There are many different types of headaches with tension-type, cervicogenic (originating for the upper neck) and migraine being among the most common. Our Osteopath Alyssa explains the different types, as well as common treatment options.
Tension headache is the most common type of headache and as its name suggests, stress and mental or emotional troubles play a role in triggering pain and associated muscle tension. The pain usually feels like a constant pressure around the front of the face often on both sides.
Cervicogenic headache is usually one-sided and is caused by referral from bony or soft tissue structures of the upper neck. The start of the headache is usually associated with head movements and aggravated by head movements. There is usually also a decrease in neck range of motion.
A migraine is a type of headache that is characterised by recurrent attacks of severe throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head. Untreated attacks last anywhere from 4-72 hours with common accompanying symptoms including; increased sensitivity to light, noise and odour, nausea and vomiting. There are two major types of migraine; with and without aura. A migraine with aura includes temporary visual and neurological disturbances. Menstrual (hormonal) migraines are another type of migraine related to changes in hormonal levels throughout the menstrual cycle.
4.9 million people in Australia suffer from migraine.
71% of migraine sufferers are women.
86% are of working age.
Migraine in Australia Whitepaper, Deloitte Access Economics Report, 2018
Migraine treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing recurrence. The following may be helpful at quickly easing the symptoms of a migraine:
Resting or napping with eyes closed in a quiet, dark room.
Placing an ice pack or cool wet cloth over the forehead.
Maintaining fluid levels by drinking water especially when vomiting.
Medications, supplements, lifestyle changes and stress reduction techniques all play a role in managing headaches and migraines and it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider about which options may be best suited to you.
Evidence has found that manual therapy has a role to play in reducing pain and improving quality of life in individuals experiencing tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches and migraines.
Osteopathic manual therapy includes soft tissue techniques such as massage, passive stretching and trigger point release, joint mobilisation, neural mobilisation, craniosacral and other general osteopathic techniques.
As one of the Osteopaths at Fundamental Health with an interest in headache and migraine management, treatment will include a detailed discussion about your experience of headaches or migraines as well as other questions relating to your overall health and well-being followed by a physical assessment with appropriate testing. Osteopaths take a whole body, whole person, holistic approach to assessment and treatment meaning that we will assess not just the neck but also the shoulders, jaw, the rib cage and thoracic spine, we may look at breathing mechanics, posture, as well as the pelvis and lower body.
Treatment options may include gentle manual therapy, exercise such as clinical pilates, breathwork and relaxation techniques as well as a discussion around the role of other health services such as general medical, psychology, and exercise physiology where appropriate.
For more information around Osteopathy, or to meet Alyssa.
For more information visit Headaches Australia https://headacheaustralia.org.au/
Disclaimer: This blog post does not provide professional medical advice. The material contained in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified and registered professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
References:
Al Khalili Y, Ly N, Murphy PB. Cervicogenic Headache. [Updated 2022 Oct 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507862/
Cerritelli, F., Lacorte, E., Ruffini, N., & Vanacore, N. (2017). Osteopathy for primary headache patients: a systematic review. Journal of pain research, 10, 601–611. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S130501
Herranz-Gómez, A., García-Pascual, I., Montero-Iniesta, P., Touche, R. L., & Paris-Alemany, A. (2021). Effectiveness of Exercise and Manual Therapy as Treatment for Patients with Migraine, Tension-Type Headache or Cervicogenic Headache: An Umbrella and Mapping Review with Meta-Meta-Analysis. Applied Sciences, 11(15), 6856. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/15/6856
Hormonal and Menstrual Migraine. Headache Australia. (2022, August 9). https://headacheaustralia.org.au/hormonal-headaches-menstrual-migraine/
ung, A., Eschke, R.-C., Struss, J., Taucher, W., & Luedtke, K. (2022). Effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions on headache intensity, frequency, duration and quality of life of patients with tension-type headache. A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Cephalalgia, 42(9), 944-965. https://doi.org/10.1177/03331024221082073
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-a). Headache. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/headache?search-term=tension+headache
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Migraine. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/migraine