When your head is aching, pounding or throbbing, you're likely more concerned about finding a pain reliever than you are about identifying which type of headache you have.

But should that actually be your primary concern?

"We've all felt the pain of a headache. What you may not realize, however, is that there are different types of headaches and each type is alleviated and/or prevented in a different way," says Dr. Aarthi Ram, neurologist at Houston Methodist.

For instance, over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease a tension headache, but they're less likely to relieve a migraine or cluster headache.

The next time you feel a headache coming on, Dr. Ram recommends starting with a little headache sleuthing. This way, you can be sure you're addressing your headache as effectively as possible.

If you're frequently experiencing any of these types of headaches, talk to your doctor — especially if your headache is severe and interrupting daily activities.