Nearly everyone has had a headache at some point, as the World Health Organization points out. Headaches are an extremely common condition, but not all headaches are the same. Headaches can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, from hormonal fluctuations to dehydration. Not only that, but there are also many different types of headaches.
Regardless of what causes your headache or what type of headache you have, Barry Hughes, DC and our team at Premier Chiropractic work hard to help you get relief. If you’re suffering from chronic headaches, we recommend that you visit us. We can diagnose and provide help with many types of headaches, including the types reviewed below.
1. Tension headaches
A tension headache develops when your neck and/or scalp muscles become tense. What causes these muscle contractions can vary. Below are a few common triggers of tension headaches:
- Physical stress
- Emotional stress
- Caffeine (either having too much or going through withdrawal)
- Illnesses, including the common cold, a sinus infection, and the flu
- Eye strain
- Fatigue
Dental issues can also trigger a tension headache. This includes bruxism, or teeth grinding.
2. Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are a less common — but very painful — type of headache. These headaches occur in cyclical cluster periods that last for weeks to months. You might suspect you have a cluster headache if you notice:
- The pain is generally located around (or behind) one eye
- Excessive eye-watering or tearing
- Increased restlessness
- Stuffy (or runny) nose
- Facial sweating
- Pale skin
- Drooping eyelid (on the side that hurts)
Cluster headaches may even wake you up in the middle of the night.
3. Sinus or allergy headaches
Your sinuses are air-filled cavities, but allergies can cause these cavities to swell and become clogged with mucus. When your sinuses are clogged, you may experience a sinus headache. You might suspect you have a sinus headache if:
- Your pain is in your cheekbones, forehead, and/or the bridge of your nose
- The pain worsened when you move quickly
- You have other sinus symptoms, including runny or congested nose, fever, or a feeling of fullness in your ears
Treating sinus headaches may require you to address what’s causing your sinuses to get clogged: allergies or a sinus infection.
4. Migraines
A migraine is an intense, often debilitating type of headache that lasts anywhere from four to 72 hours. Migraines cause pulsing, throbbing pain, and they are frequently accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances (aura), and extreme sensitivity to light or sound. Migraine triggers include bright lights, foods, additives or preservatives, certain fragrances, and hormonal fluctuations.
5. Exertion headaches
Exertion headaches are brought on by intense physical activity. These headaches cause a throbbing pain, and you’re more likely to develop one if you exercise in hot weather or high altitude. People with a history of migraines are also more prone to exertion headaches.
6. Hypertension headaches
Hypertension — or high blood pressure — is a dangerous condition, although it typically doesn’t exhibit any symptoms besides a high blood pressure reading. However, if blood pressure levels remain high without treatment, you can start to see symptoms. According to the American Heart Association, a hypertension headache may occur during a hypertensive crisis, when your blood pressure is dangerously high. A hypertension headache is accompanied by high blood pressure and often nosebleeds. If you have a headache, nosebleed, and a blood pressure over
180/120 mm Hg or higher, call 911.
7. Rebound headaches
Rebound headaches occur as a result of taking headache medication. Rebound headaches are more common if your headache medication contains caffeine. When your medication wears off, your body withdrawals from caffeine, leading to a headache.
8. Post-traumatic headaches
Post-traumatic headaches develop after a mild to moderate brain injury. These headaches are very common and can appear within seven days of an injury.
How we can help you
Your headache treatment plan varies, depending on your type of headaches. We have a variety of tools at our disposal to help you find relief: nutritional counseling, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and healthy lifestyle management tips. Should you need neurological assessments, we can also refer you to the appropriate specialists.
Get the relief you need
If you’re struggling to manage your chronic headaches, call our Pearland, Texas, office at 281-223-1172 to make an appointment. Or, simply visit our site to request an appointment today.