Many people think getting headaches is a normal part of life…but this is not the case. Headaches are one of the most common ways your body can communicate to you that there is something wrong, and that needs to be addressed.

There are a number of different types of headaches, the most common being; 

1) Tension headaches

This is by far the most common headache to present into our office. If this is you, you would be familiar with a constant dull ache around your head, or behind the eyes or even at the base of the skull. This can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days/weeks. These guys are most likely from poor posture causing dysfunction to your spine and surrounding muscles in the neck and upper back.

2) Cluster headaches

These are short sharp bouts of pain, felt one sided behind the eye. As you can probably tell from the name they occur a few times a day for a couple of days. 

3) Cervicogenic headaches 

These headaches are most commonly due to dysfunction or irritation in the neck. You may find turning the neck or looking in your blind spot is causing pain / tension.

4) Migraines

Another common headache, this types present as an intense throbbing pain on one side of the head. This headache can be associated with sensitivity to light and/or sound and can cause some nausea/vomiting. Most common triggers of migraines include but are not limited to lack of sleep, stress, changes in hormone levels and some foods.

Why do headaches happen?

Commonly, these sorts of headaches are due to a dysfunction with the pain-sensitive structures in the neck. Various structures in the brain or surrounding your skull and neck, like nerves, joints and muscles, can play a role in your headache. Many things can trigger an irritation and/or dysfunction, some may include but not limited to; 

• Lack of sleep

• Poor posture

• Excessive stress

• Alcohol

• Some processed meats

• Pain referred to the head by the joints and/or muscles of the neck. 

How can chiropractic help?

We would perform a history taking, physical examination, and an orthopaedic examination to assess your neck and surrounding areas to rule out anything further along with determining which headache type you have. Treatment will always vary depending on severity and type of headache but treating joint dysfunction may help relieve pain and restore proper function, this can be done through adjustments, muscle release, stretching, posture tips and at home exercises to begin strengthening the area.

Some home tips to try

1)    Hot and cold packs

This can help if placed at the base of the skull. Alternatively taking a hot shower or immersing yourself in a bath may also help. Remember to be using the heat or ice packs for 20-minute intervals, on and off.

2)    Sub occipital muscle release 

Take a tennis ball and then lie down on the floor and put the tennis ball under the base of the skull. Relax and allow the weight of the head to compress against the ball. Then slowly and gently rock the head backwards and forwards and from side to side for a few minutes to allow the muscles in the neck to relax.

3)    Hydration

Drink plenty of water as mild dehydration can sometimes trigger a tension headache, so upping the water intake and avoiding caffeine will help.

4)    Supplements 

Magnesium or electrolytes are awesome to prevent / lessen the effects of your headache, so any of our practitioner preferred magnesium will help, ask in the clinic.

5)    Pillow / Sleep

Ensuring your pillow is supporting your neck and head in the right way will help with neck tension, headaches and having a better night sleep. This may also assist in managing / reducing stress, if this is your headache trigger! Ask us about our pillows we stock or have a look here

6)    Posture 

The biggest one coming from me is to correct your posture. Have a look at our posture blog to help lessen pressure on certain spots in your spine and body, whether this is whilst you are at work or home or even just standing.

There are evidence that states spinal adjustments result in improvement for headaches originating from the neck and has significantly fewer side effects and longer lasting relief in comparison to pain medication. There are also many other primary / secondary headaches that you could be experiencing so come in and get your headaches assessed by us at Form Chiropractic and we can talk about treatment options for you.

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