Now for a bit of good news: less than one percent of the population gets cluster headaches.
Tension Headaches
Tension Headaches are the most common form, with an estimated two-thirds of all people experiencing this type of headache at some point in their lives. They’re usually responsive to over-the-counter analgesics. The bad thing is that since they’re so common, many people don’t seek medical attention because they think tension is the source of their headache – when really it’s caused by something entirely different.
There are two types of tension headaches: episodic and chronic. The main distinguishing difference between episodic and chronic tension headaches is the frequency and severity with which they occur.
Episodic headaches:
Occur randomly, and are usually brought on by temporary stressors such as fatigue, anxiety, or anger.
Are generally felt either in the temples and forehead, or the back of the head and the neck.
May include a “vice-like” tightening sensation around your head, and feelings of pulling or pressure (this is why they’re also referred to as “muscle contraction headaches”).
Can be eased with over the counter medications and self-managed fairly well.
Chronic headaches:
Occur just about every day, possibly for months on end.
Do not respond as well to over the counter medications.
Require a doctor’s care.
There are many physical factors that contribute to a tension headache, including …
Poor posture
Holding the head or neck in an abnormal position for a long period of time
Arthritis
Eyestrain
Misalignment of jaws or teeth
Lighting or noise levels
Abnormalities in the bones, muscles, or discs of the neck and back
There are also emotional factors, things which cause excess stress on the body, such as grief, depression, and job or relationship conflicts. The undue stress can manifest itself in the form of a headache.
Treatments of tension headaches range from drugs to alternative therapies such as relaxation techniques.