1. Sinus Headache

Many patients and their physicians often misattribute their headaches to sinus problems. However, true sinus headaches are rare and typically associated with acute sinus infections, which involve nasal congestion, discharge, focal pain, and sometimes fever. Sinus headaches require drainage and antibiotics to improve. If your intermittent facial headache improves with pain relievers or decongestants, it is likely not due to sinuses. Over 90% of patients who think they have sinus headaches are experiencing another type of headache, as confirmed by normal or nearly normal CT scans of their sinuses.

2. Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital Neuralgia involves the irritation of the two greater occipital nerves that transmit sensations from the back and top of the head to the brain. These nerves emerge from the upper neck and travel through the muscles to the scalp. Irritation can cause shooting, stabbing, or tingling pain, often on one side of the head. The pain may radiate toward one eye, and the scalp may become extremely sensitive to touch. In severe cases, patients may experience numbness or tenderness where the nerves enter the scalp.
What Causes Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital Neuralgia usually occurs when there is a loss of cervical curvature, causing the base of the skull (occiput) to become hyper-extended in relation to the first cervical vertebrae. This leads to inflammation, muscle spasms, nerve irritation, and intense pain.

3. Migraine Headache

Migraine headaches are moderate to severe in intensity, often characterized by a throbbing or pounding sensation. They can occur on one side of the head or anywhere on the head, neck, and face. Migraines are typically associated with sensitivity to light, noise, and smells, and are often accompanied by nausea. Some patients experience an aura before the headache, involving visual disturbances or other neurological symptoms.
What Causes Migraine Headaches?
Migraines are often caused by irritation of the meninges (the outer covering of the brain and spinal cord) or issues with the first cervical vertebra. Dietary factors, dehydration, toxic food additives, and food allergies can also contribute to migraines. Thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the specific cause and appropriate treatment.

4. Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are described as a band or vice-like pain around the head. They often start in the upper back or neck and migrate forward.
What Causes Tension Headaches?
Tension headaches are primarily caused by anxiety and stress, leading to raised shoulders and forward head posture. This increases tension in the cervical muscles, causing chronic muscle spasms and the production of lactic acid, a muscular irritant. Vasoconstriction and shallow breathing due to stress can also deprive the brain of oxygen, resulting in a headache.