Headaches, what are the different types, causes, prevention and possible solutions? We’ll explore the different types and possible causes of headaches, including; tension, cluster, sinus and migraines.
Tension
Symptoms may include:
- Dull and persistent pain, which varies in intensity
- Tenderness in the head, neck and shoulders
- Mild sensitivity to light
- Trouble concentrating and sleeping
Possible causes:
- Poor posture at work, home or while driving
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Stress and anxiety
- Underlying medical issue
Cluster
Symptoms may include:
- Excruciating pain
- Usually starting behind one eye and radiating out to other parts of the face (on the same side)
- Watering eye or blocked nostril (on the same side)
The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but may be related to;
- Smoking and alcohol
- Family history / genetics
Sinus
Symptoms may include:
- Pain and pressure in your cheeks and/or forehead
- Pain worsens if you bend over
- Blocked nose
- Achy feeling in your teeth
Possible causes:
- Allergies
- Sinus infection
Migraines
Migraines build up over time and generally consist of 4 stages which are associated with the following symptoms;
- Prodome; mood changes, neck stiffness, increased thirst
- Aura; vision loss, numbness of the face, difficulty speaking
- Attack; throbbing pain on one or both sides of your head, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, lightheadedness and fainting
- Post drome; confusion, moodiness, dizziness, weakness
The exact cause of migraine headaches is unknown, but may be related to;
- Environmental factors such as food, alcohol and stress
- Health factors such as hormonal changes, physical activity and sleep patterns
- Family history / genetics
Everyday things you can do to help prevent headaches
- Reduce stress; easier said than done, but try to find ‘me time’ every week to complete activities that you love (seeing friends, exercising, reading etc.). Your physical and mental health will benefit
- Drink and eat well; skipping meals or not drinking enough water can bring on a headache. Excessive alcohol and caffeine can also trigger a headache
- Check your posture; poor posture causes tension in your upper back, neck and shoulders, which can lead to a headache. This includes having the right pillow
- Monitor your environment; bright lights and strong smells can trigger a headache, avoid them if you need to
If you are already suffering from a headache (tension or migraine) we have some medication free treatments you can try
- Cold compression; applying cold or ice packs to the neck or head area decreases inflammation, slows nerve conduction and constricts blood vessels, all of which may help reduce headache pain
- Visit your Chiropractor; your Chiropractor may be able to help reduce the severity and frequency of your headaches by identifying potential biomechanical causes and addressing any dysfunctional movement patterns of the jaw, neck and back
- Seated neck massage; using your thumbs, apply gentle pressure in a circular motion to the muscles just below the base of your skull (suboccipital) for 30 seconds
- Rest, relax, check; find a quiet place to rest, dim the lights, and check the prevention list above (do I need to drink more water? Am I overly stressed? etc.)
Some headaches will require further investigation and may need medical treatment, please reach out to a health professional for further information if you think you need to
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