate, wine or ages cheeses), changes in the weather and too much or too little sleep.

Warning Signs

Headaches can be warning signs of more serious conditions. Consult your doctor if:

• You have a stiff neck, fever, and nausea – may suggest meningitis.
• There is one-sided weakness, numbness, confusion, or disturbance of speech, vision or coordination -- symptoms that suggest a stroke.
• The headache is associated with confusion or loss of coordination.
• There are visual disturbances.
• Your present headache is very different from previous headaches.
• Headaches persist in spite of home treatment.
• A child has a headache.

If your headache is due to simple tension, you can:

• Massage your neck and shoulder muscles, and the temple areas. Sometimes, taking a warm shower helps too.
• Do some simple exercises to loosen up the tension in your eye muscles, neck and shoulder muscles.
• Use relaxation techniques. Close your eyes and focus on slow, deep breathing or do meditation, progressive muscle relaxation or visualization.
• Take aspirin or paracetamol for pain. But, remember that these medicine may have side effects.

Lifestyle plays an important role in headaches. Try to reduce stress in your life. Make a conscious effort to relax your jaw, neck and shoulder muscles, even when you don't have a headache. Massage your temples and neck frequently. Note your neck and shoulder posture while working and make improvements if necessary.

Get some daily exercise. Exercise not only helps to loosen your tensed muscles, but also releases endorphins in your body, helping you to relax and feel good.

Some food may cause headaches in some people. Reduce the amount of caffeine you consume in coffee, tea and cola drinks, and avoid foods that seem to cause you headaches. Some of these food may be cheese, chocolate and ice cream.