It is estimated that approximately 45 million American's suffer from chronic headaches each year. Headaches are quite common, and can affect us without warning. Those who bear recurring headaches may begin to notice a pattern that allows them to head off a painful attack. For example, over half of all women who suffer from regularly headaches have pinpointed their menstrual cycle as the culprit. In addition, many people have discovered that certain scents such as perfumes or shower gels trigger headaches. Headaches are an annoying nuisance that severely disrupts the lives of many. However, determining the cause of headaches is the first step in remedying this common problem.

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches are caused by a number of factors. In most cases, a headache may be a sign of a less serious illness such as a sinus infection or flu. Moreover, headaches may also be an indicator of a more serious condition such as tumor or forthcoming stroke. Thus, some headaches should not be taken likely. Headaches are categorized as either muscular or vascular.

• Muscular headaches: Headaches due to muscle contractions caused by poor posture, nerve problems, stress, and poor diet.

• Vascular headaches: Headaches due to expansion of arteries caused by factors such as drug and caffeine withdrawal.

Researchers have determined that 90% of all headaches are muscular, whereas 8% are vascular. Headaches that occur in 2% of the population are due to a more serious condition and require immediate medical attention. The most common types of headaches include:

• Tension Headaches
• Sinus Headaches
• Migraine Headaches
• Rebound Headaches
• Hormone Headaches
• Other Causes of Headaches