Common Types of Headache

Headache

Headache is one of the many conditions seen by an Osteopath.

Headache is a pain felt in the head or face that often described as throbbing or constant which can affect a person’s daily life. Knowing the type of headache helps you understand better what triggers so that it can be managed.

Migraines

Migraines are most commonly one-sided and are associated with photophobia (sensitivity to light), phonophobia (sensitivity to noise), and auras (a neurological disturbance that occurs prior to the migraines such as flashing lights, a blind spot in your vision, tunnel vision, and many more).

There are lots of triggers for migraines such as diet, lifestyle factors, and muscular tension. The cause of migraines is not well understood but it is believed that an imbalance of the sympathetic nervous system can cause constriction of small blood vessels in the head which can cause a migraine.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are related to pain coming from structures in your necks such as muscles, joints, ligaments or intervertebral discs.

These structures can refer to pain in your eyes, face, and head and can feel like the classic symptoms of a headache. Head and neck movements can cause an increase in pain and sufferers often report a decrease in neck range of motion or tightness felt in the neck. Cervicogenic headaches are most commonly felt in one side of the head and often cause symptoms into the base of the skull, forehead, temples, forehead, and the top of the skull.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are related to tension, or tightness, in the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck. Sufferers often report a band-like pressure around the whole head, symptoms tend to be felt on both sides of the head.

Tension headaches can be very painful and can last for a few days. In rare cases, these headaches can persist for longer periods of time.

Can Osteopathy Treatment help with Headache?

Osteopathy treatment may help manage headaches. If you are suffering from a headache, request to speak to our Osteopath via the button below and learn how we can help.

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