Treatment to relieve tension and migraine headaches includes pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen/Tylenol), medications (triptans, trigger point injections), rest, ice, heat, massage, biofeedback, and others.

There are a number of different types of headaches, and relief of a headache depends on the type. The most common types of headaches include:

Tension headaches
- The most common form of headache
- Causes pressure or tightness on both sides of the head
Migraine headaches
- Often affect just one side of the head
- Feels like pounding or throbbing pain
Sinus headaches
- Pain and pressure in the sinus area
- Not a medical diagnosis but a description of symptoms of headaches
- Studies have found that more than 80% of people who have self-diagnosed or been diagnosed with sinus headaches actually had migraines or tension headaches
Other types of headaches that are less common include:
- Cluster headaches, which are short but painful headaches that can occur for weeks or months at a time
- Chronic daily headaches
- Medication overuse headaches
- Exercise-induced headaches

How to Get Rid of Headaches

Treatment to relieve tension and migraine headaches includes:

Pain relievers
- Aspirin
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  - Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  - Naproxen (Aleve)
  - Ketoprofen (Orudis)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Analgesics containing caffeine often work best
Other medications
- Triptans
- Trigger point injections
Non-medical treatments
- Rest
- Ice
- Heat
- Massage
- Biofeedback

Migraine headaches may also be treated with:

Anti-nausea medications (antiemetics)
- Chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, droperidol, and diphenhydramine
Ergotamine preparations
- Ergotamine (Ergomar)
- Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal)
Selective serotonin 1F receptor agonist
- Lasmiditan (Reyvow)
Calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) antagonists
- Rimegepant (Nurtec)
- Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy)
Neuromodulation
- Transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation
- Remote electrical neuromodulation
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS)
Peripheral nerve blocks
- Occipital nerve blocks
- Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks

Treatment to relieve sinus headaches caused by sinusitis may include:

Pain relievers
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Acetaminophen
Saline nasal irrigation
Intranasal glucocorticoids
Intranasal saline spray
Intranasal ipratropium bromide
Oral decongestants
Intranasal decongestants
Antihistamines
Mucolytics such as guaifenesin
Antibiotics, if sinusitis is caused by bacteria (most cases of sinusitis are caused by viruses, and do not require treatment with antibiotics)

What Causes a Headache?

Tension headaches can be caused by:

Stress
Withdrawal from caffeine
Suddenly stopping medications that contain caffeine
Lack of sleep/fatigue
Hunger
Weather changes
Certain foods and drinks, such as chocolate, processed foods with monosodium glutamate (msg), and alcohol

Migraine headaches may be triggered by many of the same things that can trigger tension headaches. Additionally, migraines may be triggered by:

Bright lights
Certain smells
Exposure to smoke
Changes in estrogen levels for women
Certain prescription medications, such as nitroglycerin and estrogen

What is called a sinus headache is usually not caused by sinus inflammation (sinusitis) but by migraines or tension headaches. Only about 3% to 5% of sinus headaches are truly caused by inflammation of the sinuses.

Other causes of sinus headache-type pain may include:

Tooth clenching or grinding
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
Dental infection
Trigeminal nerve pain
Temporal arteritis (associated with scalp pain, pain in the temple, jaw pain, and vision changes on one side)
Other neurologic causes of facial pain

How Is a Headache Diagnosed?

Headaches are diagnosed with a history and physical exam. The type of headache you have may be diagnosed by the type, frequency, and severity of symptoms.

Tests used to diagnose the type or cause of the headache include:

Computerized tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
Lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
Nasal endoscopy

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References

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/causes-of-headaches

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/headaches-in-adults-the-basics?search=headache&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-of-headache-in-adults?search=sinus%20headache&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~89&usage_type=default&display_rank=2

https://www.ihateheadaches.org/what-diseases-cause-secondary-headaches

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/tension-type-headache-in-adults-acute-treatment?search=headache%20treatment%27&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-treatment-of-migraine-in-adults?search=headache%20treatment&source=search_result&selectedTitle=7~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=7

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/uncomplicated-acute-sinusitis-and-rhinosinusitis-in-adults-treatment?search=sinusitis%20treatment&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H17857310

How Do I Relieve a Headache?