Headaches are one of the most common reasons a patient will seek out a health care provider. But did you know there are multiple reasons that could be behind that ache in your head? While there can be serious, emergent causes, the majority fall into the below categories.

1. Cervicogenic headaches: head pain that is caused by the muscles, nerves and other structures in the neck. Typically, they are one sided caused by neck movements or sustained awkward postures like painting a ceiling.
2. Migraine headaches: Recurring head pain, divided into two types; with and without aura. Most common in woman, often associated with “triggers” that cause the headache. The pain is usually throbbing in nature, felt in the temple region, and builds up over hours. Nausea, vomiting, visual and auditory changes are also possible.
3. Tension headache: Patients usually describe these as “their head in a vise” or “a band of pain around my head”. These headaches typically are muscular in origin.
4. Cluster headache: a very rare type of headache, described as severe, short and one-sided pain. These include one sided facial sweating, flushing and tearing of the eye.

If you experience a headache that is new, abrupt in nature, after head trauma or could be described as “the worst headache of my life” seek immediate medical care.

There are a wide range of safe, effective and non-invasive ways to treat headaches. Those include chiropractic manipulation, massage, acupuncture, and rehabilitative exercises.

Have questions or want more information? Ask one of our practitioners today!