5 Headache Types – Which One Do You Have?

Almost everyone has had a headache at one time or another.  The rare headache is usually nothing to be concerned about and can be easily addressed by ensuring proper hydration or a good night of sleep.  However, when headaches become more chronic, they can become increasingly difficult to manage.  Getting to the bottom of why you’re experiencing headaches should start with identifying what headache type you are suffering from.

1. Tension headaches – The most common type of a headache, feels like a tight hat is squeezing around your head, or like your head is in a vice, especially at the temples or the back of the head and neck.
2. Sinus headaches – A true sinus headache is often due to an infection.  Sinus headaches are usually accompanied by a fever because of the infection.
3. Rebound headaches – Also known as medication overuse headaches, rebound headaches are caused by the overuse of painkillers (aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, etc.) used to treat headaches.
4. Cluster headaches – Affecting more men than women, cluster headaches occur in cycles.  They are characterized by severe pain on one side of the head along with a watery eye, runny nose, and facial drooping on the affected side.
5. Migraines – The headache of a migraine can be excruciating, but what makes migraines different are the accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, visual changes, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

The Common Thread to Headaches

When a patient who has been experiencing headaches comes to us at Pancake Wellness Center, we will always check for a very specific spinal misalignment that occurs at the atlas vertebra.  The atlas sits just beneath the base of the skull at the junction between the head and the neck and forms a protective ring around the brainstem.  An accident, injury, or just daily wear and tear can cause the atlas to shift out of its normal alignment, creating stress and tension on the brainstem, which can lead to the formation of headaches.

The Atlas Orthogonal approach is very unique.  We take great care to analyze each of our patient’s individual alignment, as it can differ widely from person to person.  If an atlas misalignment is present, we gently and precisely correct it so the healing process can occur.  This can, over time, lead to the reduction or elimination of headaches, no matter what the type.

References:

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20484672,00.html

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