Understanding the Different Types of Headaches and Their Causes

Headaches are very common, most of us would have experienced a headache at least once in our lives. There are many different types of headaches. Infact the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) defines more than 150 different types of headaches!! Some of the more common headaches include, Migraines, Tension Headaches, Cervicogenic headaches, Hormonal headaches and headaches relating to allergies.

A quick introduction to these main headaches:

• Migraine Headaches occur in about 15% of the general population. Migraines are still not well understood but it is thought that genetics and some environmental factors play a role. Migraines are thought to be triggered by external stimuli, common ones include hormones, certain foods or additives, some medications, alterations in sleep patterns, stress or even things like bright lights and strong smells.

  
  

• Tension Type Headaches as the name suggests it is caused by tension and stress. They often feel like a dull aching sensation over the whole head, tenderness and sensitivity in the neck, forehead, scalp and shoulder muscles. Anyone can get a tension headache as they are often triggered by stress or poor posture.

  
  

• Cervicogenic Headaches are neck related headaches. These headaches are caused by stiffness and misalignment in the neck and midback. It is often more one sided and coincides with neck or mid back pain. It is often worsened by neck movements or holding an awkward head position for a length of time.

  
  

• Hormonal headaches - women commonly experience headaches that are linked to hormonal fluctuations. Menstruation, birth control pills, pregnancy and menopause all effect oestrogen levels which can cause headaches. Headaches that are specifically associated with the menstrual cycle are known as menstrual migraines which can occur before, during or after menses as well as during ovulation.

  
  

• Allergy/sinus related headaches - The pain with these headaches is often focused in the sinus area of the face. They are a result of inflammation and congestion in the sinus cavities of the face and skull. It is often described as feeling like a dull pressure or feeling of 'fullness' in the head and face.

The first step to a potential treatment for headaches is figuring out which headache you are experiencing and what might be causing it. The best place to start is talking to a trusted healthcare professional. It is ideal if you can keep a log of your headaches in a diary. Include information like sleep routine, everything you have eaten that day, water intake, stress levels, places you have been and if you experience any other symptoms at the same time. This information is invaluable to practitioners as we can look for trends that may help us to discover the cause of your headaches.

Can a Chiropractor help with your headaches??

Depending on the cause of the headache your Chiropractor may be able to assist. Some evidence suggests that spinal manipulative therapy may help decrease the symptoms of a cervicogenic headache, tension headaches and there is even some suggestions that regular chiropractic care may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in some people.

Hopefully this compilation of information about headaches has been useful for you. If you suffer from headaches and would like to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional, I would be happy to perform an assessment and help guide you in the right direction to get your headaches under control.