HEADACHE | Understanding The Types
Headaches are characterized by pain or discomfort in the head or neck region. They can vary in intensity, duration, and frequency. It is prevalent worldwide, with millions of people experiencing them at some point in their lives. The incidence can vary depending on factors such as age (mostly starts at puberty), gender (mostly women), and underlying health conditions.
Types:
- Tension headaches: Characterized by a dull, aching pain and tightness around the head. May result from muscle tension or stress.
- Migraines: Typically accompanied by throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Involve changes in brain chemicals and blood flow.
- Neck/ Cervicogenic headaches: Arising from disorders or dysfunctions in the cervical spine or its associated structures. Can stem from abnormalities in the cervical spine or its surrounding tissues.
- Cluster headaches: Intense pain that occurs in cyclical patterns or clusters.
Causes:
- Musculoskeletal issues such as tension or dysfunction in the neck and upper back.
- Vascular abnormalities.
- Neurological conditions.
- Environmental factors such as stress, poor posture, or lack of sleep.
- Trauma or injury to the head or neck.
Triggers:
- Stress and anxiety.
- Poor posture.
- Muscular tension.
- Fatigue or lack of sleep.
- Environmental factors such as bright lights or loud noises.
Self-Assessment:
Patients may keep a headache diary to track their symptoms, triggers, and patterns. This can help identify potential triggers and provide valuable information for treatment planning.
Treatments:
- Manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation to address muscular tension and joint dysfunction.
- Exercise prescription to improve posture, strength, flexibility, and movement patterns.
- Education on ergonomic principles, stress management techniques, and lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, adequate hydration, and healthy sleep habits.
- Modalities such as heat, ice, or electrical stimulation may be used to alleviate symptoms.
- Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Pharmacological interventions such as pain relievers or migraine medications (triptans, B-blockers e.g. propranolol, calcium channel blockers e.g. flunarizine, anticonvulsants e.g. topiramate or valproic acid, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) prescribed by a physician.
- Acupuncture or dry needling.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce headache-related psychological distress.
** Treatments vary depending on the type and underlying cause. If you suspect having the above condition, seek nearby healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists to get comprehensive assessments and treat accordingly to your condition.