Headaches are all too common in today’s world. Knowing which type of a headache a person is suffering from can help them know how to treat it properly. There are five common headaches that are similar, yet quite different. Let’s take a look at each one to help determine which one may be happening.
- Sinus headaches: These headaches can be caused by a swollen nasal cavity due to an infection or allergies. Pain is felt in the face, around the eyes. It can be accompanied by fever, nasal discharge, and a feeling of fullness in the ears
- Tension headaches: This the most common type of a headache. A person will experience tightness around the head, back of the neck, and temples. Vomiting and nausea are not associated with this type of a headache and, generally, a person can still perform their daily activities.
- Rebound headaches: This kind of a headache happens when a person is taking too much pain medication.
- Cluster headaches: These chronic headaches tend to come on in cycles. They arise suddenly, and pain is felt on one side of the head. This is accompanied by a watery eye or runny, congested nose on the same side as the pain.
- Migraine headaches: One of the most severe headaches, these affect one side of the head and can come on with an aura in up to 20% of people. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and vision problems are all part of migraines. They last anywhere from 4 – 72 hours.
To learn more about the connection between migraines, chronic headaches and head and neck injuries download our complimentary headache e-book by clicking the image below.
If someone is coping with the pain of headaches, they may find relief by seeking out the care of an upper cervical chiropractor. At the top of the spine, there are two specific vertebrae that make up the upper cervical spine. The brainstem runs through this area. If a misalignment is found here, the entire central nervous system, along with multiple nerves can be affected. As we mentioned earlier, headaches are very common, but they should not happen. They are a sign that something is wrong in the body. Once we find the misalignment and correct it, our patients have found their symptoms of headaches ease up and, in some cases, totally go away.
References
- National Pain Report. NFL Player Pushing Fibromyalgia Awareness. http://nationalpainreport.com/nfl-player-pushing-fibromyalgia-awareness-8826609.html (accessed 25 June 2015).
- Ferri, Fred MD. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor, 2012 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby; 2012.
- Soriano W, Apatiga A.. Resolution of Fibromyalgia & Polypharmacy Concomitant with Increased Cervical Curve & Improved Quality of Life Following Reduction of Upper Cervical Subluxation: A Case Study. J. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research 2014; 2014(4): 61-67.
To find an upper cervical specialist in your area go to www.upCspine.com or if you are in the Hendersonville North Carolina area simply click the button below.