HOW YOU CAN FIND RELIEF FROM CHRONIC HEADACHES

Headaches and Migraines Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What's the difference between Headaches and Migraines?

A headache is a pain or discomfort that is felt in the head region. The pain is usually felt in one area, such as the face, back of the head, forehead, scalp or behind the eyes. Headache is one of the most common symptoms experienced by people. In fact, it is quite unusual not to have had at least an occasional headache during your lifetime.

While many headaches are annoying, they don't generally interfere in your daily life. There are, however, several forms of recurring headaches that really impact your health and quality of life. These are Tension Headaches, Cervicogenic Headaches, and Migraines.

Migraines are particularly debilitating. A Migraine is a headache in which the pain is throbbing and intense, and usually affects one side of the head. Migraines are usually a chronic problem and can impact your ability to carry on with your everyday tasks for hours and even days. A Migraine is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, light/sound sensitivity, pain in the temples, ear or eye, and vomiting. Migraine headaches may have an aura which is symptoms a person experiences before he or she gets a migraine.

At JP Chiropractic in West Ashley Charleston, we see many patients for Headache and Migraine Treatment.

What are the common symptoms of a tension headache?

Tension Headaches are headaches that are frequently experienced, mostly in the afternoon and early evening.

Symptoms of Tension Headaches include:

• Pressure and constant aching, but no throbbing or pulsing, on both sides of your head

• Tightness or pressure around your forehead or on the sides and back of your head

• Dull, aching pain at your temples or the back of your head and neck.

• Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles

• No vomiting, nausea or light/sound sensitivity

• Normal activity is possible Headache can last days or weeks.

What are the symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are those in which the pain is referred from the neck or spine.

Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches include:

• Onset of headache is gradual, usually after activity, or the day after an activity

• Dull or piercing ache at the back of the head, near the eyes or temple

• Pain on one side of the head

• Neck pain, stiffness, problems moving the neck

• Pain, pins, and needles or tingling may also be felt in upper back, shoulders, arms or hands.

• Symptoms may worsen during certain movements of the neck

• Light-headedness, nausea, tinnitus, sensitivity to light may also occur.
  
  

What are the causes of Headaches?

There is no clear, single cause for Tension Headaches. They may be due to a build-up of stress or postural strain and can be the result of tightened muscles in the back of the neck and scalp. Tension Headaches can be triggered by:

• poor posture

• emotional or mental stress

• anxiety

• lack of physical activity

• not enough rest

• fatigue

• hunger

Cervicogenic Headaches are typically caused by activities placing excessive pressure on the upper joints of the neck. This may due to trauma like heavy lifting or an injury. However, it's more common that these headaches are caused by repetitive activities like:

• prolonged slouching

• poor posture

• incorrect lifting or carrying

• excessive bending or twisting of the neck

• working at a computer

• activities where hands are used in front of the body.