Alleviating Pain: 5 Common Headaches Among Adults

96% of adults have experienced a headache at least once in their life. If you’ve been in this position, you may have dealt with extreme discomfort and are looking for treatments to alleviate pain. 

But to treat your headaches, you should first understand the different kinds you can develop and the symptoms of each. Here are 5 common headaches and their symptoms, as well as chiropractic treatments you may receive to treat them. 

1. Tension Headaches

A tension headache is a mild to moderate pain that feels similar to a tight band of pressure that wraps around the head. While no cause is confirmed, they can be triggered by increased stress. Tension headaches are the most common headaches reported among adults. They don’t generally impact an individual’s daily life, but medical attention may be required if they become persistent. 

Symptoms of tension headaches include:

• Slow onset pain
• A dull, aching feeling in the head
• Tender neck, scalp, and shoulder muscles
• Tightness or pressure across the forehead or side or back of the head

2. Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache is a severe pain felt on one side of the head that occurs up to 8 times a day. These headaches occur in cycles of weeks or months before they go into remission. They most often affect people 20 to 40 years old. They are common in 1 in 1,000 people and often require a medical diagnosis. There is no confirmed cause of cluster headaches; however, the cluster headache pattern suggests a connection to the hypothalamus.

Symptoms of a cluster headache include: 

• Burning, piercing pain that lasts 15 minutes to 3 hours
• Pain felt on the same side of the head during every headache
• The sensation starts behind the eye and can spread
• Redness or swelling of the affected eye
• Pale skin or flushing of the face

3. Migraines

Migraines are a type of headache that is characterized by recurrent pain that includes throbbing and pulsing on one side of the head. They generally start in the morning or at predictable intervals, such as immediately after stressful days. Migraines affect 1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men. If you believe your migraines are becoming more persistent, you may want to begin a migraine journal, tracking frequency and symptoms to discuss with your medical provider.

Symptoms of a migraine include:

• Changes in bodily function several days beforehand
• Auras, including black spots in your vision
• Sound and light sensitivity
• Pain that lasts between 4 and 72 hours
• Nausea and vomiting

4. Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches are a headache that feels similar to an infection in the sinuses. The symptoms of a sinus headache are similar to those of a migraine, making them difficult to distinguish. They aren’t very common and are often self-misdiagnosed as a migraine. If you experience 15 or more headache days in a month that isn’t alleviated by pain medication, you may want to see a medical professional. 

Symptoms of a sinus headache include: 

• Pressure in the cheeks, brows, and forehead
• Increased discomfort when bending forward or lying down
• Nasal congestion
• An achy feeling in the teeth
• Fever

5. Post-Traumatic Headaches

Head pain following a concussion is standard. However, if you develop a new headache in the 7 days following your concussion, you may have a post-traumatic headache. These headaches can feel like a mix between migraines and tension headaches. If you develop a post-traumatic headache, you’ll want to speak with a medical provider who may prescribe anti-depressants, anti-seizure, or blood pressure medications. 

Symptoms of a post-traumatic headache include:

• Memory problems and trouble concentrating
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Pulsating pain
• Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
• Mood changes, including increased feelings of depression

How A Chiropractor Can Help With Your Headaches

If you’re dealing with pain from persistent headaches or have a family history, you may want to consider seeing a chiropractor. The sooner you start treatment, the happier you will be. Regular chiropractic treatments can reduce the pain and frequency you experience. 

Treatments provided by chiropractors include:

• Vibration Plate Therapy
• Spinal Traction Therapy
• Spinal Corrections
• Spinal Decompression
• Class IV Laser Therapy 
• Lifestyle Changes and Education 
• At-Home Management

You may consider seeing a chiropractor if you are looking for treatments to help alleviate discomfort from headaches. Our team of experts at Elite Chiropractic can help you through this pain and allow you to get back on track. If you want to schedule an appointment or would like to speak with one of our team members, call our office at (509) 436-8530.