For an updated version of chronic tension headaches and more advice about headache types check out relieve headache.

Chronic tension headaches are a serious ailment that can detract from enjoyment of daily life. Daily activities are subject to interruption by painful episodes that can occur any time. Chronic tension headaches are known to cause depression in some. It is important that chronic tension headaches be treated as soon as possible. Fortunately, the medical community has a great deal of experience with the phenomenon of headache, and has several avenues of treatment available for sufferers. In fact, headaches are actually divided into three individual categories.

The majority of headaches suffered can fit into the primary category. A primary headache is frequently brought on by emotional or physical stress, and has the most frequent rate of occurence by far. Primary headaches are almost never life threatening, but they can bring serious pain with them. This pain can hamper everyday enjoyment of life, making even basic functioning difficult. Although the actual causes of chronic tension headache are still unknown, it is widely held that the symptoms are brought on by a tightening of the muscles that surround the base of the skull. This tightening can be initially identified as a band like feeling just above the eyes that gradually grows into a painful sensation.

Cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far less frequent basis, but are much more serious. To treat this kind of headache, serious medical attention is required. Cluster headaches are easily identified by the pain level that they induce. Patients frequently describe cluster headaches as an icepick sensation behind one or both eyes. Treatment includes powerful sedatives and pain medications. Secondary headaches usually indicate some other issue that is at work.

Chronic tension headaches should be approached from a stress management point of view. Physical and emotional stress can be a significant source of chronic tension headaches. Circumstances that trigger significant emotional stress can easily lead to chronic tension headaches. Prolonged physical stress can also be tied directly to chronic tension headaches. Steps to manage both kinds of stress should be undertaken in order to reduce the occurence of chronic tension headaches. If these steps do not succeed, then further treatment via pain medications may be necessary. Chronic tension headaches that do not abate should be a signal to see a doctor.

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For an updated version of sinus headache symptoms and more advice about sinus headache pain visit relieve headache pain.

Sinus headache can be a potentially serious issue that sufferers experience almost yearly.  The change in seasons, often times from warm to cold, can trigger a sinus headache.  Sinus headache usually occurs as the sinus cavity fills with too much mucus.  This can present as a sensation of builtup pressure just above the eyes and behind the nose.  This pressure can sometimes become very painful and uncomfortable.  The prelude to a sinus headache is usually a stuffy nose and congestion.  If a cold or congestion lasts for a long period of time, it can easily cause a sinus headache to follow.

Prompt treatment of congestion and colds can easily prevent a sinus headache.  Decongestants and nasal sprays are an effective way to prevent the attack of a sinus headache.  Whenever a cold or congestion initially strikes, try to treat the problem immediately in order to alleviate stronger symptoms.  Overly dry air can quickly lead to a sinus headache as well, so a humidifier can be a good solution as well.  Sinus headaches typically come about when pressure in the sinus cavity becomes too high. 

The problem can become painful if the mucus in the nasal cavity becomes infected by bacteria or a virus.  Prolonged colds and congestion are a breeding ground for bacteria.  When bacteria infects the nasal cavity, it can lead to swelling and irritation.  Significant pain when sneezing or blowing, in addition to a fever, are definite signs that an infection has taken hold.  Sinus headache can reach painful proportions if left untreated for a significant period of time.  See a doctor promptly, and they will typically prescribe both antibiotics and decongestants to rid the patient of the problem. 

It is vital that infections be promptly dealt with.  If left alone, sinus headache can become a life threatening infection.  Sinus headache can be brought under control with the use of medication.  The earlier the problem is caught, the quicker the issue can be resolved.  Ignored sinus headache can develop into serious infections that threaten permanent damage to the sinus cavity.  In severe cases, blocking off the sinus cavity completely may be necessary.

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Cluster Headaches Video

For a small portion of sufferers, cluster headaches can be a debilitating condition that strikes without warning.  Cluster headaches attack at seemingly random intervals, for which the name “cluster” is given.  Patients are known to live for years without a problem, and suddenly suffer them for days or weeks at a time.  The exact cause of cluster headaches is not known, although it is thought that stress, alcohol, and drugs are all prompters of the condition.  Even without these factors, however, a cluster headache can strike a patient at any time.  A cluster headache is easy to differentiate from a normal headache because of its severity and distinct symptoms.

A sufferer of a cluster headache sometimes experiences a runny nose or eyes.  The pain tends to focus behind one eye, and is often described as feeling like an icepick.  This extremely uncomfortable sensation sometimes becomes very painful, often times resulting in a pain crisis.  The pain is often intense enough to cause irrational behavior and extreme reactions.  Immediate treatment is very important.  Sedatives and pain killers can do a great deal to mitigate the devastating pain frequently associated with a cluster headache.

Cluster headache treatment is a difficult process because of the seemingly random nature of their attacks.  Instead of always remaining on medication, cluster headache treatment is usually a matter of lifestyle alteration.  Avoiding drugs and alcohol is an important first step in avoiding a triggering of cluster headaches.  Although prevention is difficult, cluster headache treatment can reduce the pain of the first attack significantly.

Frequent cluster headaches are a definite sign that a visit to the doctor is in order.  Although cluster headaches may happen totally at random, they may sometimes be a sign of a deeper neurological issue.  If this is the case, patients should see a doctor as soon as possible.  Some forms of stress management can also help to reduce cluster headache occurence.  Although the role of stress in cluster headache treatment is not certain, it is known to play a role in other headaches, and could potentially have an effect on the cluster variety of headaches.  Significant emotional stress should be managed carefully to prevent a possible cluster headache occurence.

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