Common Headache Types
A headache is a symptom of pain anywhere in the region of the head or neck. It occurs in migraines, tension-type headaches, sinus headaches, cervical headaches, joint (TMJ), cluster, and dangerous headaches. Frequent headaches can affect relationships and employment. There is also an increased risk of depression in those with severe and reoccurring headaches.
There are over 200 causes of headaches. We will briefly discuss the ones common to our office.
TENSION HEADACHES
A tension headache is caused by postural and muscular problems in the upper spine. It is common for them to start at the base of the skull and pull over the head and up to behind the eyes. Common causes include poor sleep habits, forward head posture, poor pillow support, excessive computer work, eye strain, and imbalance in the neck muscles. These are the most common headaches we see. They commonly respond well to chiropractic, muscle trigger point work, medication, stress reduction, and exercise.
HEADACHES (TMJ)
A temporal mandibular (or TMJ) headache is a pain in the jaws and over the temple or on the side of the head. They are commonly worse with eating, especially hard candy, steak, and chewing gum. There are several causes including muscle imbalance of the jaw muscles, degenerative joint disease (Osteoarthritis of the jaw), dental malalignment, and slipped articular disc of the TMJ. These respond well to low-level laser (Pain Res Manag. 2018 May 10;2018,) mobilization, exercise, electrical therapy, and occasionally a dental splint. We commonly co-manage these with your dentist.
CERVICAL HEADACHES
Cervical headaches are a very common type of headache that arises from the cervical spine. It occurs in about 4 percent of the population. Most of the pain starts in the neck and runs up over the head. They are more common in women and those who have experienced whiplash injuries and concussions. These headaches can start from any cervical or neck structure, but the most common cause is the facet joint. These respond well to mobilization, adjustments, (Front Neurol. 2016; 7: 40) exercise, and trigger point work.
SINUS HEADACHES
With sinus headaches, most of the pain is in the front of the head. The most common causes are allergies, inflamed or blocked sinus cavities, viral and bacterial infections, and referred pain from the cervical nerves to the front of the head. Sometimes the patient will feel sinus congestion with continuous flow or blockage. The bacterial infection should always be checked first and treated with antibiotics if present. At times none of these are present and you just have pain in the front of the head. This is most common in sinus headaches that are referred to through the cervical trigeminal nerve. The nerves in the head share a common nerve pool with those of the neck. (See diagram below) That is why some patients respond well to neck treatment. These headaches respond well to medication, chiropractic, diathermy, and acupuncture.
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