The truth about headaches, and how we can cure them
Introduction
Headaches are frustrating to deal with and can have a real impact on quality of life, work, exercise, and day-to-day wellbeing. They are one of the most common reasons for time off work and GP visits, and they are something we regularly help patients with at Movement and Wellbeing Clinic in Manchester.
There are many myths around headaches, and they are not always treated effectively. Our aim is to give you clear, practical information about the most common types of headaches, what may be causing them, and how treatment may help without surgery. In many cases, successful headache treatment involves both lifestyle changes and improving the mechanics of the body, which is something that is often overlooked.
If you suffer from recurring headaches, migraines, or tension in the head and neck, we recommend booking an initial consultation with one of our osteopaths or physiotherapists.
What Are the Different Types of Headaches?
The three main types of headaches covered here are primary headaches. These are headaches that are not caused by an underlying disease such as a stroke or infection. The main types are:
– Tension-type headaches
– Migraines
– Cluster headaches
Tension-Type Heaches
Tension-type headaches are the most common form of headache, affecting around 38% of the population. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, research suggests that infrequent tension headaches are often linked to tension in the scalp and neck muscles. In more chronic cases, pain pathways in the brain stem may become overactive.
These headaches are usually mild to moderate in intensity. Patients often describe them as a pressing or tightening sensation, sometimes with a dull ache around the temples, behind the eyes, or across the sides of the face.
Assessment usually involves checking for tenderness in the head, neck, and shoulders, ideally reproducing the familiar headache pattern. If we can identify the source, treatment can focus on reducing tension in that area and improving recovery. Treatment often includes hands-on therapy, advice on posture, and addressing lifestyle factors that may be contributing.
To find out more about tension type headaches, please click here for our article.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines usually cause moderate to severe headaches, often on one side of the head. They affect around 12% of the population and can be more complex than tension-type headaches.
Migraines appear to have a strong genetic component. They are more common in people with close relatives who also suffer from them. There are also several common triggers, including:
– Stress
– Hormonal changes during menstruation, ovulation, or pregnancy
– Skipped meals
– Weather changes
– Too much or too little sleep
– Strong smells such as perfume or petrol
– Neck pain
– Bright light exposure
– Alcohol consumption
Some people experience an aura before the migraine starts. This may include flashing lights, tingling, blurred vision, déjà vu, or a detached feeling. The headache itself can then develop into a pulsating pain, often with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. For many people, this means having to lie down in a dark, quiet room until the symptoms pass.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are rare, affecting around 0.1% of the population, but they can be extremely severe. They are known as cluster headaches because they occur in repeated attacks over a period of time, sometimes up to eight times a day, with each attack lasting between 15 and 180 minutes. Patients may then go months or even years without another episode.
These headaches are usually felt around one eye or one side of the head. Some people also experience swelling, redness, or drooping around the eye. Cluster headaches are more common in men than women, although women may experience more nausea and vomiting during attacks.
Possible triggers include:
– Smoking
– Alcohol
– Stress
– Hot weather
– Exercise
The current theory is that the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face, becomes overactive and triggers the attack. In some cases, this may be linked to neck joint dysfunction, muscular tightness, or a more sensitive nervous system.
How We Help with Headaches
If you come to see us for headache treatment in Manchester, the first step is to establish the correct diagnosis. This gives us a clear plan for treatment, which may include manual therapy, advice on posture and movement, and lifestyle changes that support long-term improvement. For a more hands on approach, please click here to find out about how Osteopathy can help.
Chronic headaches can become harder to resolve over time and can seriously affect quality of life. We often see patients who mention headaches almost as an afterthought because they have started to believe nothing can be done. In many cases, that is not true. With the right diagnosis and a patient-centred treatment plan, headaches can often improve significantly.
If you would like advice or treatment, please get in touch or book an appointment with one of our team.
For any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask:
0161 209 2980
info@movementandwellbeingclinic.co.uk
Ed Madeley M.Ost
