Boy this has to be a one of the most common questions I have answered (and taught) over my career. So, is it a headache? Neck pain? Or, is it a stinkin’ migraine?
Types of headaches
1) Migraines
- These tend to be a systemic (i.e. brewing inside of you) type of headache. These can be hand in hand with menopause, pregnancy, recent birth, etc…but not always. Some migraines are unknown. How to know if it is a migraine? Usually these will have head pain, coupled with more systemic symptoms like a visual aura (think your own personal light show in your eyes), sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, etc. But it isn’t just hormones – dehydration, medications, and stress are huge culprits as well.
2) Sinus Headaches
- We have pretty large air-filled spaces in our heads called sinuses. They are great for reverberation of sound (part of why we sound ridiculous when congested), humidify the air, and help with mucous drainage for the nasal passages (just to name a few things). But, when these sinuses become inflamed (either due to allergies or illness such a cold), we can get pain in the area of these sinuses. Typically, it will be in the forehead, above the eye, on either side of the nose, or in the face. Usually, efforts to decongest the sinuses can help to alleviate this pain. Nasal sprays, antihistamines, medication decongestants, and neti pots can help a lot.
3) Cluster Headache
- Typically on one side of the face, usually very intense and behind or around the eye. They are closely intertwined with alcohol use and smoking. Best thing you can do if you are a smoker is to quit!
4) Exertional Headaches
- Usually from a very intense workout or physical endeavor (or, even from extreme heat), and is a huge indication that your body wants you to stop!!
5) Hypertension
- Oooofff – take your blood pressure medications! Purchase an automated cuff from the pharmacy and keep a log of your blood pressure and associated headache symptoms. You can even check for free at the grocery store or pharmacy with their in store blood pressure units. Under 120/80 is best, but up to 140/90 for chronic hypertension can been considered “normal.”
6) Tension Headaches
- Tend to be muscle tension, posture related, or even from repetitive motions. Maybe you know you don’t have the best posture, or that you carry your stress in your neck and/or shoulders. Or, you sit at a desk for a living and your set-up leaves less to be desired. Or, maybe your work requires a lot of overhead lifting, looking up, or looking down repetitively or for long periods of time. Even car accidents are huge culprits of tension headaches from the muscle and ligament injury from whiplash. This is where Physical Therapy (PT) may help you the most!
Heal today, transform tomorrow. Unlock your potential to heal, learn and grow. – Dr. Barb Wally, LLC
Note: These blog articles are not in exchange for a one on one Physical Therapy visit. Please contact me if you are interested in receiving a Physical Therapy visit!
*This content is original and copyright Dr Barb Wally, LLC*
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