Put a Name to Your Head Pain: 4 Common Types of Headaches

Oh, the dreaded headache: this annoying and sometimes debilitating condition can mean lost productivity, irritability, and a host of other side effects in addition to head pain. “Headache” is a catch-all term, since you’ve probably had lots of different types of headaches, each feeling a little different, or coming on at different times, for different reasons. Today, we’re exploring the four most common types of Roanoke, TX headaches, and how chiropractic care and alternative therapy from Dr. Cody Doyle can help chronic headache sufferers.

If you experience frequent headaches that cause you to put your daily life on hold, know that chiropractic care can help alleviate many underlying causes of headaches. Dr. Cody Doyle provides a drug-free, nonsurgical approach to achieving total wellness for Roanoke, TX patients who suffer from headaches and other conditions. To discover the benefits of chiropractic care, contact our office today at 817-767-5430.

Tension Headaches

More than likely, you’ve experienced a tension headache at least once; it’s the most common headache complaint for American adults. While the side effects generally do not prevent you from completing normal daily activities, symptoms can still be painful and annoying. Many patients report feeling a dull ache on one or both sides of the head and/or behind the eyes. Sometimes, tension headaches are described as a band around the head which tightens or pulses with pain. These headaches’ lifespans vary greatly: they usually last anywhere from a few minutes to even several days. Common triggers include:

• Hunger
• Lack of sleep
• Poor posture
• Stress
• Injury or misalignment in the neck, back, or shoulders

Cluster Headaches

As the name implies, this headache occurs with short episodes of pain, usually on just one side of the head. Unusually, it can be followed by allergy or cold symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, or congestion in the sinuses. Cluster headaches often are as painful as migraines, but do not last as long. Usually, sufferers go long periods of time before experiencing these headaches. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes cluster headaches, but one theory suggests that abnormalities with the body’s hypothalamus (or the “biological clock”) could be to blame.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus pressure, as the result of a cold or allergies, can lead to an increase in pressure throughout the face and head. This pressure is accompanied by facial swelling, runny nose, and congestion, and pain is usually localized around the sinuses and eye area. Depending on the severity of the cold, sinus infection, or allergies, symptoms can for days or weeks.

Migraine Headaches

If you suffer from migraines, or know someone who does, you know that these types of headaches can be extremely debilitating, causing a host of secondary side effects in addition to head pain. These can include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. Sometimes, patients experience flashes of light in the peripheral vision (called an ocular migraine) before a migraine sets in. Migraines are well known for occurring frequently, usually multiple times a month. Triggers are different for each patient, but can include:

• Lack of sleep
• Stress
• Poor nutrition
• Hormone imbalance
• Environmental factors, such as lighting, strong smells, or sounds

Chiropractic Care for Headaches in Roanoke, TX

Dr. Doyle offers holistic health treatments to treat underlying biological issues that can contribute to headaches. As vertebrae shift out of place, it can tighten surrounding muscles and affect the blood flow in the major arteries of the neck. When these major arteries are restricted, it inhibits continuous blood flow from the spinal cord to the brain, resulting in chronic or acute headaches. Therefore, regular chiropractic adjustments and alternative therapies such as acupuncture can help to maintain even oxygen flow and relieve tension. In addition, Dr. Doyle may offer tips for improving posture, managing stress, and other ways to reduce your headaches.

Ready to schedule your appointment? Contact us today! We look forward to seeing you soon.