Headaches have a tendency to cause throbbing pain and consume our activities to the extent where we need to seek treatment. Headaches and migraines are one of the most common reasons why people visit the doctor or take time off from work. Many people treat their headaches with anti nausea or pain medication. However, when treating headaches with drugs, the pain will only dissipate momentarily and does not benefit the body in the long run. Chiropractic care can provide long-lasting solutions to headaches and migraines.
Headaches can come in a wide variety that range in severity and frequency. The majority of headaches can be resolved with food or rest. Intense and repetitive headaches however, could indicate a severe underlying condition. It is extremely important to undergo an evaluation if you are prone to frequent and severe headaches or migraines.
Additionally, anyone who experiences any type of head trauma should visit a physician immediately. The majority of head trauma symptoms can take a couple days to surface and can worsen in that time.
Different Types of Headaches
There are many different kinds of headaches. The most common headaches include migraines and muscle tension headaches.
TENSION HEADACHES
This is the most common type of headache. It is caused by muscle strain, or contraction. The pain is located on the forehead and is usually described as a dull ache, or a band-like sensation surrounding the head as if you were wearing a tight bathing cap.
These headaches usually begin gradually and then last from a few hours to several weeks. Factors that may trigger them include spinal subluxations, stress, diet, fatigue, jaw problems, and poor posture.
MIGRAINE HEADACHES
With a common migraine, the headache pain occurs when the blood vessels of the head dilate (expand) and press on sensitive nerve endings. Conditions that may trigger migraine headaches include spinal subluxations, stress, certain foods, fatigue, and the menstrual cycle.
Another type of migraine headache is known as a classic migraine. These headaches are often preceded by an “aura”(unusual visual sensations, such as blotches or sparkles) or by sensations of weakness, numbness, or tingling. The victim may also experience nausea, vomiting, cold hands and feet, and a feeling of soreness or exhaustion afterward. Though these headaches are just as severe as the common migraine, they generally do not last as long (24 hours or less).
Migraines are considered one of the most severe types of headaches. They are often accompanied by a multitude of symptoms, such as:
- Head pains
- Sensitivity to light and/or noise
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Paleness
CLUSTER HEADACHES
Cluster headaches are sometimes classified as migraines because the pain is caused by dilation of the blood vessels. The name “cluster” describes the way the headaches come in distinct clustered episodes. In other words, you may have a bout of headaches for a week or two and then not experience them again for some time. Attacks usually last 15 to 30 minutes and occur in violent, punishing repetition. More men than women suffer from these headaches, and most sufferers are over 40 years old. Alcohol is a common trigger.
OTHER TYPES OF HEADACHES
To list and describe all the many types of headaches would fill an entire book. Some other types of headaches include those due to cervical or neck aches, dental problems, eye disorders, allergies, and sinuses. Two very serious, though much less common, causes of headaches are brain tumors and inflammation of the membranes covering the brain. This is why it is very important to have a thorough examination to determine the type and source of headache pain.