Headaches are differentiated by two types of pain. Tension headaches are characterized by persistent dull pain that starts in the forehead or in the rear of the head then spreads over the entire head. With a tension headache you will feel an extreme amount of pressure. However, if you have very sharp pain, a throbbing feeling or extreme sensitivity to light you probably have a vascular headache, known as a migraine.

Tension headaches can be deceiving. Some people think they are caused by emotional stress. Instead, they are generally due to muscles at the back of the scalp and neck, which readily tighten in response to emotional stress, but can also be affected by physical stress as well as other factors.

Current studies have linked tension headaches to poor posture. Another well known cause of tension headaches is withdrawal from caffeine. If you are a regular coffee drinker and, in the midst of a very busy day do not get a chance to grab a cup of coffee, you may end the day with a tension headache. The moment you drink a cup of coffee you good again. Caffeine withdrawal headaches usually appear 18 to 36 hours after your last cup of coffee. People who are susceptible to withdrawal from caffeine should cut back on their consumption or switch to decaffeinated coffee. Relaxation training has been shown to alleviate and prevent tension headaches. Massaging the back of the neck can also help release tension. Sometimes colds and sinusitis cause headaches These can be relieved with hot compresses placed on the face and forehead. The most common remedy for headaches is aspirin. Chiropractic care has also been known to be quite helpful. In most cases, tension headaches are nuisances that will disappear on their own.

Migraine headaches can be quite tricky to get rid of. They are usually felt on the side of the head and/or behind the eye. Changes in arteries near the surface of the brain are one of the causes of migraines. The arteries can become spasmodic, then blood flow becomes reduced and this brings on discomfort, pain, and a full blown migraine. Flashing lights, nausea and vomiting are often common with these debilitating headaches.

Factors that provoke migraines are:

#1 Alcohol,

#2 Bright lights,

#3 Hormone pills,

#4 Birth control pills,

#5 Cigarettes,

#6 Emotional stress,

#7 Certain foods,

#8 Caffeine or other substance withdrawal, or

#9 A combination of these factors.

There are specific drugs such as Cafergot, Fioricet, or Sansert, as well as many others, that may help. Frequently diet changes can reduce the frequency or intensity of migraine headaches. If you believe you suffer from migraines you should discuss treatment options with a doctor. There are many ways to find relief from the terrible symptoms of migraines.

It is highly recommended that people with chronic tension headaches, as well as those who suffer with migraines, implement a fitness program. It would be wise to begin with stretching of the cervical spine, this will correct posture. Learning how to stretch tight muscles, tendons and ligaments will create flexibility, thereby releasing tension in the body. Meditation and deep breathing exercises are equally important. Clinical studies indicate that there was a decrease in headaches in patients that were involved in bodywork therapies.

Pilates and Gyrotonic are bodywork exercises that are designed to elongate your body by improving range-of-motion, circulation, posture, core strength and flexibility. This type of training definitely teaches people to tune into their posture and body tension! So start an exercise program, stand up taller, relieve tension, and free yourself from debilitating headaches.