There’s almost nothing worse than getting a headache and having it stay put. Just try and get your to-do list accomplished with a constant throbbing, splitting headache. It’s not fun.
While all headaches are a real pain, they aren’t all equal. The cause, duration, and intensity of the pain can vary significantly. Also, while some headaches are completely benign, although bothersome, others may be a symptom of something more serious that requires immediate medical attention.
The Most Common Types of Headaches
Headaches typically fall into one of two categories:
Episodic Headaches – These headaches occur every so often and generally last a short time.
Chronic Headaches – These types of headaches are more consistent and occur most days out of the month.
Now let’s take a look at some of the most common types of headaches:
1. Tension Headaches
The number one most common headache is the dreaded tension headache. These headaches are episodic and anyone can get them. Tension headaches are normally triggered by stress because stress causes our entire body to tense. These headaches bring on a dull, aching sensation all over the head. Often, people also feel tightness in their neck and shoulders.
Usually, some OTC medication will nip the headache in the bud. Tension headaches can become chronic, however.
2. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches come with more severe, sharp pain, usually behind either eye or on the side of your temple. Nasal congestion can also accompany these types of headaches.
Cluster headaches usually happen in a series, meaning a person usually experiences two to five headaches in one day, all around the same time. Just as one headache disappears, the net one is soon to follow. They cluster.
Cluster headaches are more common in the spring and autumn, so they may have a link with seasonal allergies and sinus pressure. Once you have been diagnosed with cluster headaches, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
3. Migraine
Migraines are the most intense headaches people experience. In addition to a deep, pulsing pain inside the head, many people also experience visual disturbances as well, such as seeing flashing lights or auras.
Migraines often run in the family and certain environmental triggers such as exposure to chemicals, hormonal imbalance, and sleep disruption can also trigger migraines.
Why Chiropractic Care is the Better Treatment for Headaches
The chronic use of aspirin and over-the-counter NSAIDs such as Advil can cause negative side effects. Both cause bleeding, and NSAIDs have also been linked with GI upset, ulcers, kidney disease, and liver damage. Yikes, that hardly sounds like a safe treatment plan!
Working with a chiropractor is a much safer and natural way to treat many types of headaches. Not only can we perform adjustments on your skeletal system, which typically brings about relief, but we can also provide nutritional advice and effective strategies to deal with daily stress.
If you would like a safe and natural way to get relief from your headaches, please give us a call or stop by our office for a complimentary treatment plan. Stop living with pain. We’ll help you get the relief you need.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/headache/types-of-headaches
https://www.thehealthy.com/healthcare/drugs-medicine/dangers-otc-pain-relievers/
https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Headaches-and-Chiropractic
https://academyinjuryandhealth.com/2021/06/02/how-chiropractic-care-can-relieve-chronic-headaches/