What Causes Headaches?

According to researchers at the National Headache Foundation there are more than 45 million American citizens that currently suffer from chronic headaches. Of the 45 million, 28 million suffer from migraines while 20-percent of which are children and teenagers who experience severe, chronic headaches.

There are more than 150 different types of headache pain that have been researched and diagnosed, though the most common are listed below:

Tension Headaches: These are commonly referred to as tension headaches and are the most common type of headache in adults and teenagers. These are a result of muscle contraction due to pain which may come and go over time.

Migraine Headaches: While the exact cause of migraines is unknown what is known is that they are related to blood vessel contraction and various changes that occur throughout the brain and the surrounding tissue. Migraine pain can last up to three days, occurring four or more times a month resulting in a throbbing pain.

Mixed Headache Syndrome: A mix of tension and migraine headaches which may affect children and adults.

Cluster Headaches: The most rare form of headache, cluster headaches are the most severe and cause intense, burning pain throughout the head. Sometimes the pain is so severe that those who come down with the symptoms cannot remain seated and often pace because the intensity of the attack.