There are several different kinds of headaches. The most common type of headache is the tension headache.

The exact cause of these types of headaches is unknown, but there are several factors that have been shown in many cases to cause or at least play a part in tension headaches. This includes things like caffeine withdrawal, eye strain, and stress. Other things like teeth clenching, which results in muscle tension, and other strains on the muscles, has been also been shown to play a part in these types of headaches.


Even though the exact cause of a tension headache is unknown, the pain is real. It is often described as a steady throbbing or pressure on the head. The pain is generally less severe than a migraine. They also vary in duration, with some only lasting for only a few minutes. While most tension headaches only last a few hours, they can last for several days.

Many people report having 1 or 2 headaches a month. At this frequency the headaches are referred to as episodic tension headaches. People that experience more than 15 headaches a month are said to suffer from chronic tension headaches. Chronic tension headaches are harder to treat than traditional headaches, which generally respond well to over the counter headache medicines.

While caffeine withdrawal has been shown to be a factor in tension headaches, it can also be used to help cure them. Tension headaches are known to respond well to a combination of over the counter medicine, like aspirin or ibuprofen, and caffeine. There are several over the counter medicines available that include a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and caffeine. Generally, they use a little bit less caffeine than is found in a brewed cup of regular coffee. Aspirin can have some negative side effects, so make sure to consult your doctor.

Tension Headaches

Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the more common causes of headaches is as a result of dehydration. Dehydration is when the body looses water, which is not replenished. Things like heavy exercise or extreme heat can overheat the body and cause dehydration. In some instances dehydration can cause death or serious illness, but this is only if it goes untreated.One of the early signs of dehydration is a headache. When your body is not properly hydrated, it begins to pump blood to the brain to compensate for the loss of fluids. This causes the blood vessels that are closest to your brain, specifically the ones near the eyes and temples, to expand with blood. This expansion causes the area in and around the temples to begin to throb, and often signals the beginning of a bad headache.

It is very important to stay properly hydrated, and by doing so you can prevent headaches that are caused by dehydration. One common misconception is that caffeinated soda and coffee is hydrating, but this is anything but true. Caffeine is actually a diuretic, which increases the release of urine from the body. As you loose water without replenishing it, your body begins to become dehydrated.

Water is by far the best fluid to hydrate your body. There are plenty of other drinks available that can help with dehydration, and many include extra nutrients and vitamins. When you start to feel a headache, or that familiar throb, it is a good idea to begin hydrating your body with water.

Dehydration and Headaches