Headaches are a highly common health condition associated with discomfort or pain in the head and upper neck. People experience a wide range of headaches, from occasional headaches that are mild in nature through to debilitating migraines and tension headaches. While not all headaches are the result of mechanical disorders or musculoskeletal problems, chiropractic care can play an important role in the care and management of recurring head pain.
Conditions such as tension headaches, migraines, and cervicogenic headaches are often related to spinal imbalances and mechanical disorders throughout the body. Tension headaches are extremely common, with typical symptoms including constant aching, tightness or pressure, and dull pain at the back of the head and neck. While less common, migraines can be particularly painful, with common symptoms including intense and severe pain, nausea, pain behind an eye or ear, and sensitivity to light or sound.
Tension headaches and migraines can have many causes and can often be the result of built-up stress, bad posture, or other structural problems. Cervicogenic headaches are directly related to structural issues, with these headaches involving referred pain from the neck or spine and its component bones, discs and soft tissues. Cervicogenic headaches may be the result of trauma from heavy lifting, prolonged slouching, excessive bending, or general poor posture.