Headaches

What causes headaches?

There are more than 150 different types of headaches, but they’re all placed into one of two categories:

Primary headaches

Primary headaches are caused by a condition in your head or neck. Nerve, blood vessel, or muscle problems are often the culprit. Imbalances in brain chemicals also lead to a primary headache. Tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches represent some of the most common primary headaches.

Secondary headaches

Secondary headaches develop due to an underlying health condition. Sinus infections, traumatic brain injuries, and jaw disorders are examples of conditions that cause secondary headaches.

How does neck pain relate to headaches?

Neck pain is closely associated with headaches. In fact, the cause of your neck pain may trigger a headache. Additionally, many headaches, such as migraine and tension headaches, lead to neck pain and tenderness.

Cervicogenic headaches, however, aren’t just associated with neck pain, they’re caused by a problem in your neck. As a result, you’ll have neck pain and an accompanying headache. Sprains, fractures, tumors, infections, and facet joint arthritis are possible causes of cervicogenic headaches.

What symptoms develop due to headaches?

The severity, location, and nature of your pain depends on the type of headache your experiencing. These are a few examples: 

Tension headaches

Tension headaches cause mild to moderate pain and feel like an elastic band is squeezing your head.

Migraine headaches

Migraine headaches are known for their intense, throbbing pain and body-wide symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to lights, sound, and odors. 

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches cause severe, piercing pain that’s usually around one eye or one side of your head. Cluster headaches occur frequently, typically lasting for one week to a year before going into remission.

How are headaches treated?

The team at Bryant Wellness Institute provides comprehensive care for your headaches, beginning with a thorough evaluation to determine the type of headache and its underlying cause. The advantage of receiving headache treatment from the team at Bryant Wellness Institute is because they take a holistic approach drawing from several therapies.

Your treatment may include nutritional support, tips for stress management, therapeutic massage, or chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic modalities are beneficial for many types of headaches and may reduce the frequency of migraine and cervicogenic headaches. 

No matter what type of headache you experience, treatment is available at Bryant Wellness Institute. To schedule an appointment, call one of the offices or use the online booking feature.