Headaches

I don't know much about headaches, mainly because I don't often get them comparatively with many others who may suffer from these common and often painful conditions. One thing that makes this condition so hard to understand is that there are several forms, with several causes, and with several complications.  I would like to share the different types of headaches, the possible and more common causes, and how they can be treated.

1. Tension - These are the most common forms of headaches. These are usually headaches that are bilateral felt at the back of the head and can occur for days.  These are muscle related, sometimes found with tightness of the neck muscles, but not always.  Over the counter medication is often used for treatment. As much as these medications relieve the pain, it does not correct the problem.  However, chiropractic care has been beneficial for these conditions using adjustments, muscle release or trigger point therapy. 
2. Cervicogenic - These are headaches that occur on one side of the head often from a referral pattern from the neck.  Often these headaches are associated with neck pain, reduced motion of the neck, and in some severe cases can have migraine-like symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light. Spinal adjustment is the primary and recommended treatment, but are more often treated with analgesics.
3. Cluster - These are reoccurring headaches, often three to four times a day, mostly at night and can last for weeks, months or even years. The pain is often felt on the side of the head or up front in the orbital, effecting the eye in some cases with either dry eyes or lacrimation (tears).  These headaches are still unknown in cause, but believed to be neurovascular or even an autonomic dysfunction due to some of the symptoms that can be manifested. On average these headaches diminish over time, but is prevalent with suicide due to the intensity of these headaches.  New research for treatment is under way from electrical stimulation to oxygen therapy to gamma knife radiosurgery.  The research on chiropractic care is still indeterminable, however, correct care can help with autonomic dysfuntion, and other methods provide neurovascular care. 
4. Migraines - There are two types of migraines, but are in generally the same.  One is experienced with an aura- a progressively increasing blind spot followed by flashing lights.  This aura is the warning sign for an oncoming headache that is described as a throbbing on one side of the head that can last for hours to days.  These headaches are classically associated with sensitivity to light and sounds, nausea and vomiting.  Some other symptoms may include vertigo and dizziness.  These types of headaches often occur in younger females.  The causes of migraines can vary and are often difficult to find.  A migraine can be vascular, hormonal, serotonin imbalance, or even allergy related.  Many with migraines are aware of any triggers that may cause the migraines and are encouraged to avoid these triggers.  Certain medications can be given to either prevent the oncoming headache, or to treat the current headache, but these treatments still generally remain ineffective.  Certain supplements like Feverfew have effect on migraines, but again the results very per patient.  Other nutritional recommendations are Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, calcium, Vitamin D, and Riboflavin. Avoidance of smoking, alcohol or caffeine products are encouraged. There are methods to help balance the serotonin production, or the hormones in our body and have good results if these are the causes.  Some methods help find and eliminate any allergies that may trigger the migraine.  Chiropractic care has been proven to be effective on migraine patients but more treatment trials need to be done to show validity. Again, the causes may vary, but if the cause can be found it can be effectively treated.

These four types of headaches are the most common and less harmful.  Many of us, including myself, have probably not thought about the cause, but only sought for a solution.  Often this solution was a quick trip to the medicine cabinet for an analgesic like aspirin, ibuprofen, or tylenol.  I have never "suffered" from headaches.  I can probably honestly say I have a headache on average about once a month or two, often cause by stress, tension, or lack of proper sleep.  I know there are several people out there who have suffered more than me, and many who continue to seek help. These analgesics may help resolve the pain, but never correct the cause.  A pill every once in a while may not be harmful, but for those who suffer nearly every day need to be aware of the harmful effects of these analgesics.  NSAIDS like Aspirin are associated with stomach ulcers, while Tylenol is associated with liver disease, and both of these when used over a long time can lead to kidney damage.  It is important to seek more effective methods that treat the cause, rather then masking the pain. 

There are other types of headaches that have more ominous conditions.  Even though these are rare, it is important to ask yourself certain questions concerning a headache.  They may be vital signs to something more serious.

1. Was there any Trauma to the head?
2. Are you taking any medications?
3. Is this a "New" headache, never felt before?
4. Do you have any visual changes?
5. Are you middle aged with a throbbing headache on the side of the head?
6. Is there an numbness of the face?
7. Do you have neck rigidity or neck pain?
8. Is the headache associated with exercise or any activities?

Headaches can be as a simple as a tense muscle to more serious conditions like an aneurysm. It is important to understand the symptoms and the cause to receive proper and effective treatment.  Many can suffer for years without knowing, trying different thing and just going in circles.  It can be a real headache- sorry for the pun.