A headache (HA) is pain experienced in any part of your head. It is a common condition, and most often not a symptom of serious illness. There are many different types of headache and they can arise from a variety of causes. According to the World Health Organization at least half of the international adult population will experience headache in a one-year period. Headaches cause substantial personal and financial burdens on those that suffer from them, especially the chronic forms.

Different types of headaches:

There are four recognised categories of headaches: primary HA, secondary HA, neuropathic type HA and other HA. Primary HA are when the HA itself is the main problem, it includes tension-type HA, migraine and cluster type HA. Secondary headaches are caused by another condition that triggers pain-sensitive areas in the neck and head (e.g. cervicogenic, hypertensive)

Tension-type headaches (TTH):

Can be episodic or chronic, they are described as ‘vice-like, tightness or squeezing” with “hat band” distribution around the head.

• Episodic <15 days per month – 70% of population, can occur for hours or days
• Chronic > 15 days per month – affects 1-3% of adults, usually unremitting and much more debilitating.
• These HA begin in teenage years, affecting more females than males
• Most often caused by stress, insomnia and issues with sleep

Cervicogenic Headaches:

A secondary HA is caused by pre-existing neck issues, trauma or other causative events. These headaches have a clear linking causative factor which when resolved should also resolve the headache itself. Some common feature include:

• Pain extending/referred from neck structures into the head – a ‘rams horn’ distribution (forehead, orbital region, temporal region, occipital region)
• Usually one one side but can be experienced on both sides of the head
• Commonly seen in adults – can seen in adolescents
• Aggravated by provocation, movement or prolonged postures of the neck
• Restricted ranges of neck motion as well as tension in the upper neck muscles

Migraines:

Severe headaches that typically last for between 4 and 72 hours. Migraine sufferers can experience vomiting and nausea in addition to sensitivity to light or sound. They also frequently report throbbing pain that worsens with activity. Some common features include:

• Usually felt on one side of the head
• Triggers: stress, hormones, certain liquids (e.g. coffee, tea, alcohol).
• Affects more females than males
• With or without an aura

Cluster-type headaches:

Cluster headaches, which occur in cyclical patterns or cluster periods, are one of the most painful types of headache. A cluster headache commonly causes you to wake in the middle of the night with intense pain in or around one eye on one side of the head.

During a cluster period:

• Headaches usually occur daily, often several times a day
• An attack can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours
• Most attacks occur at night, usually 1 to 2 hours after you go to bed
• The attacks often occur at the same time each day

What causes headaches?

Primary headaches can be caused by:

• Stress
• Sleep deprivation
• Fatigue
• Hunger
• Caffeine withdrawal
• Abrupt cessation of medications
• Food and drinks, such as chocolate, some processed foods or alcohol

How do I get rid of a headache?

Depending on the type of headache there are a few things you can do at home to treat them. Such remedies include:

• Taking medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, panadol
• Rest in a quiet, dark room
• Hot or cold compresses to your head or neck
• Self-massage and reducing intake of caffeine
• Practicing relaxation

Headaches are very common and often debilitating and Osteopathy can help! Here at KHC we would love to help relieve your pain, prevent future headaches and get you back to work and doing the activities you love pain-free. Book below for an appointment today:

For more information check out these helpful sources:

Franz J Wippold II et al. (2023). Evaluation of headache in adults. UpToDate. Retrieved 12th April 2023, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-of-headache-in-adults

Kaniecki, R. G. (2015). Tension-type headache. Headache and Migraine Biology and Management, 149–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-800901-7.00012-4