Types of headaches: what the location of your headache can tell you

Where a headache sits, and what it feels like, can give useful clues about its cause. It is not a diagnosis on its own, and most people have more than one type over the years, but it helps to know the common patterns.

Tension-type headache

The most common kind. It usually feels like a tight band or pressure across the forehead, the sides of the head or the back of the head, on both sides. Stress, long hours at a screen, poor sleep and tight neck and shoulder muscles are frequent triggers.

Headache that starts in the neck (cervicogenic headache)

This headache comes from the joints and muscles of the upper neck. It often starts at the base of the skull on one side and spreads forward, and it tends to be worse with certain neck movements or after long periods in one position. This is the type chiropractic care is most often used for.

Migraine

Migraine is usually a throbbing headache on one side of the head, often with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes visual disturbances beforehand. Migraine needs medical management. Some people find that looking after neck and muscle tension helps alongside the care from their doctor.

Sinus headache

Pressure around the forehead, cheeks and eyes, usually with a blocked or runny nose and often after a cold. Many headaches people think are sinus headaches turn out to be migraine, so persistent ones are worth checking with a doctor.

Cluster headache

Severe pain around or behind one eye, often with a watery eye or runny nostril on the same side, coming in bouts at similar times of day. Cluster headaches need medical assessment.

Simple things that help many headaches

• Drink enough water through the day, especially in Dubai's heat
• Take short breaks from screens, and keep your screen at eye level
• Keep regular sleep and meal times
• Notice and release jaw clenching and shoulder tension

If your headaches start in your neck or come with neck and shoulder tension, read more about how I treat neck pain and headaches.