How often do you get a headache? Headaches are an extremely common issue that affects most of us at some point in our lives. Most headaches are short-lived and infrequent but they can become debilitatingly painful.
Three very common types of headache according to ICHD-3, are Tension-Type Headache, Cervicogenic headache and Migraine.
Tension-Type Headaches are a very common problem, affecting 30-78% of us at least once in our lifetime.
Tension headaches may also be known as stress headaches. They are usually a mild to moderate pressing pain on both sides of your head. Your head may be tender to touch. Tension-type headaches usually don’t happen with nausea. They don’t change with activity. Tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to 7 days!
The cause of tension-type headaches is unknown, with more research required to understand the condition.
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Cervicogenic Headaches are a type of headache, similar to tension headache, caused by an issue with your neck.
Usually this types of headache occurs at the same time as neck pain or stiffness. They often appear on just one side of your head and neck. You may also experience soreness in the muscles of your neck.
Cervicogenic headaches usually clear up when your neck pain resolves.
Many people find Osteopathy or Chiropractic helpful to manage their neck pain and stiffness, which in turn may help the headache. Neck and upper back exercises may also be useful.
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Migraines are one of the most common types of headache, affecting around 10% of men and 22% of women in their lifetime.
Migraines come in many forms and are a very personal experience. Usually, sufferers experience a throbbing/pulsating headache which worsens with movement. The headache may be on one or both sides of your head. Migraines may last up to 72 hours. They often occur with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound.
Some people experience migraine with aura, which are neurological symptoms lasting up to an hour. For most people this will be visual changes, but aura can also be pins and needles, numbness, weakness or difficulty speaking.
Do you suffer with migraines? How do you manage your migraines?
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Headaches are rarely a sign of serious illness, but you should seek medical attention if your headache is very intense, a new type of headache, sudden onset of headache, if you have experienced altered consciousness or confusion if you have other signs of being unwell such as fever or unexplained weight loss.