Headaches can be a regular, or even daily source of discomfort for some, often interfering with our ability to enjoy life fully. Understanding their root causes is essential to finding an effective solution. Let's delve into the science behind headaches, from the brain and nervous system to the neck and surrounding tissues.

Primary vs. Secondary Headaches

It's important to differentiate between primary and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are those caused by overactivity of or problems with pain-sensitive structures in your head. These headaches aren't symptoms of underlying diseases. The chemical activity in your brain, the nerves or blood vessels surrounding your skull, or the muscles of your head and neck (or a combination of these factors) can play a role in primary headaches.

Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are symptoms of an underlying disease or condition. These headaches can occur due to a whole variety of issues within the body - for example infections (viral or bacterial), trauma (such as a concussion), poisoning (like carbon monoxide exposure or even the aftermath of excessive alcohol consumption, i.e., a hangover), and problems with blood clots, or bleeding in the head.

Identifying whether your headache is primary or secondary is vital in determining the appropriate course of action.

Types and Subtypes of Primary Headaches

The International Headache Society's classification system lists more than 200 types and subtypes of headache, but about 90% are tension, migraine, or cluster headaches.

Tension Headaches: The most common type, tension headaches deliver a dull ache to both sides of the head. Symptoms include mild to moderate, non-throbbing pain on both sides of the head, tightening or pressing pain resembling a band around the head, pain that lasts at least a half-hour, and aching that may affect the neck or back of the head. Tension headaches are not worsened by physical activity.

Migraine headache: Migraine affects millions of people every year. Symptoms of a migraine include moderate to severe pulsating pain around one eye or on one side of the head, pain that lasts four hours to three days, sensitivity to light and/or sound, nausea and/or vomiting, pain worsened by physical activities, decreased ability to function in everyday situations, and often are associated with aura symptoms. We have a whole host of migraine information that you can search on the KOEO web.

Cluster Headaches: Cluster headaches are four times more common in men. They can be extremely painful, with stabbing pain near one eye or on one side of the head. Attacks usually occur in groups (clusters), with as many as eight in one day. Pain-free periods can last weeks, months, or years.

Another Type of Headache - Cervicogenic Headaches

Another type of primary headache that we see in KOEO are what are known as cervicogenic headaches.

“A cervicogenic headache presents as unilateral pain that starts in the neck and is referred from bony structures or soft tissues of the neck. It is a common chronic and recurrent headache that usually starts after neck movement. It usually accompanies a reduced range of motion of the neck.” [1]

Cervicogenic Headaches and Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Cervicogencic headaches have an excellent track record with Upper Cervical Chiropractic care. Traditional medicine offers nerve blocks to stop this type of headache, however we have repeatedly seen clients naturally resolve these headaches under the correct headache treatment at KOEO.

These headaches, along with tension and migraine headaches, often originate from the neck and surrounding tissues. They can be triggered by muscle tension, poor posture, or misalignments in the upper cervical spine. When the neck or surrounding tissues are involved, Upper Cervical Chiropractic has been particularly effective in addressing these types of headaches.

Getting to the Root of Headaches

Understanding the root cause of your headaches is the first step towards finding a solution. It's not always a one-size-fits-all scenario, as the triggers and causes can vary from person to person.

If your headaches are related to neck or upper cervical issues, Upper Cervical Chiropractic could be a game-changer, offering a natural, targeted solution to restore balance and alleviate your pain.

[1] Cervicogenic Headache. Yasir Al Khalili; Nam Ly; Patrick B. Murphy