Have you ever check with yourself, what is a headache? That throbbing, distressing and annoying feeling that stays in your head – all of us at some moment have had to deal with a headache. And they tend to keep coming back at worst moments.
From tension headaches and cluster headaches to migraines and sinus headaches, each one is different from each other. So getting one’s head around these widely held myths can be the start of getting rid of headaches for good.
MYTH #1 – Migraines are the most common type of headache
Actually tension headaches are more common than Migraines. Around 8/10 people experience them at some point of their lives. They are so common because of our modern lifestyle and stress. Today’s lifestyle strains the muscles in your head and neck, and it is these muscles that end up being the real source of tension headaches. You probably know how one of these headaches feel – a dull, aching pain usually on both sides of your head.
MYTH #2 – Only adults get headaches
Headaches aren’t only reserved for grown-ups. Children go through them too, including headaches – the only difference is they can’t communicate the same with you, especially small ones. Although they’re not always serious, it’s important to keep an eye on headaches in children and take them to a doctor if gets worse.
MYTH #3 – Migraines are just really bad headaches
Not entirely true. Migraines are different from other headaches. They’re actually a neurological disorder and can make you feel way worse than a normal headache. Although it is not known exactly what triggers migraines; the pain is thought to be caused by a chemical called serotonin.
If you’re a victim of migraine, you may experience other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light. You may even experience visual problems like auras and see flashing lights or zigzag lines.
MYTH #4 – Only women get recurring headaches
Guess what? We are all prone to them. And while men are at less risk from migraines and tension headaches, they’re four time more prone to suffer from cluster headaches. Cluster headaches get their name because one experiences groups or clusters of headaches for several weeks, happening one or twice a year close to the same time. The pain’s usually experienced behind your eye or on one side of your head coming on strong and unexpected.
MYTH #5 – All headaches are psychological
Most headaches are a result of an underlying physical cause. Just like how the cause of tension headaches are strained muscles in your head and neck. They in turn give out pain signals that are felt on both sides of the head. That’s the reason why tension headaches feels like a tight band around your head.