Headaches are a common condition that most people will experience many times throughout their life. The main symptom of a headache is pain in your head or face. There are several types of headache including migraine, tension and cluster that vary in intensity and duration. Here you’ll learn all about headaches and how we can help you to prevent them.

Types of Headache

There are more than 150 different types of headaches, the most common of which are:

• Tension headaches. Tension headaches have a slow onset, with pain usually on both sides of the head, which is dull or feels like a vice around the head. These are the most common type of headache with pain that is mild to moderate, but not severe.

• Migraine headaches. Migraines are more intense than tension headaches and are often described as a throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. A migraine can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

• Cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are less common, but quite uncomfortable, identified by severe pain on one side of the head usually behind one eye. They may be accompanied by tearing, a runny nose, swelling of the eyelid, or a droopy eyelid.

If you’re suffering with frequent headaches your we can help you identify which type of headaches they are and how best to manage them.

Causes of Headaches

Headaches are classified as primary or secondary:

• Primary headaches are when the headache itself is the main medical problem, not an underlying condition. Some people may have a genetic disposition to primary headaches, while contributing factors can include dehydration, low blood sugar, poor posture, alcohol, certain foods and stress.

• Secondary headaches are related to an underlying medical condition such as a neck injury, cold or flu, eyesight problems, or hormonal changes.

Learning what triggers your own headaches can help you prevent them from occurring as often.

The Benefits of Chiropractic for Headaches

Chiropractic aims to treat the whole person and not just the symptoms. We will address the underlying causes of your headaches, including posture and alignment, as well as wider lifestyle issues including stress, anxiety, hydration and nutrition. Get in touch and one of our specialists today.