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How to Tell the Difference Between the Different Types of Headaches

Headaches have become one of the most common ailments that affect people across the world. They can be isolated incidents, recurring nuisances, or the sign of a more severe condition that requires immediate attention. Many people get headaches without fully understanding the different types and their telltale signs. By identifying the type of headache they experience, they can find a more effective treatment method that can help alleviate the pain in the future. 

What Causes a Headache?

While doctors and scientists haven’t figured out the direct causes of headaches, they have narrowed it down to a few likely common causes. With the human body being one of the most complex systems, multiple possible places can create the underlying cause. Pain in your back or neck can shoot up your nervous system and create pressure that causes headaches. Now that we know the potential causes of headaches, understanding the different types and how to tell the difference between them is the next step for you. 

The Different Kinds of Headaches

Each of these headaches presents itself differently and affects different parts of your head. When it comes to primary headaches, there are four main types:

  • Tension
  • Migraine
  • Cluster
  • Sinus

Tension Headaches

You can tell if you have a tension headache based on the dull aching sensation felt throughout your head. You may also experience tenderness or sensitivity in your neck, shoulders, forehead, and scalp during the course of the headache. Fortunately, tension headaches tend to only last for a short time — usually around 30 minutes, give or take. 

Migraine Headaches

Deep pulsing pain from within your head typifies the migraine headache. The pain usually sticks to one side of your head and is considered a throbbing type of pain. People suffering from migraines typically have a sensitivity to light and sound. Unlike other types of headaches, migraine symptoms can last for days at a time. 

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches usually feature a type of piercing and burning pain that often begins behind the eye. It’s another variety that generally affects one side of your head at aWhile each headache can vary from 15 minutes to a few hours, once one subsides, another begins.  Usually, people experience one to four headaches in succession around the same time each day when they suffer from a cluster headache. 

Allergy or Sinus Headaches

Many adults suffer from allergies and sinus issues throughout the year. A potential complication of these conditions can be the onset allergy or sinus headaches. The pain from these headaches generally focus in the sinus pathways of your head and feature pulsing pain. Migraines and sinus headaches can be misdiagnosed as each due to the similarities in the pain and symptoms. 

How Can Chiropractic Care Help with My Headaches?

When over-the-counter medications fail, a series of chiropractic visits can help alleviate your symptoms. Through a series of spinal manipulations, our team of trained chiropractors can address the cervicogenic headaches that have plagued your life. Additionally, if you suffer from headaches during your pregnancy, our team can help provide you the relief you need!

Contact Community Chiropractic Center to schedule an appointment and get a better handle on your chronic headaches today!

 

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