Causes of Headaches

Headaches are broadly divided into primary headaches (the headache itself is the main problem) and secondary headaches (a symptom of an underlying condition).

Primary Headaches

Tension headaches — the most common type overall — cause a dull, pressure-like pain, often described as a tight band around the head, typically linked to stress, poor posture, or muscle tension.

Migraine is a distinct, more severe type involving a specific set of features beyond just head pain, covered in depth in our dedicated guide.

Cluster headaches are less common but severe, causing intense pain typically around one eye, occurring in clusters over weeks with pain-free periods in between.

Secondary Headaches

These result from another cause: sinus congestion, dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, eye strain, medication overuse (from taking pain relievers too frequently), high blood pressure, or, rarely, a more serious underlying condition. Medication-overuse headache deserves particular attention: using over-the-counter pain relievers on more than about 10 to 15 days a month, even for a mild headache, can itself trigger more frequent headaches over time — cutting back gradually, with medical guidance, is usually needed to break the cycle.

Everyday Triggers

Stress, poor sleep, skipped meals, dehydration, certain foods, and hormonal changes are common triggers across several headache types.

Warning Signs That Need Urgent Evaluation

Seek prompt medical care for a sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache, a headache with fever and stiff neck, one following a head injury, or one accompanied by confusion, vision changes, or weakness — these can signal a more serious underlying cause.