Headaches come in MANY different sizes, shapes, and colors. In fact, if you
search “headache classification,” you will find the IHS (International Headache
Society) 152 page manual (PDF) lists MANY different types of headaches! Last
month, we discussed migraine headaches. This month, we’ll talk about the other
headache types. So WHY is this important? Very simply, if we know the type of
headache you have, we will be able to provide you with the proper treatment.
Headaches are classified into two main groups: “primary” and “secondary”
headaches. The “Primary” headache list includes: 1) Migraine; 2) Tension-type;
3) Cluster; 4) “Other primary headaches,” of which eight are listed. One might
think that with this simple breakdown of the different types of headaches it
should be easy to diagnose a type of headache. Unfortunately, that’s NOT true!
In fact, a 2004 study published that 80% of people with a recent history of
either self or doctor diagnosed sinus headache had NO signs of sinus infection
and actually met the criteria for migraine headaches! So, the more we can learn
about the different types of headaches, the more likely that we will arrive at
an accurate diagnosis.
Tension-Type Headaches: This is the most common type affecting between 30-78% of
the general population. It is usually described as a constant ache or pressure
either around the head, in the temples, or the back of the head and/or neck.
There is typically NO nausea/vomiting, and tension-type headaches rarely stop
you from performing normal activities. These headaches usually respond well to
chiropractic adjustments and to over-the-counter medications like Advil,
aspirin, Aleve, and/or Tylenol, though we’d prefer you first reach for an
anti-inflammatory herb like ginger, turmeric, bioflavonoid, and the like as
these have less stomach, liver, and/or kidney related side-effects. These
headaches are typically caused by contraction of the neck and scalp muscles,
which can be result of stress, trauma, lack of sleep, eyestrain, and more.
Cluster Headaches: These are less common, typically affect men more than women,
and occur in groups or cycles. These are VERY DISABLING and usually arise
suddenly and create severe, debilitating pain usually on only one side of the
head. Other characteristics include: a watery eye, sinus congestion, or runny
nose on the same side of the face as the headache. An “attack” often includes
restlessness and difficulty finding a pain-reducing, comfortable position. There
is no known cause of cluster headaches, though a genetic or hereditary link has
been proposed. The good news is that chiropractic adjustments can reduce the
intensity, frequency, and duration of cluster headaches!
Sinus Headaches: Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses) can be due to allergies or an
infection that results in a headache. This may or may not include a fever, but
the main distinguishing feature here is pain over the infected sinus. There are
four sets of sinuses. Many people know about the frontal (above the eyes on the
forehead) and maxillary (under the eyes in our cheeks) but the two sinuses deep
in head (ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses) are much less known or talked about.
These two deep sinuses refer pain to the back of the head, and when infected, it
feels like the back of the head could explode. Lying flat is too painful so
sitting up is necessary. Chiropractic adjustments applied to the sinuses, upper
neck, and lymphatic drainage techniques work GREAT in these cases!
We will continue next month with the remaining types of headaches!
We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for headaches, we would be
honored to render our services. Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.
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