Common Types of Headaches

Common Types of Headaches

 A headache is a symptom of pain anywhere in the head or neck area. Occurs in migraines, tension headaches, sinus headaches, cervical headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), cluster, and danger headaches. Frequent headaches can affect relationships and employment. There is also an increased risk of depression in people with severe and recurring headaches. There are over 200 causes of headaches. We will briefly discuss those common to our office. TENSION HEADACHE A tension headache is caused by postural and muscle problems in the upper spine. It is common for them to start at the base of the skull and extend over the head and behind the eyes. Common causes include poor sleeping habits, forward head posture, poor pillow support, excessive computer work, eye strain, and neck muscle imbalances. These are the most common headaches we see. They usually respond well to chiropractic, muscle trigger point work, medication, stress reduction, and exercise. TEMPORAL MANDIBULAR HEADACHE (TMJ) A temporal mandibular (or TMJ) headache is a pain in the jaws and above the temple or side of the head. They are usually worse with food, especially hard candies, steaks, and chewing gum. There are several causes, including muscle imbalances of the jaw muscles, degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis of the jaw), dental misalignment, and slipped disc ie. These respond well to low-level laser (Pain Res Manag. 2018 May 10, 2018), mobilization, exercise, electrotherapy, and occasionally a dental splint. We usually deal with them together with your dentist. NECK ACHES HEADACHE Cervical headaches are a very common type of headache that originates in the cervical spine. It occurs in about 4 percent of the population. Most of the pain starts in the neck and goes through the head. They are more common in women and those who have suffered cervical spine injuries and concussions. These headaches can originate from any cervical or neck structure, but the most common cause is the facet joint. These respond well to mobilization, adjustments, (Front Neurol. 2016; 7: 40) exercises, and trigger point work. SINUS HEADACHES In sinus headaches, most of the pain is in the front of the head. The most common causes are allergies, inflamed or blocked sinuses, viral and bacterial infections, and referred pain from the neck nerves to the front of the head. Sometimes the patient will experience sinus congestion with continuous flow or blockage. The bacterial infection should always be checked first and treated with antibiotics if present. Sometimes there is none of that and you just have a pain in the front of your head. This is most common with sinus headaches, which are transmitted via the cervical trigeminal nerve. The nerves in the head share a common nerve pool with the nerves of the neck. (See diagram below) This is why some patients respond well to throat treatments.  CLUSTER HEADACHES Cluster headache is a rare type of headache that affects about 1 to 2 people in 1,000. The pain is usually concentrated in one eye, one temple, or the forehead. Usually, the pain is episodic. It occurs and in most cases lasts 30 minutes to 3 hours. They are more common in men and smokers. Alcohol can trigger it. The most common treatment is oxygen. Sumatriptan and zolmitriptan nasal sprays can be used in chronically ill patients. MIGRAINE HEADACHES Migraine headache is a condition characterized by recurring moderate to severe headaches with throbbing pain that usually lasts from four hours to three days, starting on one side of the head but can spread to both sides. Many of our patients will have to lie down in a dark room when this happens and
are often debilitating. Avoiding alcohol and foods high in nitrates, such as ham, bacon, and smoked meats may be helpful in preventing migraines. Caffeine can be beneficial, but it has side effects for some. (J Headache Pain. 2017; 18(1): 107). They respond well to acupuncture, medication, nutritional changes, and exercise.