Headaches that occur throughout various locations in the head and upper neck region are one of the most common types of pain that individuals seek medical treatment for each year. Many of these individuals fear that the pain they are experiencing is a sign of a more severe medical condition that they may be suffering from. For many of these people their pain requires simple treatments. However, before a physician can plan a successful treatment plan to ease the pain, the type of headache and the causes for them must first be determined.

Common Causes for Headache Pain
A tension headache is the most common reason individuals experience pain in their head and upper neck region. Many people believe that the cause of the tension headache is associated with the muscles in the face, scalp and neck tightening up. Although studies that have been performed suggest that this may not entirely be accurate. Reports do show, however, that chemical changes in the brain are noticeable during these bouts of pain.

Severe headaches that people experience that are accompanied with symptoms such as vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and noise and nausea are known as migraines. Researchers have documented that many of these migraine headaches are associated with certain types of food and beverages, disrupted sleep, hormone fluctuations and high levels of stress that is experienced by the individual. The good news for people that experience these severe pains in their head is that there are medications that a physician can prescribe to ease these headaches.

Here is a list of other common reasons that may lead to a variety of headache pains:

* Individuals that suffer from low blood sugar due to missing meals or eating at times when their body is not use to eating suffer pain in their head, as well.

* Eye strain resulting from excessive time spent looking at electronic visual equipment such as computer monitors, televisions or video games, or spending time in brightly lit areas without proper eye protection.

* Dehydration caused by not drinking enough water for the environment or activities an individual participates in such as spending a great deal of time outdoors in high temperatures or taking part in strenuous physical activities.

* Constant and strenuous chewing can cause headaches due to a condition known as hyper mastication.

Various Types of Headaches That a Person Can Suffer From
Headaches can be categorized as one of five different types. This includes:

* Vascular which is caused when the blood vessels in the head and upper neck become swollen. Migraine which is vascular headache accompanied with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to sound and light.

* Myogenic headaches result when the muscles in the head, face and neck contract.

* Corvogenic headaches are a result of the bones within the spine or neck sustaining trauma or being injured.

* Traction headaches are caused when a tumor or hematoma within the head stretches the nerves to excessive degrees.

* Inflammatory headaches result when the spine, ears, neck, sinuses or teeth are impacted by a serious underlying disease.