Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Headaches are one of the most common causes of pain that affects people of all types. Headaches can range from minor discomfort to debilitating pain, leaving you unable to live the life you want. Understanding the type of headache you’re experiencing is the first step toward solving it.

WHAT CAUSES HEADACHES?

Common causes of headaches are:

  • Dental problems

  • Eye Strain

  • Dehydration

  • Exposure to chemicals

  • Alchohol and Smoking

  • Muscle tension & poor posture

  • Stress

  • Food Allergies & Sensitivities

  • Hormone Imbalances

  • Poor sleep quality

Headaches can be complex. Sometimes the cause is something simple like you’re not drinking enough fluids, or your cervical spine isn’t moving correctly. Other times, it can be more complicated. Migraines, hormonal headaches, and food allergies are just a few examples of how headaches may take more work to improve. Our functional medicine program is designed for finding the fixing the root cause of these more complicated types of headaches.

Common Types of Headaches:

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are categorized as the “everyday common headache.” They’re commonly described as “squeezing around your head” causing a dull ache on both sides. Tension headaches are associated with shoulder & neck stiffness and pain.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are usually described as a ponding or throbbing in your head or a dull constant ache throughout the day accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or even sensitivity to light and noise. Lasting from a few hours to multiple days causing interference in one’s daily life.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches are usually caused by the common cold or sinusitis. This types of headache is characterized by constant pressure in the cheekbones, forehead, and nose. The pain can get worse with sudden head movement.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are one of the most painful types of headaches. They cause intense pain on one side of your head and are often painful behind your eyes. This type of headache comes on suddenly and can last anywhere from 10 minutes to 3 hours.

Some other types of common headaches:

  • Post concussion headaches

  • Caffeine headaches

  • Hormonal Headaches

  • Dehydration headaches

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A HEADACHE?

Symptoms of a headache may change depending on your type of headache. Common headache symptoms are:

  • Dull head pain

  • Tight pressure around your skull.

  • Sensitivity & tension in your neck and shoulders

  • Pain & tenderness along the base of your skull

  • Pain near your temples on the side of your head.

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Irritability

TREATMENTS FOR HEADACHES:

Treating headaches can be challenging because they can be multi-factoral.

A traditional approach to treating headaches may include over the counter and prescription pharmaceuticals, ice packs, behavioral therapy, and stress management.

Common “alternative treatments” include chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture, yoga, & nutritional supplementation.

Advanced testing for headaches may include: X Rays, CT Scans, and MRI depending on your individual case.

HOW PROACTIVE HEALTH TREATS HEADACHES:

HEADACHE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PAIN RELIEF

Proactive Health providers are experts in diagnosing the root cause of pain and dysfunction. Our doctors will guide you through a full body functional movement assessment which is designed to uncover any movement or structural issues that may be contributing or causing your headache.

Our favorite treatment’s for headaches include chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, an in-depth diet audit, functional movement exercises & stretches, nutritional modifications, and key supplements.

Additionally, we may use blood lab analysis, functional laboratory testing, and/or other advanced techniques to discover any underlying issues which may be contributing to your headaches (hormonal imbalances, food intolerances, genetic abnormalities, etc…)

The hardest part about fixing your headache is finding the root cause of why it’s happening.

That’s where we can help!

If you’re experiencing headaches, don’t wait. We recommend scheduling a FREE, no obligation consultation to see how we can best help you. Call us at (423)779-3295 and or click the button below to get started.