Headaches are among the most common types of pain and a leading reason for missing work or school. According to the National Headache Foundation, over 28 million Americans suffer from migraines alone.

Given the wide range of causes—from colds to hormonal changes—it can be difficult to know what type of headache you’re experiencing and how best to treat it.

6 Common Types of Headaches

1. TMJ Headache
TMJ headaches originate from issues in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often due to teeth grinding, tension, or arthritis. Pain can radiate to the temples, cheeks, ears, neck, and shoulders.

2. Sinus Headache
These headaches result from inflamed or blocked sinuses and cause pain behind the eyes, nose, and cheeks—typically worsening when bending forward or after waking. They may be triggered by allergies, infections, or even tumors.

3. Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are intensely painful, come on suddenly, and usually affect one side of the head. They tend to occur at the same time each day and are often accompanied by a red eye and nasal congestion. Episodes may come and go for months, followed by headache-free periods.

4. Tension Headache
The most common type, tension headaches stem from stress, anxiety, or lack of sleep. They create pressure or tightness around the forehead, temples, and scalp, and can last from minutes to several days.