5 Common Headaches and What Could Be Causing Them

Woman suffering from headaches possibly caused by TMD

Woman suffering from headaches possibly caused by TMDWe all suffer from headaches at times. Headaches can vary from a mild, dull aching to a serious migraine whereby even the slightest movement can cause serious pain. Headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors and can present various symptoms. The following are five common types of headaches and what could be causing them.

Hangover Headaches

What exactly causes a headache to develop after indulging in alcohol is unclear. There are several possible culprits, including how alcohol affects blood vessels, inflammation and/or dehydration.

Brain-Freeze Headaches

Physicians often refer to the headaches that occur as a result of consuming something cold as “cold-stimulus headaches.” However, many people casually refer to these headaches as “brain freeze.” Fortunately, these types of headaches don’t last long and are easily avoidable by taking smaller bites or sips of your cold treat or by avoiding cold consumables all together.

Headaches That Manifest Behind the Eyes

Some individuals often experience dull, persistent aching behind the eyes. This type of headache is usually caused by tension, stress, eye strain, bad lighting or other everyday factors. The good news is that this type of headache can usually be treated effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil.

Morning Headaches

If you experience morning headaches and are a regular coffee drinker, a lack of caffeine may be to blame. While you are sleeping, you are not consuming caffeine, and your headaches may be a sign of caffeine withdrawal. Although drinking a cup of coffee may help alleviate your symptoms, you may want to seek medical treatment or advice if you experience this type of headache more than twice a week, as it may be a symptom of a more serious medical condition such as a sleep breathing disorder.

Migraines

Migraines are classified as headaches that range from moderate to severe intensity and are accompanied with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light. Migraines have multiple possible causes; thus, the cause of a migraine is often difficult to pinpoint. One possible cause of migraine headaches is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, or TMD. TMD describes excessive strain on the TMJ in the jaw that often results in headaches or migraines.

If you frequently suffer from headaches or migraines and cannot pinpoint the exact cause — especially if your headaches are accompanied by pain in the face or jaw, a clicking sound in the jaw while you eat or a limited range of motion of the mouth — you should consider contacting a TMJ expert such as West Orange TMJ dentist Dr. Ivan F. Stein of Headache and TMJ Center of New Jersey. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (855) 865-3627 today.