What type of headache are you suffering from?

TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES Tension type headaches are the most common type of primary headache. Most individuals will experience a tension headache from time to time throughout their life. Some of the characteristics of tension headaches include:

• Pressing or tightening pain
• Located at the forehead and/or back of scalp
• Both sides of the head
• Mild-moderate intensity
• Not aggravated by physical activity
• Can last between 30 minutes – 7 days
• No nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Often present when waking up or shortly after
• Associated muscle stiffness in the scalp, neck and shoulders

The exact causes of tension-type headaches are still uncertain. It was once thought that they were related to muscle contractions of pain sensitive structures of the head, however this theory has largely been disregarded. It is thought that they are likely to occur due to an interaction of different factors that involve pain sensitivity and perception, as well as the role of brain chemicals. Genetic, physical (posture), psychogenic and emotional factors (stress) also play a role in this type of headache.               MIGRAINE HEADACHES Migraines are thought to be a type of neurovascular headache. It is a complex, recurrent headache disorder that is one of the most common complaints in medicine. Although a benign type of headache it has the capacity to cause severe and debilitating pain that can last for days. Typical characteristics of migraine include:

• Throbbing and pulsating pain
• Moderate to severe pain
• Intensifies with physical activity and exertion
• Pain is usually one sided around the forehead and eye regions, although it can be felt elsewhere in the head
• Pain builds over a period of 1-2 hours and can last anywhere between 4-72 hours
• Common associated symptoms – nausea (80%), vomiting (50%), food intolerance, light-headedness
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Some individuals will experience unique symptoms preceding the migraine headache, often referred to as aura. These symptoms can develop over 5-20 minutes and last up to 60 minutes. These symptoms are usually visual changes/disturbances. They can also be sensory and/or motor changes also. The exact cause of migraine headaches is still unknown however it is thought to be related to a complex series of neural and vascular events. Migraines have a strong genetic linkage. Approximately 70% of migraine patients will have a first degree relative with a history of migraine. Migraines are also found to be much more common in females, with approximately 75% of suffers being women. There appears to be many triggers of migraine headaches including:

• Hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy, ovulation)
• Stress
• Excessive or insufficient sleep
• Medications
• Smoking
• Light exposure
• Strong odours
• Head trauma
• Motion sickness
• Lack of exercise
• Fasting or skipping meals
• Red wine
• Certain foods and food additives

            CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES Cervicogenic headache is a term used to describe a headache originating from the upper cervical joints (C1-C4). Multiple structures in this area can be responsible for referring pain into the head. These structures may be the joints, muscle, ligaments and intervertebral discs at these levels. Cervicogenic headaches typically present as one-sided pain at the base of the skull and/or a referred pain to the front/side of head and face. Pain is often exacerbated by neck movement, sustained awkward head position or external pressure over these areas. Some causes of cervicogenic headaches are:

• Trauma/whiplash
• Degenerative joint disease
• Postural strain
• Mechanical strain – joint stiffness, muscle tension

  CHIROPRACTIC MANAGEMENT OF HEADACHES Chiropractic treatment and other allied health services can help with the management of these types of headaches, particularly tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, as well as some migraines. Treatment of these headaches may include:

• Cervical, thoracic and temporomandibular joint (jaw) manipulation
• Cervical, thoracic and temporomandibular joint (jaw) mobilisations
• Muscle release techniques and massage
• Dry needling
• Trigger point release
• Cervical and thoracic stability/mobility exercise training
• Postural training and changes
• Ergonomic advice
• Supplementation
• Identification and avoidance of triggers

When you combine a treatment program that focuses on re- addressing the physical stressors (Chiropractic is an option) and looking into minimising the other mental/chemical influences on a headache cycle, positive results are potentially maximised. It’s a common misconception that chiropractic care is a reactive treatment meant to address existing back pain and discomfort. For this reason, some people simply don’t consider this avenue before an actual problem arises To ensure that you receive the right treatment for your headache an accurate diagnosis is essential. As mentioned, there are many different types of headaches some of which can be related to severe conditions. It is highly important to differentiate the more common and benign forms of headache from those that indicate a serious pathology. Please seek a professional for the diagnosis and management of your headache.]]>