Not all headaches are alike. Tension or muscular headachesare the most common. Unconscious tensing of the face, neck, or scalp muscles produces a dull, relentless ache. You feel the pressure in your forehead, temples, or around the back of the head, where the muscles of your upper back attach. Lack of sleep or the stress of everyday hassles can trigger tension headaches. Doing tedious work or reading frequently causes muscular headaches.

Migraine headaches are more common among women, tend to run in families, and are more debilitating. A migraine usually originates on one side of the head and throbs. Alternative constriction and dilation (narrowing and widening) of blood vessels in the head causes migraines, which are often accompanied by vomiting, nausea, blurred vision, flashing spots, sensitivity to light, and ringing in the ears.

Sinus headaches are characterized by pain over the sinuses of the face, in the area of your upper cheekbones, forehead, and the bridge of your nose. Inflammation and fluid buildup cause the pain, and bending over or touching the affected area seems to aggravate it. Colds, allergies, air pollution, and other respiratory problems can trigger a sinus headache.

For on-the-spot headache relief:

• Rest in a quiet, dark room with your eyes closed.
  
• Massage the base of your skull with your thumbs. Work from the ears toward the center of the back of your head. Also, massage both temples gently.
  
• Take hot baths.
  
• Place cold washcloths over your eyes.
  
• Take the recommended dose of aspirin or an aspirin substitute.
  
• Practice a relaxation technique (such as visualizing a serene setting, meditating, or deep breathing,as described in chapter 6, Success over Stress).
  
• To prevent headaches from recurring:
  
• Try to anticipate when pain will strike. Keep a headache journal that records when, where, and why headaches seem to occur.
  
• Note early symptoms and try to abort a headache in its earliest stages.
  
• Exercise regularly, (This seems to keep headaches at bay.)
  
• Avoid foods known to trigger headaches in sensitive people.

Particularly troublesome foods may include:

• Bananas (If more than 1/2 banana per day.)
  
• Caffeine (from coffee, tea, cola soft drinks, or some medications)
  
• Chocolate
  
• Citrus fruit (If more than 1/2 cup per day.)
  
• Cured meats (like frankfurters)
  
• Food additives (such as monosodium glutamate, or MSG)
  
• Hard cheeses (like aged provolone)
  
• Nuts
  
• Onions
  
• Red wine
  
• Sour cream
  
• Vinegar

Note: See a doctor if you have persistent or recurring headaches, or if you are experiencing a migrainelike headache for the first time.