Headaches and migraines are common ailments that affect millions of people worldwide, some of those who struggle to find a way to manage them and simply live with the uncomfortable side effects. While they can be incredibly debilitating, it’s important to recognise that not all headaches are the same and, as a matter of fact, are vastly different in the way they impact the body. This extensive blog article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the different kinds of headaches and migraines, their symptoms, sensations, and potential treatment options to consider moving forward.
Different Kinds of Headaches & Migraines
Tension Headaches
The most common type of headache experienced by people of all ages is the tension headache. These headaches are often characterised by a dull, aching pain that essentially wraps itself around the head, like a tight headband that adds pressure. The pain is generally mild to moderate and is not aggravated by physical activity. Additional symptoms may include muscle tenderness, scalp sensitivity, and mild nausea.
Different Migraines
Migraines are more severe and debilitating than tension headaches. They are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound along with blind spots in more severe cases. There are two different migraines, and they are both typically characterised by a throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head, although it can affect both sides in some cases. Some individuals also experience aura, which refers to sensory disturbances such as visual disturbances, tingling sensations, or blind spots in areas of the eye before the onset of a migraine attack.
Migraine with Aura
Migraine with aura is a specific subtype of migraine where people experience the warning signs or visual disturbances before a migraine is onset. Visual disturbances vary from flashing of lights, blind spots throughout the eyes, or zigzag patterns. These aura symptoms typically last for around 20 minutes to an hour before the actual migraine attach begins.
Migraine without Aura
Migraine without aura refers to migraines that do not involve any preceding visual or sensory disturbances. The pain in a migraine without an aura is still severe and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and incredible sensitivity to light and even sounds.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches occur when the sinuses become inflamed or congested. Oftentimes this can happen a lot during the cooler seasons, but for people with reoccurring issues, it’s a constant battle. The pain is usually felt in the forehead, cheeks, and nasal bridge. Sinus headaches are often accompanied by symptoms such as facial tenderness, a blocked or runny nose, a throbbing head and fevers.
Cluster Headaches
These are intense, excruciating headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or, as the name plainly suggests, clusters. They are often described as burning or piercing pain around or behind one eye. These headaches can occur several times a day for weeks or months, followed by a headache-free period. Cluster headaches are also associated with symptoms like redness in the affected eye, nasal congestion, and restlessness.
Treatment Options
When it comes to managing these headaches and migraines, options in the way of treatment can vary depending on the severity of each individual’s condition. While over-the-counter pain relief can help alleviate symptoms for mild headaches, more severe cases may require additional interventions. A more promising treatment that has emerged, which is physical therapy, is an option for individuals suffering from more chronic levels of migraines and headaches.
Physical therapists, such as those at Refine Health Group, specialise in identifying and addressing musculoskeletal imbalances and dysfunctions that may contribute to headache symptoms. They employ various techniques, including manual therapy, exercise prescription, postural correction, and relaxation techniques, to relieve pain and improve overall function.
How Refine Health Group can Help
Understanding the different types of headaches and different migraines is crucial in determining the appropriate course of treatment for each individual experience issues like these. While tension headaches and migraines are more common, cluster headaches and sinus headaches also present their own unique challenges and need to be tended to accordingly.
Physical therapy, offered here at Refine Health Group and other leading providers, can be an effective treatment option for addressing the underlying causes of headaches and migraines, such as musculoskeletal imbalances and dysfunctions. By targeting underlying issues such as these through manual therapy, exercise, and posture correction, physical therapy aims to alleviate pain, reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals suffering from these debilitating problems.
Get in Touch With Our Team Today!
If you or someone you know suffers from frequent headaches or debilitating migraines, get in touch with Refine Health Group on 07 3216 1330 today to discuss the best solution for you. As the physiotherapist Brisbane relies on for a number of health and wellbeing solutions, we’ve been able to build a solid reputation thanks to our new and returning customers that trust our remedies. Get in touch with us through our contact form for more physio for migraines and headache solutions, or send us a direct email at admin@refineheathgroup.com.au.
