Understanding Different Types of Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, affecting people of all ages. While most are not a sign of something serious, they can have a big impact on day-to-day life. Understanding the different types of headaches can make it easier to identify what might be contributing to yours, and where to seek support.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type. They usually feel like a tight band or pressure around the head, often starting at the base of the skull or across the forehead. Stress, poor posture, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, and long hours at a desk can all play a role.
Osteopathy may be able to help relieve tension headaches by addressing muscular tightness, posture, and movement patterns that contribute to strain.
Migraine
Migraines are more than just bad headaches. They are a neurological condition that can cause intense, throbbing head pain, often on one side of the head. They may be accompanied by nausea, visual changes, and sensitivity to light or sound. Triggers can include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and sleep disruption.
While treatment depends on the individual, osteopathy may support migraine sufferers by helping to reduce muscular tension, improve circulation, and encourage relaxation of the nervous system.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches begin in the neck and are referred to the head. They often cause pain on one side, usually starting in the neck or base of the skull and radiating to the forehead, temples, or around the eyes. They may be linked with restricted movement in the neck or irritation of nerves and joints in the cervical spine.
Osteopathy may assist by improving mobility in the neck and reducing muscular or joint strain that could be contributing to the headache.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are less common but extremely painful. They occur in cycles or “clusters” over weeks or months and typically involve severe pain around one eye, often with tearing, nasal congestion, or redness of the eye. The exact cause is not fully understood, but they are thought to involve the hypothalamus and trigeminal nerve.
Because cluster headaches are complex and severe, medical diagnosis and management are essential. Osteopathy is not a treatment for cluster headaches, but some people find supportive care for surrounding muscular tension may provide comfort during or between episodes.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches occur when the sinuses become inflamed or congested, often due to allergies or infection. Pain is usually felt in the forehead, cheeks, and around the nose, and may worsen when bending forward.
Osteopathy may be able to support sinus-related headaches by working on drainage, circulation, and reducing tension in the surrounding facial and neck structures.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most headaches are not serious, but it’s important to seek urgent medical care if you experience:
A sudden, severe headache unlike anything you’ve felt before
Headaches that are worsening or very frequent
Headaches accompanied by vision changes, weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking
Headaches after an injury
The Osteopathic Approach
Osteopathy takes a whole-body perspective, looking at how the muscles, joints, posture, and nervous system may be influencing your symptoms. While it is not a cure for headaches, osteopathy may help relieve discomfort, improve mobility, and support your overall wellbeing.