A routine headache is often characterized by minor pain that eventually goes away. Those with a low threshold for pain may take an over-the-counter medication, but many people don’t consider the ache severe enough for any kind of intervention. Most are able to go about their daily activities without having to stop. In contrast, a throbbing headache can make it impossible to focus on anything else but the pain. These aches are often localized to one particular area. The pulsating rhythm can feel like someone is beating against the inside of your skull, causing pain that only gets worse the longer you are exposed to certain stimuli.