Headaches Explained: A Guide to the Types and Treatments of Head Pain
Addressing migraines, tension, and neck issues
It’s time to focus and be productive. You organize your desk, write a to-do list, and are full of motivation. The only thing in your way is the pounding in your head. Headaches can be painful and distracting. Most people experience at least one headache in their life. Common causes of infrequent headaches are stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, or general illness.
But if you notice your head hurting more than every once in a while, there could be an underlying cause. Each person’s headaches are unique to them, but can be treated based on your type and symptoms.
The purpose of this article is to help you identify which type of headache is plaguing you and provide possible solutions to ease your pain.
Cervicogenic Headaches
This type of headache stems from an issue in the neck. People with cervicogenic headaches usually have more pain when turning their head to one side, like looking over your left or right shoulder, and may notice stiffness in the neck as well. Typically, cervicogenic headaches are a diffuse pain and non-throbbing in nature.
Nerve irritation in the upper neck is the primary cause of cervicogenic headaches. Irritation of these nerves can be due to a problem with any of the structures in the cervical spine including discs, ligaments, or muscles.
Medication or steroid injections are possible treatments to ease the pain, but physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for cervicogenic headaches. Your physical therapist or other healthcare professional may try hands-on techniques focused on getting your spine moving more. It is important to perform exercises focused on improved mobility and strength of the neck and upper back musculature. In addition, improving your posture can help reduce symptoms. Below are some easy exercises you can do at home to help reduce pain and prevent these headaches from reoccurring.
Cervicogenic headache exercises
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are common in people who hold stress in their neck and shoulders. These headaches are usually on both sides of the head, in the back of the head, or in the forehead. They can range from mild-to-moderate severity and often feel like a dull or pressure sensation. Another common desription is that their headache feels like a tight band around their head. Tension headaches can be continuous or come and go.
If your headache begins or tends to get worse when you are stressed then it is most likely a tension headache. Poor posture, muscle tightness, or muscle weakness in surrounding areas can also lead to these types of headaches.
Physical therapy treatment of these headaches includes mobility stretching, strengthening, muscle re-education, and relaxation techniques.
Tension headache exercises
Migraine Headaches
Migraines can be a bit more variable than the previous two types. Many people feel them on one or both sides of the head and describe them as throbbing or pulsating. They usually come in episodes, are more common in females, and have a strong genetic component. Many people with migraines have sensitivities to sound, light or smell. Some get dizziness or another type of aura, while others get only the intense head pain.
There are many causes of migraine headaches. Many studies show links to sleep deprivation and stress. Certain foods can also cause migraines, such as meats with nitrate preserves like hot dogs and bacon, coffee, sugar, and alcohol, especially red wine, can also spark a headache.
Conservative treatment of these headaches includes managing stress levels, ensuring enough sleep, and changing your diet. Reducing sugar and the other foods above may help reduce migraines. A 2019 study found manual therapy techniques in physical therapy to be as effective as headache medication. Relaxation techniques and cold packs around the neck can be helpful as well. You should also try some of the above exercises to ensure proper posture, strength, and muscle length.
An End to the Pain
To summarize, if your headache tends to be on one side and is not pulsating try the cervicogenic exercises. If you headache is dull, on both sides, and gets worse with stress try the tension headache exercises. Finally, if you have pulsating headaches that tend to come in episodes try a cold pack around the neck, dietary changes, and some of the mobility exercises above.
Headaches can be distracting, but they can also be treated. Keep in mind everyone is different — this article is simply a guide to help you be aware of the different types of headaches and get you started in treating them.
I’m biased, but consulting with a physical therapist or other healthcare professional trained in headache techniques can be very helpful in reducing your pain. Many people are unaware that headaches are an area that can be treated by rehab professionals but they definitely are. Often 6–8 weeks of therapy can provide similar/better benefits as years of medication.
As always, consult your doctor if you have any serious medical conditions or concerns before trying these techniques.
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