Does your head hurt? Do you have migraines? Do you have headaches more than once a month? Have you tried everything from ibuprofen, and aspirin, to change your pillow? You might be trying to fix the wrong headache!
Did you know that there are several different types of headaches? Here are a few examples of different types of headaches:
Migraines: Migraines are a very common type of headache, and typically seen as a "really bad headache" according to the general public. These types of headaches are typically split into two different types of migraines, although there are as many as 7 different kinds of migraines! There is such thing as a "common migraine," which is associated with having no aura. It typically has no warning signs, can be associated with nausea, vomiting, changes in mood, blurred vision, fatigue, and even loss of appetite. The other type of migraine is called a migraine with an "aura," or a "classic," or "complicated" migraine. The symptoms of this type of migraine can display anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour before it actually happens. Most migraines tend to be located on one side of the head and can lead to pain in the eyes and can be aggravated by bright lights, or loud sounds. Sometimes migraines can be brought on by a type of food someone eats, or a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals.
Tension Headaches: This is the most common type of headache. They are experienced by up to 80% of people. A tension-type headache is a very specific type of headache related to tension in the muscles surrounding the head and neck. Tension headaches are very common and can range greatly in their severity. These headaches usually have a gradual onset and bring tenderness to the head, and muscles of the neck. These types of headaches can be attributed to the continual amounts of stress added to everyday life. As people get more stressed, they carry more tension in their shoulders and neck. It should also be noted that poor posture can cause tension headaches as well! As our generation continues to droop their heads while looking at text messages, snapping selfies, and surf the web - we are continually adding stress to the muscles of the neck and upper back, which are leading factors to the cause of tension headaches.
Cluster headaches: These types of headaches are considered the most painful types of headaches. They can wake you up at night and be very debilitating. They tend to reoccur over and over again for a period of weeks and are limited to one side of the head. They usually last between 15 minutes to 3 hours long and can reoccur up to 8 times a day. Men are much more likely to receive cluster headaches. These types of headaches can also show the pain that travels across the forehead, down the face, and even to the gumline and lips.
What can help my headache?
Come in and see the chiropractor! Recent evidence proves that chiropractic care is one of the leading causes of combatting headaches! Chiropractic adjustments help the nervous system stay healthy and fight poor posture. Chiropractors can also help retrain the overactive muscles of the neck and upper back which can cause some headaches. Chiropractors are well equipped to treat various types of headaches and properly trained to diagnose your help and formulate a proper treatment plan to reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches, and even eliminate them completely!
Come get a massage! Massages are stress relieving and feel good. Licensed massage therapists are skilled workers who can work out all that tension and stress anytime you feel it building up. Getting a massage is a great way to treat your headache!
Keep a diet and lifestyle Journal. Keeping a journal of the things you eat and do will track what things might trigger your headache. If there are vitamin deficiencies in your diet your local chiropractor can point those things out to you with a simple office visit, and help you manage a strategy to combat your pain.
