We all experience headache and knowing the most likely cause can both reassure and enable you to find the right type of help.
Different types of headache have different sources of pain, patterns of symptoms and different treatment approaches.
Tension Type
Tension type headache is common. They may last minutes to weeks. The causes are thought to include; stress, tiredness, clenching or grinding of teeth, bad posture, irregular meals, dehydration and eyestrain from, for example, computer overuse. The exact mechanism of pain is unsure and thought to include decreased blood flow to tight muscles, fascia (connective tissue) and changes in the brains interpretation of pain. It may present as a constant, dull band-like pressure or pain around the head or as muscle pain or tension in the shoulders and neck. Pulsating or throbbing in quality, nausea or vomiting is normally not present. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen is likely to help these headaches and because of this manual therapy, such as Osteopathy, is often not sought unless they start re-occurring. Never-the-less, Osteopathy has a very useful role to play in the management of this headache type.
Cervicogenic – (Cervico – of the neck, Genic – originating from)
Thought to come from the upper cervical spine, muscles, meninges, and internal skull. There may be complications with problems such as teeth clenching, grinding or issues with the jaw joint. It usually presents as a one sided headache that originates in the neck, travels over the back of the head and may circle around the ear and eye. Stiffness and decreased movement of the neck is often present aggravated by neck movements. These headaches can often occur after a head or neck injury but may also come on for seemingly no known reason. Over-the-counter pain relief does not normally help these headaches but Osteopathy often has a great deal to offer sufferers of this headache type as we address the underlying musculo-skeletal dysfunctions and imbalances.
Migraine
Migraines often have a trigger such as hormonal changes, musculo-skeletal tension or food sensitivities and may have a genetic component. They are often heralded by a change in vision or smell and may form a recognisable pattern for the sufferer. One of the mechanisms is thought to be altered blood flow to the brain and nausea and vomiting may be experienced. Pain is described as pulsating or throbbing and often light sensitivity develops. Prescribed migraine medicine may help but paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually have little effect. Depending on the triggers responsible for the onset of migraine, manual therapy may have a valuable role to play. Taking a “headache diary” can often be helpful in discovering patterns to the onset of a migraine. Knowing why your migraine starts can be the most helpful form of management.
Book an appointment here or, if you would like any more advice, please give us a phone call and we will do our best to help.
Seek medical advice if you have a headache that persists despite treatment, medication or if:
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Headaches are getting worse over time
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Sudden onset of severe headache
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Headaches associated with high fever, stiff neck, or rash
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Onset of headache after head injury
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Problems with vision or profound dizziness
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Headaches associated with severe vomiting