Headaches are defined as events of localized pain that occur in any part of the head or the top of the neck. Headaches can be either acute or chronic. Most people suffer from acute headaches from time-to-time. A few people suffer from much more severe headaches on an ongoing basis. Headaches are usually a simple matter to treat. Pain medications are the most common treatment. Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques can also be used for some types of headaches. The specific treatment that will work best for a particular headache depends on the cause and type of the headache. This can be determined by getting a physical examination from a doctor, but many types can also be diagnosed through the new process of online medical consultations with licensed physicians.

Types
Headaches are classified into one of five types. These types have been accepted by the medical community as encompassing all headaches. The following are the five types of headaches:

1. Vascular – This is the most common type of headache. It results from veins and arteries in and near the head that are constricted and causing localized high blood pressure.

2. Myogenic – Myogenic headaches are caused by muscles in the back, neck and head tightening or repeatedly contracting.

3. Cervico Genic – Cervico genic headaches are caused by trauma to the spine in the back or neck.

4. Migraine – Migraine headaches are a severe form of headache. They are related to vascular headaches, but they are usually more painful and recur throughout life.

5. Inflammatory – Inflammatory headaches are also very severe. The cause of this type of headache is tumor or hematoma inside the skull that put pressure on the nerves in the head.

Causes
Tension headaches are the leading subcategory of headache. They are actually either vascular or myogenic headaches caused by stress or chemical changes in the brain. The tightening of muscles in the face and neck may cause tension headaches. The pain is usually felt at the base of the skull or as a tight band of pain around the circumference of the skull.

Migraines often cause headaches accompanied with other symptoms, such as vomiting, nausea and an increased sensitivity to external stimuli. The exact cause of migraine headaches is unknown, but they can be triggered by hormonal imbalance, lack of sleep and stress.

Other causes of headaches include low blood sugar. Eye strain is another leading cause of headache. Going without corrective lenses or reading in low light can cause eye strain. Dehydration is another leading cause.