Headaches! Differentiate between the different types

Although many people complain of headaches, not all headaches are the same. It can be beneficial for people to distinguish between tension-type headaches and migraine headaches in order to better control their symptoms and seek the right medical attention. Frequently, individuals misdiagnose their headaches as migraines when they are actually tension-type headaches, which results in inadequate treatment for the actual diagnosis. Now let’s explore the specifics of each kind.

Migraines:

Migraines are unfortunately insidious in nature. It’s difficult for us to predict or explain why they occur. Previous studies have identified they can be neurological in nature, stress-induced, or caused by family genetics, but we can’t confirm these as 100% accurate. Migraines present with intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. However, it’s not uncommon for the pain to spread to both sides. Alongside pain, migraines often come with other symptoms such as sensitivity to light or sounds, Nausea/vomiting, auras such as flashing lights or seeing black dots, and/or tingling/numbness into the face

How can we treat a migraine:

1. Medications: Triptans are commonly prescribed to alleviate migraine symptoms by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain. Anti-nausea medications are also helpful
2. Lifestyle Changes: Identifying triggers, such as certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes, can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Make sure to sleep the regular 7-9 hours and drink plenty of water each day 
3. Physical therapy: Unfortunately we can’t guarantee that physical therapy will provide relief. Sometimes soft tissue massage and joint manipulations can affect the nervous system to reduce neural activity and reduce symptoms but it doesn’t always help our patients 

Tension-type headaches:

Tension-type headaches are the most common type of headache and are often described as a dull ache that affects BOTH sides of the head. We typically find that patients will feel most of the tension at the base of the skull and it’s very common in patients with sedentary jobs. Unlike migraines, tension headaches typically do not cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. In addition to pain at the base of the skull there may also be tension through the muscles of the shoulder and front of the neck.

How do we treat tension-type headaches:

1. Over-the-Counter Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help relieve pain associated with tension headaches.
2. Relaxation Techniques: Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga, can help reduce muscle tension and alleviate headache symptoms.
3. Physiotherapy/Chiropractic: Tension headaches can benefit from treatment modalities such as soft tissue massage, dry needling, cupping, joint mobilisation, and joint manipulation 

If you’ve ever woken up with a sore neck or a pounding headache, you know how crucial a good pillow is for a restful night’s sleep. Enter the Harmony Pillow, a thoughtfully designed solution that not only enhances your sleep quality but also promotes better posture and helps reduce the likelihood of morning headaches. The harmony pillow features a unique contoured shape that supports the natural curve of your neck, encouraging proper spinal alignment throughout the night. Unlike traditional flat pillows, the harmony pillow cradles your head and neck, allowing your muscles to relax fully. This alignment is particularly important for those who sleep on their side or back, as it prevents unnecessary strain that can lead to discomfort or tension headaches. Incorporating the harmony pillow into your bedtime routine can be a simple yet effective step towards improving your overall health and well-being.

(Published Dec 11, 2024)

Written by: Nick Dimakis (Chiropractor)