Headaches-Migraines

A headache is pain in any region of the head. It is a very common condition that most people experience many times during their lives. It is estimated that up to 75% of adults worldwide have had a headache in the past year. The main symptom of a headache is pain in the head or face region. This can be throbbing, sharp, constant or dull. The pain can take a major toll on a person’s quality of life. Chronic headaches can lead to further clinical diagnoses such as depression and anxiety. There are various different types of headaches including: Tension Type, Cervicogenic, Migraines, Cluster, Familial

Causes of headaches?

• Tight muscles and aggravated joints in the neck
• Blood vessels in the head and neck can signal pain
• Sinuses
• Medication
• High Blood Pressure
• Strenuous Exercise
• Teeth/Grinding

Signs and Symptoms of Headaches

Tension Type

• Dull squeezing pain on both sides of the head
• May feel like your head is in a vice
• Usually lasts for 20 minutes to 2 hours

Cervicogenic

• Pain on one side of the head
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Steady pain that doesn’t throb
• Stiffness in the neck
• Pain in the head when you sneeze, cough or take a deep breath

Migraines

• Typically start in the evening or during sleep
• Pulsating pain
• One day duration of severe untreated attacks
• Unilateral (pain on one side of the head)
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Disabling intensity

Cluster

• Severe pain on one side of the head
• Watery/Red eye on the side of pain, drooping eyelid
• Attack starts abruptly and lasts 30 to 60 minutes
• Unable to sit still (agitation or restlessness)
• Nausea and sensitivity to light and sound
• Nasal congestion

Migraine Headaches Treatment

• Manual Therapy and Spinal Manipulative Therapy
• Massage Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Education