Common Types of Headaches
Medical professionals classify headaches into two major categories:
- Primary
- Secondary
The most common types of headaches are primary headaches because the headache itself is the main medical problem. These types of headaches can be very painful, but they are not dangerous.
The most common primary headaches are:
- Migraines – Migraines cause a moderate to severe throbbing pain in the head (usually on one side, but sometimes both) that often co-occurs with nausea, dizziness, facial tingling or numbness, visual disturbances, or sensitivity to light, sound, or smell.
- Tension headaches – These are often referred to as “hatband” headaches because they are typically painful around the back of the head, temples, and forehead as if a tight hat were on your head.
- Cluster headaches – Cluster headaches begin quickly and without warning. The pain is very severe and is often described as a sharp, burning, or piercing sensation on one side of the head. It’s often felt around the eye, temple, and sometimes face. It tends to affect the same side for each attack.
Secondary headaches are less common and caused by underlying medical conditions that trigger pain-sensitive areas in the neck and head. These headaches can be a sign of a serious medical condition and warrant prompt medical attention.
Cashel Chiropractic has successfully diagnosed and treated countless patients suffering from both primary and secondary headache types. Dr. Rob is ready, willing, and able to get you on a path to a pain-free life. Come see us soon!
What Causes Headaches?
There are as many as 100 different categories of headaches and at least as many different causes or “triggers.” Headaches can be triggered by:
- Illness:
- Infections, colds & fevers
- Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
- Head trauma
- More serious underlying health conditions
- Physical or Emotional Stress:
- Emotional stress
- Depression
- Alcohol use
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Dehydration
- Poor posture
- Environmental Conditions:
- Household chemicals
- Allergens
- Foods
- Pollution
- Lighting
- Secondhand tobacco smoke
- Genetics: Headaches, especially migraine headaches, tend to run in families.
What Techniques Does Cashel Chiropractic Use to Treat Headaches?
Dr. Rob uses only non-invasive, drug-free techniques to treat headaches. Your treatment plan may include one or more of these techniques.
- Spine & neck adjustments
- Massage & soft tissue therapy
- Electrical stimulation & acupuncture
- Ultrasound
- Lifestyle changes & education
- Referral & co-management
What Should I Expect During My Headache Assessment?
Dr. Rob will carefully listen to your concerns and review your full medical history with you.
This will be followed by observation of your posture and range of motion.
Then, the doctor will palpate (feel) your full spine to determine if there is any vertebral displacement.
If warranted, digital imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT scan) may be ordered to ensure the doctor can conduct a thorough visual assessment of the spine and associated soft tissues.
Finally, using the findings gathered from the steps above, our Lehi chiropractor will determine a comprehensive, scientifically based, effective, and efficient treatment plan tailored to relieve your headache pain and achieve your health and recovery goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover more about our chiropractic headache treatments by reading these FAQs:
I Suffer From Regular Headaches. Is It Important for Me to Seek Medical Care?
- Are frequent
- Require frequent use of a pain reliever
- Pattern changes
- Begin to occur more frequently
- Increase in pain intensity
You should seek prompt medical attention if your headache:
- Is sudden and severe
- Occurs shortly after a serious auto, sports, or work accident
- Is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
What Causes Migraines?
A specific cause has not yet been determined. Some newer treatments target a specific protein that appears to contribute to migraines. Migraines are much more common in women, which suggests that hormones may be a contributing factor. A genetic link is also suspected, as migraines appear to run in families. Medical research continues to search for the root cause of migraines.
Does a More Severe Headache Indicate a Serious Health Condition?
Often a severe headache can be alarming to a patient, but there are no straightforward guidelines to follow here. This is why it is very important to have all headaches thoroughly diagnosed by experts, as even mild ones can be caused by major medical problems. Once diagnosed, the majority of headaches are not due to serious problems and are very treatable. Come visit our Lehi chiropractor at Cashel Chiropractic, and he’ll get you on the path to a pain-free life at the peak of health.