Understanding Different Types of Headache: Diagnosis, Management, and Chiropractic Treatment
Updated: 5 days ago
Many people experience headache at least once through their life time, even though intensity and frequency may vary depending on individuals. While headache is one of the most common conditions people seek for chiropractic care, not all headaches are the same. It is known that there are more than 200 different types of headache. Therefore, understanding different types of headache can help long-term solution for people who suffer from headache.
Understand Different Types of Headache
Among more than 200 different types of headache, common types of headaches we see at Back and Beyond Chiropractic are:
Migraine
Tension-type Headache
Cervicogenic Headache
Although they may feel similar, causes and management can be very different.
Migraine:
Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause moderate to severe headache and nausea. Research shows that migraine affects 4.9 million Australians. It is more common in females than males due to hormonal factors (e.g. change in hormonal levels during menstrual cycle).
Common symptoms include:
Throbbing or pulsating pain
Usually one-sided headache
Sensitivity to light, sound or smell
Nausea or vomiting
Visual disturbances (aura)
Headache lasts for between 4 to 72 hours
Tension-type headaches:
Tension-type headaches commonly feel like a dull ache or a tight band around the head, often affecting both sides. Stress and sleep difficulties can contribute, although these headaches are not simply caused by tight muscles. Everyday activities usually do not make the pain worse.
Common symptoms include:
A dull pressure or tight band around the head
Pain on both sides
Mild to moderate intensity
Tightness in neck and shoulders
Not worsened by normal activity
Cervicogenic headaches:
A cervicogenic headache originates from a problem in the neck, with pain felt in the head. It may occur alongside restricted neck movement and can be aggravated by certain neck movements or sustained positions.
Common symptoms include:
Pain worsened by turning your head
Pain starting in the upper part of the neck (base of the skull)
Pain is often associated with one side
Stiff neck or reduced neck movement
Headache triggered by poor posture (e.g. desk work, prolonged phone use)
Common Causes of Headache
Triggers and causes vary between people and headache types. Common causes include:
Stress (e.g. emotional stress from work or relationship)
Hormonal changes
Sleep disruption or irregular sleep
Dehydration
Lack of movement, joint & muscle stiffness
Prolonged screen use (computer, tablet, mobile phone)
Alcohol use
What Can I Do at Home to Manage Headache?
Understanding the main trigger for your headache is crucial part for successful management. Simple habits can improves frequency and intensity of headache.
Drink water regularly and avoid skipping meals
Keep a consistent sleep routine: avoid phone, tablet used at least 30minutes before sleep (to avoid overstimulation of sleep -which can affect your quality sleep)
Take breaks from prolonged screen use. Avoid poor posture, use stand-up desk where appropriate
Use of standing desk can improve posture and avoid strain of postural muscles Gentle exercise (walking, swimming) or stretching regularly
When Should You Seek Professional ?
You should seek professional help if you experience following:
Headaches are getting more frequent and worsening
Headache associated with fever and night sweat
Headache comes with neurological deficits (e.g. confusion, visual changes or speech difficulty)
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Understanding the root cause of problem and correct diagnosis is crucial for managing headache effectively. Research has shown chiropractic treatment is effective for migraine and cervicogenic headache.
At Back and Beyond Chiropractic, we combine a number of supportive therapies such as:
Chiropractic Adjustment
Dry needling & Cupping Therapy
Rehabilitation/Postural Exercise
Ergonomic Advice
Visit Back And Beyond Chiropractic In Concord
Experiencing recurring headaches or headaches with neck discomfort? Book a consultation or call us 0449 858 802 to discuss your symptoms and explore the expert chiropractic care.
Located at 13 Gipps Street, Concord, we welcome patients from Burwood, Rhodes, Five Dock and across Sydney’s Inner West. Our clinic is open seven days a week, with street parking along Gipps Street and consultations available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean.
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