Headaches

Most headaches are tension headaches, a dull band of pressure that eases with rest and simple pain relief. A headache behind the eyes is usually tension, sinus pressure, or eye strain. A few headaches are warning signs, and those need care right away.

What Is It

A headache is pain anywhere in the head or upper neck. Most headaches are the problem themselves, not a sign of another disease. The common types are:

Tension headache: a tight band of pressure across the forehead, temples, or back of the head. The most common type.
Sinus headache: pressure in the forehead, cheeks, and behind the eyes, often with a cold or allergies.
Cluster headache: severe, stabbing pain around one eye that strikes in daily bursts for weeks.
Migraine: throbbing, often one sided pain with nausea and light sensitivity. Read more about migraine.

Symptoms

Where it hurts is a useful clue:

Behind the eyes: tension, sinus pressure, eye strain, or a cluster headache
Top of the head: usually tension, often from stress, poor sleep, or posture
Back of the head and neck: tension or neck strain
Forehead and cheeks: sinus pressure, especially with congestion
One side, throbbing: often a migraine

Not sure it’s a regular headache? A headache that feels different from your usual ones, or keeps getting worse over days, deserves an exam. A sudden, explosive headache is an emergency.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider checks blood pressure, vision, and nerves to rule out a serious cause. A headache that will not let up can often be treated, and sinus congestion may be the cause. Frequent or changing headaches may need a neurologist.

At home:

Over the counter pain relievers, but no more than 2 to 3 days a week
Drink water and eat regular meals
Rest in a dark, quiet room
Heat or gentle massage for neck and shoulder tension

Most tension headaches ease within a few hours.

When to Get Care for a Headache

Watch at Home

A familiar, mild headache that eases with rest or pain relievers
A headache that comes with a cold or congestion
Tension from stress, poor sleep, or screen time

Come to Urgent Care Today

A headache lasting more than 2 to 3 days
Headaches that are getting more frequent
Sinus pressure with fever, or lasting more than 10 days
A mild headache after a minor bump to the head, with no other symptoms
Pain relievers no longer helping

Go to the Emergency Department

A sudden, severe headache, the worst of your life
A headache with fever and a stiff neck
A headache with weakness, numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, or vision loss
A headache after a head injury with vomiting, confusion, or passing out
A new, severe headache during pregnancy or after age 50

FAQ

What causes a headache behind the eyes?

A headache behind the eyes is most often caused by tension, sinus pressure, or eye strain from screens. Cluster headaches and migraines can also cause pain behind one eye.

What causes a headache on top of the head?

A headache on top of the head is usually a tension headache, often linked to stress, poor sleep, or tight neck muscles. It typically feels like pressure or a tight band.

When should I worry about a headache?

Worry about a headache that is sudden and severe, comes with fever and a stiff neck, follows a head injury, or causes weakness, confusion, or vision changes. These need the emergency department.

How long should a headache last?

A tension headache usually lasts 30 minutes to a few hours, though some last a few days. A headache lasting more than 2 to 3 days, or one that keeps returning, should be checked.

What is a rebound headache?

A rebound headache is a daily headache caused by taking pain relievers too often. Limit them to 2 or 3 days a week, and talk to a provider if you need them more.

Can urgent care treat a headache?

Yes, urgent care can evaluate and treat most headaches. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can check for serious causes of a headache. No appointment or referral is needed.

Last reviewed October 2026