From Pounding to Painless: Navigating Headache Types with Chiropractic Care
By Dr. Isaac Konrad | Chiropractor | IG: @drisaackonrad.dc
Most of us have had headaches that disrupt our focus and enjoyment. They affect millions daily, varying in intensity, frequency, location, and pain quality. At Kinetic Living, our chiropractors expertly diagnose headache type, and tailor a treatment accordingly. With a wide scope of practice in the conservative care realm, chiropractors are a great first point of reference when trying to remedy stubborn headaches and get back to being fully present in our lives; headache free. So, the question remains, what are the more common types of headaches and how can chiropractic care help?
Tension Headaches
One of the most common headache presentations is a tension-type headache which is closely linked to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. This is typically a recurring headache and the head pain experienced is on both sides over the forehead and temples. These are usually described as a feeling of pressure, or like a tight band around the head. Someone having a tension-type headache will almost always have tightness and tenderness in the muscles between the neck/shoulders and may have coexisting neck pain.
Cervicogenic Headaches
A cervicogenic headache is another presentation frequently seen in chiropractic clinics and they are somewhat similar to tension-type headaches. These headaches are wisely named, with “cervico”, meaning neck or cervical spine and “genic”, meaning generated or produced. The referred head pain is most commonly on one side, and pain typically begins in the upper part of the neck or base of the skull before radiating over the temple and can settle around the eye. During assessment, it is expected to find tightness in the suboccipital muscles and limitations in range of motion of the upper portion of the neck in those suffering from cervicogenic headaches.
Additional Headache Factors
Each headache is unique, so it is crucial that treatment is individualized to address the specific nature of the pain. Often, headaches can be complicated by additional factors, such as coexisting jaw pain or tightness. For example, dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and the muscles involved in chewing/speaking can not only contribute to headaches but can sometimes cause headache symptoms on their own. Pain from the TMJ can radiate to nearby areas, such as the temples or cheeks, which might be perceived as a headache.
This jaw dysfunction and muscle tightness are frequently linked to habits like clenching the jaw during stressful periods or even unconsciously while sleeping. Addressing these underlying issues is essential for effective headache relief. Educating individuals on how to recognize and manage jaw tension can play a significant role in alleviating headache pain associated with TMJ dysfunction. Understanding and addressing these complex interactions is key to providing effective, personalized headache management.
Migraines
While mild to moderate headaches are common, migraines are one of the more debilitating types. Migraines are recurring and episodic, varying greatly in symptoms from person to person. They often cause intense, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, around the eye and forehead, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.
A distinctive feature of migraines is the presence of an aura, which may precede the headache and involves visual or neurological disturbances, such as flickering lights or numbness/tingling. Migraines can be triggered by various factors, including bright lights, loud noises, emotional stress, fatigue, neck tightness, alcohol, or certain foods. Common interventions for migraines may involve certain medications to decrease intensity when headaches do occur, otherwise, it is recommended for those suffering from migraines to attempt to identify and avoid triggers for their headaches as best they can.
Chiropractic Care
For tension-type or cervicogenic headaches, chiropractic care can offer significant relief. Effective treatment often involves manual therapy, such as adjusting neck and upper back joints, and addressing tight muscles. Combining these with specific exercises and lifestyle advice helps prevent recurrence. For migraines, chiropractors can be beneficial in managing and reducing frequency by identifying triggers and providing conservative care. They may also refer the individual to other healthcare providers such as a neurologist to aid in managing these episodic headaches that can greatly impact a person’s quality of life!
Headaches can be quite varied in how they can present, but one commonality that all headache types possess is that chiropractic care is a great place to start. If someone has a severe headache that is a symptom of something more sinister, a chiropractor is trained to recognize this and make the necessary referral. Otherwise, the majority of patients experiencing headaches should feel confident that an evidence-based chiropractor is well suited to help them get headache free as fast as possible.
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