Tension or muscular headaches are 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. 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. Massage the base of your skull with your thumbs.