The Different Types Of Headaches

By Dr. Kwok Bill Leung (B.ChiroSc, M.Chiro, B Physio) 

Headaches can be caused anything from minor discomfort to excruciating pain. There are numerous varieties of headaches, each with a unique combination of signs and symptoms. Physiotherapy, exercise and massage may help some people with tension-type headaches, and spinal manipulation may help some neck-related headaches. Painkillers can ease a headache, but taking them too often can cause more headaches. A doctor can advise on the right treatment for your type of headache. In this post, we’ll talk about the many headache kinds and how chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy can help with pain relief. 

Tension Headaches

The most frequent type of headaches, tension headaches are frequently brought on by stress and strain in the neck and shoulder muscles. Symptoms include a dull ache or pressure on both sides of the head, often described as a tight band. Most people can carry on with their daily activities. Hong Kong Sports Clinic provides the all information about like physical therapy, exercise etc.

Migraines Migraines are a specific type of headache that frequently includes other signs and symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and vision problems. They can be triggered by a range of things, such as stress, particular meals, and hormone changes, and are brought on by changes in the brain. 

Cluster Headaches

Rare but excruciatingly painful cluster headaches often affect one side of the head. They cause a sharp, burning or piercing pain, usually on one side of the head around the eye. Attacks last between 15 minutes and 3 hours. It is not known what causes cluster headaches. Some people find attacks are triggered by alcohol, smoking or strong smells. Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen do not work for cluster headaches, so see a doctor about treatment.  

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches are brought on by sinus irritation and frequently come with other symptoms like facial pressure and congestion. They are typically brought on by sinus infections or allergies. Many people who think they have sinus headaches actually have migraine. Sinusitis usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks, and rinsing your nose with a salt water solution can help. See a doctor the same day if you are very unwell or your symptoms get worse, and see a doctor if you are not better after 3 weeks. 

Rebound Headaches

Taking painkillers too often can cause medication overuse (rebound) headaches. The risk rises if you take simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen on more than 15 days a month, or triptans, opioids or combination painkillers on 10 or more days a month. These headaches often happen every day or nearly every day. They are treated by stopping the overused painkillers, with a doctor’s support. The headaches may get worse for a short time before they get better. 

Chiropractic Care and Physiotherapy

Some types of headaches may be relieved by non-invasive, drug-free treatments including chiropractic and physical therapy. Numerous approaches are employed by chiropractors and physiotherapists to ease muscular tension and help joints move better. 

Spinal adjustments, massage and stretching may ease tension in the neck and shoulder muscles, which may help some tension-type and neck-related headaches. 

Chiropractors use spinal manipulation (adjustments) to help the joints of the neck and back move better. This can ease some forms of headaches by easing tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. Side effects can include short-lived soreness, stiffness, tiredness or headache. Rarely, strokes have been reported after neck manipulation, although it is not clear whether the manipulation caused them. To increase joint mobility and lessen discomfort, physiotherapists may also employ manual treatment techniques such joint mobilisation to increased neck and shoulder range of motion. 

Massage is another method chiropractors and physiotherapists may use to ease muscle tension. Additionally, massage therapy can aid with stress management and relaxation, both of which can help with headache relief. 

Regular stretching exercises have also been seen to be beneficial for easing muscular tension and enhancing joint mobility. Specific exercises may be suggested by chiropractors and physiotherapists to lessen headaches and increase mobility in general. 

In addition to these methods, physiotherapists and chiropractors may suggest lifestyle modifications to help with headache relief. These adjustments might involve enhancing posture, engaging in regular exercise, and lowering stress. Physiotherapists and chiropractors may also suggest dietary changes to support your general health. 

Conclusion

Headaches are a frequent condition that have several potential causes. There are numerous varieties of headaches, each with a unique combination of signs and symptoms. Some types of headaches may be relieved by non-invasive, drug-free treatments including chiropractic and physical therapy. Chiropractors and physiotherapists use a range of approaches that may help some types of headache, such as tension-type and neck-related headaches. People can take a proactive approach to controlling their headaches and enhancing their general health and wellness by working with a therapist at Hong Kong Sports Clinic + and implementing lifestyle adjustments. 

Need help with this? Our headache and migraine physiotherapy team at Total Health by Hong Kong Sports Clinic can assess you and start treatment in your first session, in Central, Kai Tak or Tin Hau. Message us on WhatsApp to book.