Nearly everyone has experienced a headache at some point. Nearly 90% of Americans have experienced headaches at one time or another. They can be sharp, dull, throbbing, achy, or any other type. It is common to assume that migraines are the cause of headaches that persist, recur, or become severe. There are many types of headaches. Migraines is one type. However, tension headaches are the most common.
Tipes of Headaches
Below is a list of headaches and how to distinguish them. This is a type of “band-like” pain or “compression” that occurs most often in the forehead, back of the skull, and neck. These headaches can either be unilateral or spread throughout the head. It is usually mild to moderately severe and feels like a dull, not-pulsating, pain. Although migraines can cause nausea and sensitivities to light or sound, they are not usually as severe as those caused by migraines.
Tension headaches may be caused by misalignments of the spine, muscle tension trigger points trauma, stress, or postural strain. Migraine headaches may be unilateral (one-sided), or bilateral, and are more common in females. Sometimes, patients can predict when their migraines will occur.
Migraines
Migraines are described as pulsating, moderate to severe in intensity, and can be associated with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Migraines can be caused by stress, excess sleep, pregnancy, red wine, chocolate, nuts and alcohol. Cluster headaches are often described as unilateral attacks with pain behind the eye. These headaches are the most common, but they can be severe.
These headaches are usually short-term and last for a long time before returning to normal. The pain can be described as severe and sharp on one side. It may also cause nausea and sensitivity. Cluster headaches can be caused by stress, allergies or reactions to certain foods. Incidence is higher in the spring and fall.
These headaches are caused in part by pressure and congestion in the sinuses below and above the eyes and in the forehead. These headaches often feel similar to migraines and are often misdiagnosed. The pain is often described as dull and achy as well as the increased pressure within the sinuses.
Conclusion
Each type of headache is different and can have different causes. However, most, if not all, can be treated at your local chiropractor’s office. There are many options to help your headaches, including chiropractic adjustments, trigger point therapy, and physical therapies like ultrasound or electrical muscle stimulation.