Let’s talk Headaches!
We’re always surprised when someone tells us the headaches that they get are ‘normal’!
Headaches aren’t normal, it’s the body’s way of letting you know something isn’t right, so here’s a little blog on headache types and causes.
Headaches are a common condition and can occur at any age. They can be caused by various factors including stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, eye strain, or an underlying medical condition.
There are many different types of headaches, including tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache amongst adults and teenagers, they vary in severity and usually resolve easily. The majority are caused by tension on the neck and shoulder muscles which tighten to such a degree that they compress and irritate the nerve in the neck causing a tightness across the temples, back of the skull, or forehead.
Think about text-neck, poor desk posture for many hours, or looking down constantly at a laptop. All these postural deficiencies contribute to tension headaches.
Migraines are a type of headache that can cause severe pain, visual aura, nausea, and light and sound sensitivity. They can last for hours or even days. It is thought environmental factors and genetics may play a role in their cause; however, food intolerances, hormones, and alcohol consumption may also be a trigger.
Cluster headaches are a rare type of headache, that occur in clusters over weeks or months. They can cause severe pain around one eye and can be accompanied by redness of tearing or visual disturbance. It is thought that nerve irritation or inflammation is the primary cause of this type of headache.
Sinus headaches are caused by an inflammation of the sinuses, the intricate network of tiny cavities in the face, and can cause pain in the forehead, cheeks, and nose. They are often accompanied by congestion or a runny nose. Allergies or infections are usually to blame in this case. Most headaches are rarely serious, and treatment depends on the type of headache and its
underlying cause. Always consider hydration, hunger, and eye strain as a starting point, and remember evidence suggests most tension headaches originate from the neck, and that’s where we at Oakfield can help.
If you have any questions about headaches don’t hesitate to get in touch.
