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Headaches

Headache key facts

  • Headache disorders are among the most common disorders of the nervous system.

  • It has been estimated that almost half of the adult population have had a headache at least once within the last year.

  • Headache disorders are characterized by recurrent headache and are associated with personal and societal burdens of pain, disability, damaged quality of life, and financial cost.

  • Headache has been underestimated, under-recognized and under-treated throughout the world. [1]

What are the most common types of headaches?

  • Migraine - Migraine headaches usually involve a throbbing pain on one side of the head

  • Tension Type headache - Dull and constant pain on both sides of the head. These headaches are the most common type, with most people experiencing tension type headaches at some point in their life.

  • Cluster headaches - Cluster headaches are described as intense burning or stabbing pain behind one eye. These headaches are more common in males.

  • Exertional headache - Characterized as a headache that has come on after strenuous physical exercise.

  • Hypnic headache - Otherwise known as “alarm clock” headaches, these usually affect people in their 50’s and have been known to wake people up.

  • Medication-overuse headache - Due to pain medication in individuals that have taken pain medication for 15 days in a month. These headaches present similar to tension type headaches.


    Sinus headache - Dull throbbing headaches around the eyes, cheeks and forehead. This type of headache is associated with sinus inflammation.

  • Caffeine-related headache - A high coffee intake can lead to headaches. Usually this is seen in those that have 4 cups or more of coffee per day. This type of headache can also occur in those withdrawing from coffee.

  • Head injury headaches - Due to a trauma and symptoms can take up to 12 months to develop making these types of headache difficult to diagnose.

  • Menstrual headaches - Similar symptoms to migraines with auras, however these headaches are due to changes in hormone levels.

  • Hangover headaches - These are throbbing headaches occurring after consuming excessive alcohol. Characterized like a migraine with sensitivity to light and sometimes painful with movement.

How common are headaches?

Most headaches will occur in a person between the ages of 20-50 years during their most productive years.

According the the World Health Organization, globally it is estimated that at least 50% of adults have had a headache at least once within the last year and among these individuals 30% have reported migraine.

Headaches on 15 or more days of a month affects 1.7- 4% of the worlds adult population. [1]

What are some of the common causes of headaches?

It is important to note that there is no single cause of headaches as there are many different types of headaches. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Poor postures (including sleeping posture)

  • Text neck (too much phone time in awkward positions)

  • Chiropractic subluxations

  • Lack of sleep

  • Lack of water

  • Tight muscles

  • Trauma


    Why Choose Aaron Chiropractic?

We see a significant caseload of patients with varying types of headaches. With an ever-growing list of headache types it is important to determine the correct headache. Our experience has shown that the best headache results begin with the correct diagnosis.

We use multiple methods to help correctly diagnose your headache which may including:

  • Complete history

  • Range of motion assessment

  • Head and neck orthopedic tests

  • Neurological tests

  • Clinical observation

  • Palpation

  • Postural assessments

  • Muscle testing

  • Medical imaging

    Why use Chiropractic for headaches?

Spinal manipulative therapy can be considered an effective treatment modality [2]. Your Chiropractor may also recommend the use of specific stretches and rehab exercises to aid in the management of your headache.

Need more help?

Do you need more help with your headache? Contact us and ask to speak to one of our friendly Chiropractors, risk free!

Quick Facts

  • No, when performed properly neck adjustments should not hurt.

  • No, headaches are like the alarm bell of the body telling you that something may be wrong.

  • As soon as you are read to take action.

    Many people choose to see our Chiropractors for headaches, neck pain, back pain, sciatica and more.

References

  1. Headache disorders (who.int)

2. Fernandez M, Moore C, Tan J, Lian D, Nguyen J, Bacon A, Christie B, Shen I, Waldie T, Simonet D, Bussières A. Spinal manipulation for the management of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Pain. 2020 Oct;24(9):1687-1702. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1632. Epub 2020 Jul 20. PMID: 32621321.