Headaches are a common complaint that affect people of all ages and can occur due to a variety of reasons. They can be mild or severe, last for a few minutes or several days, and can occur on one or both sides of the head. There are many types of headaches, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Our practice sees many people suffering with headache symptoms and we understand how much headaches can interfere with your every day life. We are here to provide you with a better understanding of what is going on with your body that is causing the headache symptoms and what you can do to manage and get rid of your headaches when possible.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most common types of headaches Chiropractors see in clinic.

1. Tension Headache: Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are caused by muscle tension in the head and neck region. These are sometimes also referred to as Cervicogenic Headaches. They often feel like a tight band around the head and can last for hours or even days. Symptoms may include dull or aching pain, sensitivity to light and noise, and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. The treatment for tension headaches often falls in the scope of what a chiropractor does. Headaches arising from musculoskeletal origins (ie. head and neck muscles and joints) often respond well to physical therapies like Chiropractic care, massage, stretching and heat/cold therapy. The best way to determine how best to treat tension headaches is consult a health professional like a chiropractor for an assessment. 

2. Migraine Headache: Migraine headaches are usually more severe than tension headaches and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The specific mechanism causing migraines is not fully understood however, migraines are thought to be caused by changes in the brain and can last for several hours or even days. Some people may experience auras, or visual disturbances, before the onset of a migraine. Usually migraines form a pattern and reoccur during periods of stress, tension and increased demand on the body. Management of migraine headaches is usually focussed on reducing stressors on the body and improving the functional capacity of the body to resist the triggers of migraine headaches. Chiropractic care often focusses on reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches by improving spinal and musculoskeletal function, at home stretches and strengthening as well as minimising exposure to triggers. Other options available to migraine headache sufferers are GP prescribed medications which are generally focussed on reducing the severity of the migraine once the aura is felt.

3. Cluster Headache: Cluster headaches are rare but very painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters. They typically occur on one side of the head and are often accompanied by tearing, redness, and swelling of the eye on that side. Cluster headaches usually last for 15 minutes to three hours and can occur several times a day for weeks or months. Because of the severity of these headaches, it is important to seek care quickly and regularly to avoid the debilitating symptoms. 

4. Sinus Headache: Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation of the sinus passages and are often accompanied by symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, fever, and facial pain. Sinus headaches commonly worsen when you bend forward and lower your head and are usually treated with wither home remedies or over-the-counter pain medication and decongestants.

5. Rebound Headache: Rebound headaches, also known as medication-overuse headaches, occur when people overuse pain medication to treat their headaches. These headaches usually occur when people take pain medication for more than two to three days a week for several weeks or months.

We hope the brief information above gives you a guide for some of the common causes of headaches. It is essential to determine the type of headache to identify the cause and the appropriate treatment and the best way to do that is to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. If you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact us via phone or email, we are happy to answer any of your questions.

At Geebung Family Chiropractic North Brisbane, we understand the discomfort and inconvenience of living with headaches. Our chiropractors provide comprehensive chiropractic care and are committed to help you manage your headaches. If you are experiencing headaches or any other musculoskeletal conditions, please contact us to schedule an appointment.