Headaches: Identifying the Type and Finding Relief
If you've ever experienced a headache, you’re certainly not alone. Headaches are one of the most common ailments, affecting millions of people worldwide. At Neurohealth Wellness, we understand how debilitating headaches can be and are committed to helping you find relief. Understanding the different types of headaches and the treatments we offer can make a significant difference in managing and overcoming this common issue.
What Are the Most Common Types of Headaches?
Headaches vary widely in terms of their cause, duration, and severity. Among the many types, the four most common are:
- Migraines
- Cervicogenic Headaches
- Tension-Type Headaches
- Cluster Headaches
Let’s explore each type and how Neurohealth Wellness can help you.
1. Migraines: More Than Just a Headache
Migraines are often misunderstood. Typically beginning on one side of the head, especially around the front, side, or eye, migraines cause throbbing or pulsating pain. This pain can spread, becoming diffuse and affecting the entire head. Migraines are often debilitating, with symptoms that can force individuals to rest.
Common Symptoms of Migraines:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia)
- Throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side
- Worsening symptoms with physical activity
Some individuals experience an “aura” before a migraine. This includes visual disturbances like flashes of light, zigzag patterns, or blind spots. Migraines can last from 1 to 72 hours and may occur episodically or chronically.
How Neurohealth Wellness Can Help:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Alleviate nerve irritation and improve nervous system function.
- Nutritional Guidance: Identify dietary triggers to reduce migraine frequency.
- Stress Management: Implement relaxation techniques and mindfulness strategies.
2. Cervicogenic Headaches: The Neck Connection
Cervicogenic headaches originate in the neck or upper spine, caused by issues in the cervical spine’s soft tissues, joints, or nerves. These headaches are often mistaken for migraines due to overlapping symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches:
- Steady, achy, or throbbing pain, usually on one side
- Pain radiating from the neck to the front or side of the head
- Discomfort that spreads to the shoulder and arm
- Sensitivity to light and sound (less common than in migraines)
Cervicogenic headaches are typically triggered by poor ergonomics, prolonged computer use, or physical strain. Addressing the root cause is essential.
How Neurohealth Wellness Can Help:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Correct spinal misalignments to reduce irritation.
- Manual Therapy: Relieve tight muscles and improve mobility.
- Ergonomic Advice: Prevent posture-related strain.
3. Tension-Type Headaches: The Most Common Headache
Tension-type headaches are characterised by a band-like sensation around the head. They are typically linked to stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Common Symptoms of Tension-Type Headaches:
- Tightening or pressing pain around both sides of the head
- Mild to moderate pain lasting from 30 minutes to 7 days
- Lack of nausea or vomiting
- Not aggravated by physical activity
How Neurohealth Wellness Can Help:
- Massage Therapy: Reduce muscle tension through trigger point therapy and myofascial release.
- Stress Management: Develop coping strategies to lower stress levels.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Enhance posture and daily habits.
4. Cluster Headaches: Intense and Debilitating
Cluster headaches are among the most severe types, characterised by intense, one-sided pain around the eye or temple. These headaches occur in cycles, with periods of remission.
Common Symptoms of Cluster Headaches:
- Severe pain around or behind the eye
- Tearing, redness, or nasal congestion on the affected side
- Restlessness and agitation
- Attacks lasting from 15 to 180 minutes, occurring several times daily
How Neurohealth Wellness Can Help:
- Chiropractic Care: Improve nervous system function and reduce triggers.
- Nutritional Guidance: Identify and eliminate dietary triggers like alcohol or processed foods.
- Holistic Approaches: Combine therapies for long-term relief.
Finding Relief at Neurohealth Wellness
At Neurohealth Wellness, our team is dedicated to identifying the root causes of your headaches and tailoring a treatment plan that works for you. We offer a range of evidence-based therapies designed to address migraines, cervicogenic headaches, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches.
Our Treatment Options Include:
- Chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal alignment and reduce nerve irritation.
- Manual therapy, such as massage and myofascial release, to relax tight muscles.
- Lifestyle and ergonomic advice to prevent recurring headaches.
- Nutritional guidance to avoid common triggers.
- Stress management techniques to reduce headache frequency.
For further information or to book an appointment, call us at (02) 9905 9099 or email us at neurohealth@icloud.com. Alternatively, visit our online booking page at www.neurohealthwellness.com.au/booking.
Let Neurohealth Wellness help you find lasting relief and take back control of your life.
References
- Goadsby, P. J., Holland, P. R., Martins-Oliveira, M., Hoffmann, J., Schankin, C., & Akerman, S. (2017). Pathophysiology of Migraine: A Disorder of Sensory Processing. Physiological Reviews, 97(2), 553-622. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00034.2015
- Bogduk, N. (2014). Cervicogenic Headache: An Assessment of the Evidence on Clinical Diagnosis, Invasive Tests, and Treatment. The Lancet Neurology, 13(9), 859-860. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70187-3
- Bendtsen, L., Ashina, S., Moore, A., Steiner, T. J., & Tassorelli, C. (2020). Muscles and Their Role in Tension-Type Headache: Implications for Treatment. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 21, 112. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-020-01167-5
- May, A., & Schwedt, T. J. (2020). Cluster Headache: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. The Lancet, 396(10258), 843-855. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31524-1
- Silberstein, S. D., & Lipton, R. B. (2018). Chronic Daily Headache Including Transformation of Migraine. Neurologic Clinics, 17(2), 319-349. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0733-8619(05)70088-X
