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

Tension Headaches

Tensions headaches are best described as a tightening, or pressure feeling surrounding the forehead, temple, and back of the neck. Although tension headaches are non-throbbing, the mild or severe continuous pain becomes a nuisance as the sufferer struggles to find relief. Tension headaches are either sporadic or chronic. Those who experience sporadic tension headaches may endure pain while under temporary stress, anger, or fatigue. Meanwhile, chronic tension headaches affect sufferers on a regular basis, and caused by physical problems, chronic stress, or depression. Typically these headaches have duration of one hour; however they may last longer.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches are caused by an inflammation in the sinus cavities. Those who suffer from chronic sinusitis may also regularly endure sinus headaches. These headaches consist of a dull pain around the nose, forehead, and eyes. In addition, those who suffer from sinus headaches may also experience sinus pressure in the face, stuffy nose, ear pain, postnasal drip, and loss of smell. Millions of people are affected with sinusitis each year. This condition may develop after an upper respiratory infection, and generally responds to treatment within a couple of weeks. Those with a mild case of sinusitis may treat condition with over-the-counter medications. Sinus headaches typically subside once the inflammation is under control.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines generally affect only one side of the head; and characterized by a pulsating pain. These headaches affect sufferers differently. Those who experience chronic migraines may be able to detect an episode a few days or hours prior. They likely notice changes in their mood, unusual sleepiness, sensitivity to light, and so forth. Migraines are easy to classify. In fact, many sufferers describe an attack as the "most excruciating pain." Along with experiencing a throbbing headache that forces many to lie completely still and avoid light, migraines may be accompanied with nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In severe cases, sufferers may experience hallucinations, blurred vision, and numbness. Because migraines may last up to a week, this becomes a debilitating condition for many people.

Although there appears to be several triggers, most migraines are due to genetic factors. Other factors that may trigger a migraine include diet, emotional, environment, and activities.

Rebound Headaches

Many people are unaware of rebound headaches. These are essentially headaches that occur from over-medicating ourselves. In many cases, people will seek over-the-counter medications to cure a headache, and in turn, make the problem worse. Medications that contain caffeine can potentially cause headaches, or make a current headache worse. In addition, taking too many medications simultaneously may result in a rebound headache. Fortunately, rebound headaches generally subside after 6 hours of consuming medication. On the contrary, an individual who consumes too much pain medication may develop a dependence for the drug, which results in a rebound headache when the drug is no longer detected in their bloodstream.

Hormonal Headaches

Hormonal headaches primarily affect women, and caused by a change in the body's level of estrogen and progesterone. Factors that result in a change in hormone levels include:

• Oral Contraception
• Hormonal Therapy
• Menstrual Cycle
• Menopause
• Pregnancy

Headaches due to these factors are normally temporary and subside without treatment. However, women who experience chronic headaches caused by oral contraception or hormone therapy should consult their physician. Alternative therapies may be effective with relieving discomfort.

Other Causes of Headaches

Additionally, headaches may be caused by factors such as bright lights, change in weather, or change in altitude. Certain foods and alcoholic beverages may also be triggering a headache. Moreover, some may detect a headache if they miss a meal. These types of headaches are usually not severe, and quickly subside. However, those who are experiencing more frequent headaches may consider keeping a food journal. These journals are effective with pinpointing food(s) that cause headaches. Smoking and extreme exertion from exercise or sexual activity may also trigger headaches in some people.

When to See a Doctor

Those who experience chronic headaches tend to think the worse about their condition. Fortunately, less than 2% of all headache cases are the result of a serious underlying medical problem. Nonetheless, headache sufferers should visit a doctor if their headache is accompanied with:

• Blurred, Double, or Loss of Vision
• Fever, Hives, or Convulsions
• Confusion
• Severe Vomiting
• Loss of Consciousness
• Four or More Headaches within 7 Days
• Muddled Speech

Although rare, severe headaches may be a first sign of a life-threatening illness such as stroke, malignant cells, brain hemorrhage, aneurysm, or brain infection.