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Five Types of Headaches Explained

Chiropractic first care focuses on understanding why headaches happen instead of only treating symptoms. Headaches can affect work, sleep, mood, and family life. Many people do not know that different headaches have different causes, and proper care starts with identifying the type of headache you have.

1. Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type. They often feel like pressure or tightness around the forehead, temples, or back of the head. Poor posture, stress, tight neck muscles, and long hours at a desk can trigger them.
Chiropractic care may help by improving posture, reducing muscle tension, and restoring healthy movement in the neck and upper back.

2. Migraine Headaches
Migraines are usually intense and may include nausea, sensitivity to light, or visual changes. Triggers can include stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, or hormonal changes.
While migraines can be complex, addressing spinal alignment, muscle tension, and nervous system stress may help reduce how often they occur and how severe they feel.

3. Cervicogenic Headaches
These headaches start in the neck and travel to the head. They are often caused by joint problems, poor posture, or old injuries affecting the cervical spine.
Targeted chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation exercises can help improve neck function and reduce pain patterns linked to these headaches.

4. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are rare but very painful. They often occur on one side of the head and may come in cycles. Symptoms can include eye pain, tearing, or nasal congestion.
Although medical care is often involved, supportive chiropractic care may help reduce muscle tension and improve overall spinal health as part of a broader care plan.

5. Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are caused by pressure and inflammation in the sinus cavities. They often come with facial pain, congestion, or pressure around the eyes.
Improving posture, neck mobility, and overall body alignment may help reduce strain that contributes to sinus discomfort.

When to Seek Professional Care
If headaches are frequent, severe, or affecting your daily life, professional evaluation is important. Identifying the correct headache type helps create a safer and more effective care plan.
Chiropractic first thinking encourages natural, non-invasive solutions that focus on long-term relief and improved quality of life.