Headache Types: Part 1
Common Headache Types
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches refer to headaches which originate from tissues and structures in the cervical spine or neck. The headache is generally a constant, strong, yet dull pain. The most common location of pain is usually above the eye, the side of the head, the back of the head at the base of the skull or the upper neck area. The headache can last for days and reoccur periodically until resolved. The headache may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing of the ears, and sensitivity to light and sound - similar to migraine headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches are caused by irritation or injury to the nerves, muscles and joints of the upper neck region, resulting in local neck pain as well as referred pain to the side of the head or face. This headache can be precipitated or made worse by head and neck movements, and by applying deep pressure to the muscles of the upper cervical area.
Chiropractic care can be a great way to eliminate these headaches. If you ignore the problems in cervical spine, the headache may continue to persist and worsen. Patients need to be warned that relying on pain relievers to remedy this type of headache does nothing to correct the cause of the headache and generally worsens the headache in what's known as the "rebound effect".
Muscle Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, representing approximately 60% of all headaches. These headaches are caused by the continuous contraction of the muscles in the neck and upper back region. This sustained muscle contraction is usually a result of one or a combination of the following:
- cervical/neck misalignments and faulty neck biomechanics
- previous neck/upper back injury- not properly rehabilitated
- poor posture
- Excessive emotional stress
- anxiety or depression
- prolonged sitting or driving
- improper sleeping habits
Characteristically, these headaches are generally mild to moderate in intensity and can last from hours to days. There is a constant pressure sensation, like a tight band wrapped around the head. There is usually pain and tenderness in the area of the neck and shoulder with pain starting in the base of the skull and spreading outwards to affect other areas.
Chiropractors have great success treating muscle tension headaches. By utilizing spinal manipulative therapy, physical therapy modalities, therapeutic exercises and stretches, soft tissue techniques such as trigger point therapy and massage, and by counseling on lifestyle modification, tension headaches can become a thing of the past.
Post-Traumatic Headaches
Post-traumatic headaches are caused head or neck injury, such as a whiplash-type injury or blow to the head. The resulting headache varies from person to person. Most commonly, the resulting post-traumatic headache is one of the following:
- post-traumatic cervico-genic headache
- post-traumatic muscle tension headache
- post-traumatic migraine headache
- post-traumatic cluster headache
- post-traumatic vascular headache
The most favorable outcomes are seen with those who seek early treatment. It's also important immediately following any head trauma to rule out subdural hematoma, a potentially fatal condition caused by intracranial bleeding. Chiropractors frequently treat post-traumatic headaches and do so with success.
Again, individuals should be warned that relying on analgesics to remedy post-traumatic headaches does nothing to correct the cause of the headache and generally worsens the headache in what's known as the "rebound effect".
