Slideshow: 7 Types of Headaches

Headaches stemming from a neck problem are usually chronic and vary in type depending on the cause.

7 Types of Headaches

Headaches stemming from a neck problem are usually chronic and vary in type depending on the cause.

Diagram of man highlighting areas of the head and neck affected by a tension headache.

Tension Headache

Tension headache is a common headache characterized by moderate to severe non-throbbing pain in the forehead, scalp, and neck. Tension headache occurs when muscles of the scalp and neck become tense, such as from tension, stress, fear, and/or emotions.

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Diagram of man highlighting areas of the head and neck affected by a migraine.

Migraine Headache

A migraine is a recurring headache that causes moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head. Other symptoms may include nausea and sensitivity to light and/or sound. Neck pain associated with migraines are common and may start before the migraine attack or occur during a migraine attack. 

Diagram of man highlighting areas of the head and behind the eye affected by a cluster headache.

Cluster Headache

Cluster headache pain is extreme and develops quickly. The pain usually peaks and plateaus at a severe level before the headache subsides. The headache is typically felt on one side of the head or around one eye, causing deep burning or piercing pain. Nasal congestion may accompany the pain, and the nose or affected eye may become swollen or red. 

Diagram of man highlighting areas of the head and neck affected by a cervicogenic headache.

Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headache usually begins as a dull ache in the neck and radiates upward along the back of the head, almost always one sided. Pain may also spread to the forehead, temple, and area around the eyes and/or ears. CGH is caused due to an underlying disc, joint, muscle, or nerve disorder in the neck.

Diagram of woman highlighting areas of the head and neck affected by an occipital neuralgia headache.

Occipital Neuraliga Headache

Occipital neuralgia is characterized by sharp, painful, electric-shock-like sensations on the back of the head, neck, and ears. The pain is typically one-sided and begins in the upper neck and spreads to the head. Occipital neuralgia is caused due to irritation or injury to the occipital nerve.

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Diagram of woman highlighting areas of the head and neck affected by a TMJ headache.

Temporomandibular (TMJ) Headache

TMJ headache is a dull ache starting at the temples and around the TMJ and may resemble an earache. 

Diagram of woman highlighting areas of the head, shoulder and neck affected by a hemicrania continua headache.

Hemicrania Continua Headache

Hemicrania continua is a primary headache of unknown origin characterized by one-sided continuous headache of moderate intensity. The condition also exhibits exacerbations of severe intensity during which pain spreads to other areas including neck, shoulder, and area around the ear. 

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