The three main types of headache are tension, migraine and cluster. Tension headaches are most common in women over the age of 20, and are the result of bad posture and stress. Migraine headaches are much more severe than tension headaches. They also affect women more than men, and can sometimes accompany the menstrual cycle. Migraine headaches sometimes elicit other symptoms than just a throbbing head; such as sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines can last from hours to days, and can affect the sufferer's ability to focus, concentrate, work and interact with family. They often cause nausea and force the person to lie down in a dark room, to try to sleep it off.

Cluster headaches are usually located on one side of the head, and are more common in men. This type of headache does not usually feel like a throbbing headache, but is more like a dull solid pain. Cluster headaches can last over a period of days, but generally last for less than an hour.

Acetaminaphen, aspirin, and NSAID's like Advil or Motrin can usually help tension and cluster headaches. Migraine headaches often don't respond to over the counter medications, but your physician can prescribe medications to cope with the pain, and medications that help prevent them altogether.

Also, your physician can work with you to strategize lifestyle changes that can help to prevent all three types of headache.