Do you know what causes the head pain you are feeling? If not, you are not alone. Nearly everyone experiences a headache or migraine at some point in life, but very few can distinguish which type of headache they are suffering from.
We know how distressing headaches can be. Besides disrupting aspects of your social, family, and work life, looking for a treatment that works is another challenge that people face. In this post, we will look at the 12 different types of headaches and a proven-effective natural remedy to get rid of them.
- Common migraines: They are characterized by intense throbbing or pounding head pain typically in the front of the head, on one or both sides of the temples. The headache may last from 4 to 72 hours. Various factors such as genetics, brain cell activity, and nerve function contribute to the onset of a migraine. Any changes in hormones, and eating or sleeping patterns may trigger a migraine.
- Classic migraines: This type has the same symptoms as the common migraine, but it also has an aura (a short-term visual or sensory disturbance) before the headache begins. The aura usually lasts for less than an hour.
- Tension headaches: This is the most prevalent type of headache and is caused by stress, anxiety, and bad posture. People describe a constant pain or pressure on both sides of the head or at the back of the head and neck. Tension headaches are commonly mild but can become chronic. They can last from 30 minutes to several hours.
- Cluster headaches: These are temporary but overly painful headaches that usually affect only one side of the head. They can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. The headache attacks occur in cyclical patterns or clusters and may be followed by remission periods when the headaches stop for months or even years. Cluster headaches can cause tearing or redness in one or both eyes. Some of the triggers are alcohol, cigarettes, high altitudes, and certain foods.
- Dental headaches: Nagging headaches can also be linked to dental-related issues such as bruxism (excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching) and TMJ disorder (bad jaw alignment). Not only can they result in headaches but they can also cause facial pain. Dental headaches may be on one or both sides of the head and are usually localized to the temples.
- Sinus headaches: These occur when the sinuses become inflamed due to infection or allergies. They are often mistaken for migraines as they both share similar symptoms – nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and watery eyes. But a sinus headache will have a nasal discharge that is green or tinged with red. Unlike migraines, sinus headaches not have nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
- Rebound headaches: These are also known as medication overuse headaches and can result from regularly taking pain relievers on more than 15 days in a month. Some of the medications that can cause it are Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, or triptans. Stopping the intake of pain relief medication is the only treatment for rebound headaches.
- Caffeine headaches: Heavy consumption of caffeine can also cause headaches. Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee each day can bring about symptoms such as tiredness, irritability, and nausea. Reducing your caffeine intake could decrease your risk of getting this head pain.
- Ice cream headaches: It is also referred to as a brain freeze. Although not life-threatening, this headache can give significant pain. It happens when the cold sensation of ice cream or a cold beverage touches the roof of the mouth, causing a surge in blood flow to the brain’s arteries. People who have migraines are at a higher risk of ice cream headaches.
- Menstrual headaches: Women experience this type of headache when their level of estrogen suddenly drops just before or during menstruation. They usually occur three days prior or 2 days after a period. It may be accompanied by moodiness, menstrual cramps, and other PMS symptoms.
- Early morning headaches: There are a couple of factors why one gets early morning headaches, such as dehydration, interrupted sleep patterns, poor sleep posture, alcohol intake, and even depression. People with sleep apnea often get early morning headaches.
- Chronic daily headaches: It is considered a chronic headache if you experience it more than 15 days in a month for more than 3 consecutive months. Some of the possible causes of chronic headaches are overuse of pain medications, injury to the head or neck, meningitis, or tumors (although very rare). If there is no definite cause, it may be due to the body’s malfunction in receiving pain signals
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Easing Headaches by Correcting Upper Cervical Misalignments
Through extensive and various research studies, the medical field is beginning to understand more and more about headaches and migraines. One of the things they have discovered is how headaches involve neurovascular factors such as blood flow, the alignment of the neck vertebrae, and brain function. They have noted a link between the onset of migraines and headaches to a misalignment in the bones of the upper neck – specifically the C1 and C2 vertebrae.
A misalignment in the upper cervical spine puts the brainstem under pressure and can cause it to function incorrectly. This can eventually lead to headaches.
Here at Upper Cervical Health Center Boise, we adjust your misalignment with a gentle and precise technique. We help the bones return to their proper place without twisting or cracking the spine. Once corrected, the body can begin to function normally, and your headache symptoms can start to improve or vanish entirely.
If you are looking for a headache or migraine chiropractic treatment in Boise, you are in good hands with Upper Cervical Health Center Boise. Schedule a consultation with us today!
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom, call 208-487-8653, or just click the button below
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