A headache is a throbbing, continuous, severe or mild pain in your head or face. It is a common condition that people experience several times at some point in their lives.  

While most headaches do not involve significant risks, certain forms can pose a more serious problem. Understanding the various headache types and symptoms and their causes is critical to addressing and relieving them effectively. Let’s dig in to learn more.

What are the Common Types of Headaches?

Did you know that there are more than 150 types of headaches? Primary headaches and secondary headaches make up the two main categories.

Primary Headaches

Primary headaches result from the malfunction or overactivity of pain-sensitive brain regions. They are not signs of an underlying medical condition.

The following are some of the most common primary headaches:

Tension Headaches

This type of headache occurs as a result of scalp muscle issues. If your spine is out of alignment, you may feel tugging and pulling on the muscles near the base of your skull. This can lead to tense muscles on top of your head, resulting in a tension headache.

Despite how uncomfortable this condition may be, a chiropractor can work with you to create a personalised treatment plan to address the problem.

Migraines

This condition involves severe and throbbing headaches frequently accompanied by additional symptoms such as vomiting, nausea and light and sound sensitivity. 

Numerous factors, such as hormone changes, particular diets, and stress, might cause them. Some migraines last for several hours, which is very painful and inconvenient.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are agonising headaches that recur in patterns or clusters over time, typically extending from a few weeks to a few months.

You may feel a cluster headache pain on one-half of your head. The affected eye may droop, have a tiny pupil, or turn red. You may also suffer from a stuffy or runny nose. Some people also claim that their eyes begin to tear up and water during cluster headaches.

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches may result from an underlying medical problem. Suffering from this condition may be a symptom or a sign of a disease.

These secondary headaches may only be trivial and can be resolved after treating the underlying medical issue.

Sinus Headaches 

Sinusitis or sinus infections cause pain and pressure in the brow, cheeks, and nose.

Cervicogenic Headaches 

This condition may lead to problems with the cervical spine and neck, including muscular strain or misalignment.

Medication Overuse Headaches 

Secondary headaches can result from the overuse of pain relievers or drugs, worsening the initial headache problem.

What are the Main Causes of Headaches?

The interaction of impulses between your brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves causes headache discomfort. 

Various methods stimulate certain nerves that impact muscles and blood vessels during a headache. These nerves transmit pain signals to the brain, resulting in a headache.

Nerve-related headaches, such as tension and cervicogenic headaches, can benefit from chiropractic care. You can relieve the pain through headache medication and treatment while knowing the underlying cause of your headaches. 

Never ignore the signs, know how to prevent headaches and seek professional help as necessary. 

How Chiropractic Care Can Help?

Chiropractic therapy can help with nerve-related headaches such as tension and cervicogenic headaches. Chiropractors focus on spinal health and musculoskeletal disorders that may contribute to headaches.

You can improve your spine’s alignment and functionality through various chiropractic procedures and adjustments. You can ease headaches through chiropractic therapy in the following ways:

Posture Improvement

Professional chiropractors can advise you effectively on headache symptom treatment and keep a neutral spine while moving about daily activities and at a desk. You can lower the risk of tension headaches by correcting postural problems.

Spinal Adjustment

Chiropractors can adjust your spine to address misalignments, lowering the frequency and intensity of tension and cervicogenic headaches.

Muscle Relaxation

Chiropractic professionals may employ trigger point therapy, massage or stretching exercises to ease tight shoulders and neck muscles that can cause headaches.

Lifestyle Advice

You can make significant lifestyle adjustments, such as those related to nutrition, exercise, and stress management, as chiropractors recommend ways to help reduce migraine triggers.

Summary

Speaking with a medical professional is crucial if your headaches make it difficult for you to move normally or even affect your mood. 

If you suffer from headaches, this can be a major quality-of-life concern. Fortunately, you do not have to cope with this on your own. MVMT Sports Chiropractors can work with you one-on-one to determine the main cause of your headache.

If you want to eliminate headaches, contact our local chiropractors today. We are ready to help you relieve the pain!