Headache

In our everyday race to wherever we’re going, the headache is more common than the common cold. Putting up with the occasional headache, or numbing it with over the counter pain killers will not correct underlying problems. Most headaches are not indicative of serious illness, but they can be extremely uncomfortable and account for a significant loss of work time. Even one headache every week is not a normal and healthy condition.

There are three main kinds of headaches:

  • Migraines
  • Tension headaches
  • Trauma-related headaches

These differ in their symptoms and root causes.

Migraine Headache

Migraine symptoms include:

A. Sharp, pounding pain
B. Located on one side of the head or the other
C. Visual disturbances
D. Dizziness
E. Nausea
F. Vomiting
G. Sensitivity to light and sound

Common triggers associated with migraine include:

  • Stress or anxiety
  • Hormonal changes
  • Certain medications
  • Food allergies
  • Disturbed sleep patterns
  • Bright or flickering lights

Migraine headache pain severity varies with a change in the blood flow to the brain caused by the arteries in the head constricting and swelling.

Tension Headache

Tension headache symptoms commonly include:

A. A dull pain in the forehead or temple
B. A wide band of pain across or around the head

The common triggers associated with tension headaches include:

  • Stress
  • Fatigue
  • Eye strain
  • Over medication
  • Digestive orders
  • Poor posture
  • Spinal misalignment

Most tension headaches sufferers have: Poor upper back and neck posture Reduced mobility of the neck joints Chronic tightness of the neck and upper shoulder muscles

Trauma Headache

Trauma headache symptoms include:

A. Sensation of tightness
B. Throbbing
C. Constriction in the neck, head, or shoulders
D. A broad area of pain

Sufferers often describe it as a tight band of pressure over their entire head.

Trauma headaches are associated with some sort of injury, usually to the:

  • Head
  • Face
  • Neck
  • Spine

Car accidents are the most common cause of trauma headaches and often develop months or even years after the accident.

Relieving the source of stress and promoting relaxation of the affected areas are necessary first steps. Healing injured areas and maintaining adjustment and balance of the neck and spine may take time and repeated treatment. Finally, changes to lifestyle, carriage and posture may prevent recurrence.