Headaches

Migraines are thought to be caused from a complex pathway of nerve fibres that affect blood vessels in the brain. Typically, they present with a severe, intense throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, however, this can be both sides.

Alongside the pain, individuals can commonly experience nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances and a sensitivity to light or sound. These symptoms can last from 4 – 72 hours and usually will be reoccurring to the individual.

Tension Headaches are the second most common type of headache. Research suggests that this tension is caused from the activation of pain receptors in the myofascial tissue that covers our skeletal muscles. This presents with a tightening/squeezing sensation around the head – like a rubber band is compressing around the forehead.

These are usually described as a milder Migraine without the additional symptoms. They most commonly pass in a short period of time and will not occur as frequently.

Similarly to Tension Headaches, Cervicogenic Headaches are result of our Musculoskeletal system. They can be caused from soft tissue structures or joint and disc pathology in the neck. This could be a result from poor postural positions leading to overload and strain on tissues or a clear mechanism of injury such as a Whiplash injury. These types of headaches can be located both sides of the head but will present with neck pain in addition. Certain neck movements may exacerbate the headache and there may be the presence of neural symptoms in the upper limb (pins and needles/numbness).

The other type of headache to be aware of is a Cluster Headache. The cause of these types of headaches is still not fully understood. However, is it thought it could be a release of histamine in the body from a potential allergic reaction. They present with a sharp stabbing pain behind and around one eye. There may be some redness and watering present from the eye itself or swelling and drooping of the eyelid. Usually short lived lasting between 15 – 90 minutes.