The 5 Most Common Types of Headaches — and How They’re Treated
Headaches are incredibly common, but not all headaches are the same. Some feel like pressure around the head, while others cause throbbing pain, dizziness, neck tension, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Understanding the most common types of headaches is important because the right diagnosis often leads to better treatment — and better quality of life.
At Infiniti Medical Headache & Migraine Clinic in NW Calgary, we help patients understand what may be causing their headaches and explore evidence-based treatment options that fit their symptoms and lifestyle.
Comparison: The Most Common Types of Headaches
| Headache Type | Common Symptoms | Pain Location | Common Triggers | Common Treatments |
| Migraine | Throbbing pain, nausea, light sensitivity, dizziness | Usually one side of the head | Stress, hormonal changes, poor sleep | Migraine medications, Botox therapy, preventive medications |
| Tension-Type Headache | Pressure, tightness, neck tension | Both sides of the head | Stress, posture, screen time, fatigue | Physiotherapy, stress management, preventive medications |
| Cluster Headache | Severe sharp pain, tearing eye, nasal congestion | Around one eye | Alcohol, sleep changes, seasonal patterns | Oxygen therapy, preventive medications, nerve blocks |
| Cervicogenic Headache | Neck pain with headache | Neck and one side of the head | Neck strain, poor posture, injury | Physiotherapy, posture correction, nerve blocks |
| Medication Overuse Headache | Frequent or daily headaches | Variable | Frequent pain medication use | Medication adjustment, preventive treatment |
Migraine
More Than “Just a Bad Headache”
Migraine is a neurological condition that can affect daily life in a major way. Many people experience:
- Throbbing or pulsing head pain
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Dizziness
- Brain fog
- Visual changes or aura
Migraine attacks may last for hours or even days and can make work, driving, exercise, or family responsibilities difficult.
Common Migraine Treatments
Treatment may include:
- Migraine medications
- Botox therapy
- Trigger management
- Sleep and lifestyle support
Tension-Type Headache
The Most Common Headache Type
Tension headaches are often described as:
- Pressure around the head
- Tightness in the forehead or temples
- Neck and shoulder tension
- A dull, aching pain
Stress, poor posture, fatigue, and long hours at a computer are common triggers.
Although tension headaches are often considered “mild,” frequent headaches can still affect concentration, sleep, mood, and quality of life.
Common Tension Headache Treatments
Treatment may include:
- Preventive medications
- Trigger point injections
- Sleep improvement
- Ergonomic and posture changes
Cluster Headache
Severe One-Sided Head Pain
Cluster headaches are less common but extremely painful. Many patients describe the pain as intense, sharp, or burning around one eye.
Symptoms may include:
- Eye redness or tearing
- Nasal congestion
- Restlessness during attacks
- Repeated attacks over days or weeks
Cluster headaches usually require specialist treatment.
Common Cluster Headache Treatments
Treatment may include:
- Oxygen therapy
- Injectable migraine medications
- Preventive medications
- Nerve blocks
Cervicogenic Headache
When Neck Problems Trigger Head Pain
Cervicogenic headaches begin in the neck and radiate into the head.
Common symptoms include:
- Neck stiffness
- Pain triggered by neck movement
- Pain on one side of the head
- Shoulder tension
- Pain after prolonged sitting or desk work
These headaches are often confused with migraine or tension headaches.
Common Cervicogenic Headache Treatments
Treatment may include:
- Physiotherapy
- Neck strengthening exercises
- Nerve blocks
- Trigger point injections
Medication Overuse Headache
When Headache Medication Starts Causing More Headaches
Some patients develop chronic headaches from using pain medications too frequently.
This is called medication overuse headache or “rebound headache.”
Using medications several days per week over time may actually increase headache frequency and make symptoms harder to control.
Common Treatments
Treatment often focuses on:
- Reducing overuse of pain medications
- Preventive headache management
- Gradual medication adjustment
- Long-term headache treatment planning
Specialist guidance can be very important during this process.
When Should You See a Headache Specialist?
You should speak with your doctor about referral to a headache clinic if:
- Headaches happen frequently
- Pain affects work, sleep, or daily activities
- Over-the-counter medications are no longer helping
- You are unsure what type of headache you have
- Symptoms are becoming more severe or more frequent
Living with frequent headaches can be exhausting — but effective treatment options are available.
A Personalized Approach to Headache Care
Many people experience more than one type of headache at the same time. That’s why proper diagnosis matters.
At Infiniti Medical Headache & Migraine Clinic, we focus on understanding the full picture behind your symptoms so treatment can be tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Looking for Help with Chronic Headaches?
Ask your family doctor for a referral to Infiniti Medical Headache & Migraine Clinic in NW Calgary.
📞 403-460-4502