Five myths about headaches to watch out for

Myth #1

Migraines are the most common type of headache

Actually tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress, dehydration or poor posture can make the muscles around the head and neck tense and tighten, and it’s these muscles that can be the source of tension headache. You may know the feeling of one of these headaches - a dull, aching pressure pain on both sides of your head, like there’s a tight band around it.

Myth #2

Only adults get headaches

Headaches aren’t just experienced by grown-ups. Children get them too, including migraines – with a difference being young ones can’t explain their headaches well. It’s important to keep an eye on a child's headache and consult a doctor if they get worse or you are concerned for any reason.

Myth #3

Migraines are just really bad headaches

Not exactly true. Migraines are different to other headaches. They’re actually a condition related to the body’s nervous system (the brain and nerves) and can feel much worse than your normal headache. During a migraine attack, the brain does not process sensory data, such as light and sound, properly.

If you’re suffering from a migraine, you may get other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light. You might even experience visual or sensory problems known as auras and see flashing lights or temporary blind spots.

Myth #4

Only women get recurring headaches

Guess what? We all get them. And while men are at less risk from migraines, they’re more likely to get cluster headaches (although they are rare compared with other headaches like migraine). Cluster headaches get their name because you experience groups or clusters of frequent headaches for several weeks, which tend to occur every year around the same time. The pain is usually felt behind your eye or on one side of your head and is usually quite severe.

Myth #5

All headaches are psychological

Most headaches are usually triggered by an underlying physical cause. For example, tension headaches are thought to be caused by tightening of the muscles around the head and neck, while migraine involves changes in the brain.

If you’re experiencing a migraine or tension headache, you might want to consider using an over-the counter pain reliever like ibuprofen to help relieve pain. If your headaches are persistent or you are concerned for any reason, be sure to see your doctor for advice.