Headaches

Many of us suffer from headaches, which can be very disruptive to our lifestyles. There are many different types of headaches, but they all have one thing in common – causing pain. Other unpleasant symptoms may occur in relation to headaches, such as nausea, vomiting, or extreme sensitivity to noise or light.

Headaches are head pain that most commonly originates from irritation of the neck joints and/or muscles. This pain may be aggravated by certain activities or movements, may be located on one or both sides of the skull, and can be felt in the forehead, temples, behind your eyes, along the back of your skull, or wrap around your head like a band. Other unpleasant symptoms you may experience with a headache include nausea, vomiting, or extreme sensitivity to noise or light.

Our team at Solaj Wellness Centre is committed to working with you to determine the most effective way to relieve your headaches using Chiropractic Therapy including Active Release Techniques® and Cold Laser Therapy.

Common Types of Headaches

Tension Headaches

Headaches originating from tight, irritated muscles in the neck. This is the most common type of headache for adults and adolescents. They can be chronic in nature, typically coming and going over months or years.

Common Symptoms of Tension Headaches:

  • Constant mild to moderate pain, pressure or throbbing
  • Band-like pain affecting the front, top and/or back of the head
  • Pain comes on gradually, most prominent in the middle or end of the day
  • Can last from 30 minutes to several days
  • May be triggered by emotional stress
  • May have mild sensitivity to light or noise
  • May have headache upon waking
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability

Migraine Headaches

The exact cause of migraines is actually not well known, but they are believed to be related to changes in the brain, as well as genetics. People with migraines tend to be very sensitive to fatigue, the weather, loud noises, bright lights, or allergens. Other factors that trigger migraines include: emotional stress, sensitivity to chemicals or preservatives in food, caffeine, menstrual cycle, changes in normal sleep pattern, or skipping meals.

Common Symptoms of Migraine Headaches:

  • Moderate to severe pain; can shift from one side to the other or affect the whole head
  • Possible aura, which are visions or smell sensations that present right before the migraine
  • Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Feeling hot or cold
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue

Cluster Headaches

Intense pain on one side of the head, located behind the eye.

Sinus Headaches

Pressure-type pain in the forehead above the eyes, cheekbones or over the bridge of the nose caused by increased pressure in the sinuses due to inflammation.