There is nothing more disturbing than a headache. When you get a throbbing headache, your life becomes a total mess. You are unable to focus on your work as you cannot think properly. The worst part is that the pain often gets extended to the neck and upper part of the back as well. Some people get headaches when they sit in front of the computer for long hours, some may get it if they spend some time in a noisy place, and others may get when their mind is under a lot of stress. Causes The main causes of throbbing headaches are as follows: Tension Headache This is a constant dull headache. It is caused when the muscles of the scalp, shoulder, and neck area get contracted due to tension. Initially, one gets throbbing pain in the back of head, which may spread to other areas. It is mostly related to stress and hidden anxiety. Those who over exert themselves and work continuously for a long time holding the head in the same position are likely to get such kind of headache. Lack of sleep or incorrect sleeping position can also make these muscles tensed and produce sharp pain in the head. Migraine There are many people who get severe headaches due to migraine. The exact caused behind such pain has not yet been identified, but it is believed that some irregular activity inside the brain triggers off such pain. It is found more in women than in men, and it could be hereditary. It is often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and sensitivity towards light. Some people get the throbbing pain due to migraine only on one side of the head. This pain worsens with activities. Cluster Headache This is an extremely painful, chronic condition that can lead to pounding sensation in the head, daily for several months. Then, one may stop getting it for a brief period of time. It affects more men compared to women. It gives a sudden headache on one side of the head. It mostly affects adolescents and middle-aged people. The exact cause behind cluster headache has not yet been ascertained, but researchers believe that release of antibodies like histamine may cause this kind of headache. Smokers and drinkers are prone to cluster headache. It is often accompanied by other symptoms like excessive tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion. Other Causes Sinus infection can also be one of the causative factors for this headache. This pain is felt at the front part of the head. If people above the age of 50 start getting sudden headaches, then it could be due to temporal arteritis. It is caused as a result of inflammation or damage in the blood vessels that carry blood to the head. Other rare causes are brain tumor, stroke, or infection in the brain like meningitis or encephalitis. These are serious conditions, which require immediate medical attention. Headache Relief The first thing that needs to be done is to take some rest for about half an hour in a quiet, dark room. This can relax the muscles, and you will feel better. Place an ice bag on the forehead while lying down to reduce the pain. You can take some over-the-counter pain relieving medicines to get relief from headache. However, do not use them for a long time as they tend to have side effects in the long run. A good massage of the neck and scalp can reduce the stress from the area and relieve the pain instantly. It should be followed by a hot bath for best results. However, if the headache is accompanied by symptoms like lack of balance, slurred speech, vision problems, etc., then you should not try any self medication and seek medical help as early as possible. When you get throbbing headaches quite frequently, try to keep yourself in a relaxed state of mind. Eat very light foods that are easily digestible. Certain foods like chocolates and cheese may trigger headaches, and hence, should be avoided. Also, stay away from alcohol as long as you get such headaches. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.