Headaches are an unfortunate part of life for many people. They know no race or gender, and no matter how healthy you are, you’re at risk of having them. There are some people who experience headaches quite frequently, and others who very rarely have one. If you’re getting headaches on a regular basis, it’s worth your time to find out why and what you can do about it.
Did you know there are different types of headaches, and different causes and treatments for each? Let’s take a look, so you can start to determine what’s the best plan of care for you.
Tension headaches
This type is very common and it’s likely that you’ve experienced this at one point or another. Tension headaches are often described as a dull pain throughout the head, generally located at the forehead, behind the eyes, at the base of the neck, and even in the jaws and cheeks. They usually last from 30 minutes to several hours and shouldn’t affect daily life too much, although you may need to make some adjustments. Tension headaches are often attributed to a decrease in blood flow to the head due to increased muscular tension and restriction through the neck, head, face, and jaw; they are usually triggered by stress, anxiety, dehydration, lack of movement, poor sleep, abnormal posture, and/or eye strain. Some gentle to moderate pressure massage, stretching, and mobilizations will often ease the tension and offer relief. If you can’t get in for a massage with us right then, you can massage the muscles of your neck, shoulders, and face yourself, or have a friend or family member help. Light exercise and stretching can help improve blood flow to the head and neck, and over-the-counter pain medications and anti-inflammatories can provide relief for some. If you find that you’re experiencing tension headaches often, regular massage sessions can help to decrease the frequency.
Migraines
Many claim to experience frequent migraines, but these are often confused with severe tension headaches. The differentiating factor is the presence or lack of neurological symptoms. While tension headaches, especially when severe, can be debilitating and very painful, they come without the neurological symptoms associated with a migraine. A migraine not only causes severe pain in the head, neck, and face, but is often accompanied by an abnormal sensitivity to light, sound, and smell, along with nausea and vomiting. About a third of migraine sufferers experience an aura (visual and sensory disturbance) prior to an incident which can last anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes. Auras include seeing zig-zag lines, flickering lights, spots, or partial loss of vision. Migraines can last a few hours to a few days and can be quite debilitating. Triggers of a migraine can span from stress, dehydration, sleep disruption, hormone imbalances, and even certain foods. Some find relief with over-the-counter medications, while others may require prescription-level drugs. For many, a dark, quiet room and a few hours of sleep are often the only way to find relief. If you’re having frequent migraines, a visit with your doctor may be necessary. While regular massages have been shown to decrease the frequency of migraines, a massage to the head and neck is not advised while you’re in the midst of one. Instead, if you want to get a massage while you have an active migraine, the massage can be focused on your legs, feet, arms, and hands to counter the abnormal blood flow causing the migraine. CranioSacral massage can also be very effective for managing migraine headaches.
Cluster Headaches
This type is defined as severe, recurrent headaches that are experienced as an intense burning or piercing pain on one side of the head and behind or around one eye. Other symptoms associated with cluster headaches are eyes watering, swollen eyelids, runny nose, and restlessness or agitation. There is generally no warning and it may feel like the headache attacks out of nowhere, peaks within 10-15 minutes, and then is gone within 2-3 hours. Unlike several other types of headaches, cluster headaches are the only one that is far more prevalent in men than in women. Most of the time these attacks occur quickly and in clusters, anywhere from 3-8 times a day over a period of several weeks. The cause of cluster headaches is unclear, however, they seem to be triggered by smoking, alcohol consumption, and strong smells, and may be linked to a genetic predisposition or previous head trauma. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are often the go-to treatment, but regular massage may also help prevent the frequency of these attacks.
Exertional Headaches
These headaches are triggered by sudden, strenuous, physical exercise like running, jumping, weightlifting, and even sudden severe bouts of coughing or sneezing. These are generally over as quickly as they come on, however, they can last for several hours or even a few days. Exertional headaches are felt as a throbbing pain through the head and tend to be present in those with a family history of migraines. These headaches are usually extinguished with rest, over-the-counter medications, and massage. However, taking plenty of time to warm up prior to exercise can help to prevent them.
Sinus Headaches
This type of headache is common and occurs due to inflammation of the sinus cavities of the head. The pain is often felt in the forehead, around and behind the eyes, and along the cheeks. Because of the location of the pain, many people may confuse tension and sinus headaches, but they are quite different. Sinus headaches specifically will often be accompanied by congestion or a runny nose, along with tenderness over the sinus cavities, just above and below the eyes. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories are a common treatment, as are massage therapy and steam treatments. If a sinus headache persists, especially with congestion and significant tenderness, you may need to see your doctor to rule out an infection or other condition.
Cervicogenic Headaches
This term encompasses any headache caused by an abnormality within the neck. Oftentimes this is due to some ligament laxity or misalignment of the cervical (neck) vertebrae causing pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that travel to the head. These are often felt along one side of the head and follow a pretty distinct pattern from the base of the skull, wrapping over the top of the head, and ending just above or behind the eye. These seem to be more common in those who have a history of whiplash or other neck injuries and are often triggered by abnormal posture. Massage and retraction exercises can allow the proper movement of the vertebrae, reducing the pressure on those nerves and blood vessels, and alleviating the pain. Chiropractic care can also be very effective in treating these types of headaches.
Whether you deal with one of these types of headaches on a regular basis or find yourself needing relief in the midst of them, we’re here to bring you comfort and relief.