Headaches are a real pain—literally.
It’s easy to pop a few paracetamol tablets and hope the pain goes away soon, but it’s not that simple.
It turns out that there are many different types of headaches, and each one has its own specific best treatment.
Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist, said the location of the tic is the key indicator.
For example, if it’s on your forehead, you might feel anxious, but if the pain in your temple is driving you crazy, you might be sleep-deprived.
One requires ibuprofen and massage, while cold compresses minimize the other.
Here, Abbas explains what the location of your headache may mean – and the most effective ways to relieve each type of headache.
forehead
Possible cause: Nervousness
Best treatments: paracetamol, massage, hot showers
Abbas of online pharmacy Chemist Click says nervousness is one of the biggest triggers of throbbing forehead pain.
“Tension headaches are often triggered by stress, anxiety and depression, but they can also be caused by fatigue, poor posture and musculoskeletal problems in the neck,” he said.
Fortunately, this pain can be easily relieved with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or aspirin.
“Head massage, gentle neck exercises, hot baths, or placing a heated washcloth or washcloth on the forehead or neck can also help,” he adds.
Possible cause: Eye fatigue
Best treatment: Rest regularly, maintain good posture, and get checked
“Headaches caused by eye strain can be similar to tension headaches and can be caused by prolonged reading or computer use, prolonged concentration, stress and poor posture,” Abbas said.
He adds that if you experience this discomfort, you should schedule an eye exam because you may need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
“Taking regular breaks from reading and looking at screens, practicing good posture, and regularly stretching your neck, arms and back can all help minimize the risk of eye strain,” the pharmacist said.
“You can also use anti-glare filters on your computer screen.”
Possible cause: Sinus problems
Best treatments: salt water, cold and flu medicine, ibuprofen
Abbas says another common cause of forehead pain is sinus problems, often caused by an infection or allergic reaction.
“This can lead to forehead headaches and tenderness in the forehead, cheeks and around the eyes,” he says.
“People often develop sinusitis after a cold or flu, and it usually resolves without treatment.
“But you can relieve associated nasal congestion by clearing your nostrils with a saline solution or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water.
“If sinusitis is caused by colds and flu, over-the-counter nasal decongestants and pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) can help.
“If it’s caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, or if it’s caused by allergies, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine.”
temple
Possible cause: stress
Best treatments: paracetamol, relaxation techniques
Stress is our body’s response to stress or feeling threatened. Not surprisingly, excruciating headaches followed.
These tend to occur in the temples and often feel like a throbbing, tenderness or dull pain.
Abbas said painkillers such as acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen can really help.
“If pregnant, paracetamol is the first choice and children under 16 should not take aspirin,” the expert added.
Pharmacists say activities that promote relaxation, such as exercise, yoga and massage, may also help relieve stress and reduce headaches.
Possible cause: lack of sleep
The best treatment method: change living habits, change pillows, cold compress
Fatigue can also show up in the temples, making life very miserable.
Fortunately, making some simple adjustments to your sleep habits – like trying to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, avoiding naps, and limiting caffeine intake – can make a real difference to your sleep and energy levels.
“Also, if you have neck pain and headaches, try using low, firm pillows and hot or cold compresses,” Abbas added.
Possible cause: Too much caffeine
Best treatment: reduce
According to the European Food Safety Authority, adults should not consume more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.
A can of Coca-Cola contains about 40 mg, a cup of black tea contains 50 mg, a cup of espresso contains 80 mg, and a large can of energy drink contains 160 mg.
Some people are more sensitive than others, but if your intake is close to or exceeds the recommended amount and you experience headaches, you may want to consider reducing your intake.
However, proceed slowly, as rapid withdrawal may make your headaches worse.
back of head
Possible cause: Nervousness
Best treatment methods: cold compress, tranquility, physical therapy
In addition to the forehead, tension can also be felt in the back of the head.
“Using a flexible cold pack or mask, staying in a quiet, dark room, and sleeping if necessary can reduce symptoms,” Abbas said.
“Some people find that acupuncture, neck exercises, or physical therapy can also help relieve headaches in the back of their head.”
right
Possible cause: Migraine
Best treatments: ibuprofen, oxygen therapy, Botox
Migraine sufferers often experience pain on the right side of their head, Abbas said.
There’s no single cause, but the NHS says some people find they feel anxious and skip meals when their period starts, triggering symptoms.
Depending on the severity, different treatments are available.
“Over-the-counter pain relievers and oxygen therapy may relieve right-sided headaches,” experts say.
“There is no cure for migraine, but many sufferers find ibuprofen tablets effective in relieving symptoms.
“There’s also Botox or preventive treatments like propranolol or topiramate.”
Abbas stresses that pain on the right side of the head can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as trauma, aneurysms, tumors and stroke, so it’s important to see a doctor if the pain persists.
behind eyes
Possible cause: cluster
Optimal treatment: prescription drugs, oxygen treat
“The main symptom of a cluster headache is severe, burning or stinging pain, usually on one side of the head and around the eyes,” Abbas said.
“They tend to occur at the same time of year or set times of day, and they start and stop quickly and without warning.”
It’s not clear exactly what causes the symptoms, but the NHS says smoking, drinking, exercise, perfume and the smell of paint, nail polish or petrol are all possible triggers.
This type of headache can be treated with a triptan medication, such as sumatriptan, which is available by prescription.
It works by narrowing blood vessels in the head, preventing pain signals from being sent to the brain.
“Breathing oxygen through a mask or using a device that delivers gentle electrical pulses to the back of the neck can also be helpful,” Abbas added.