What are headaches?

A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck region. Headaches can vary widely in terms of their intensity, duration, and underlying causes. They are one of the most common health complaints, and nearly everyone experiences a headache at some point in their life.

Is every headache a migraine?

No, not every headache is a migraine. Headaches can be classified into different types, and migraines are just one category among several. The two broad categories of headaches are primary headaches and secondary headaches.

1. Primary Headaches:

   • These are standalone conditions and not caused by another medical condition. The most common primary headaches include tension-type headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.

   • Tension-Type Headaches: These are characterized by a constant, dull ache on both sides of the head. They are the most common type of headache.

   • Migraines: Migraines are characterized by moderate to severe throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound.

   • Cluster Headaches: These are intense headaches that occur in clusters, often on one side of the head, and are associated with severe pain, tearing, and nasal congestion.

2. Secondary Headaches:

   • These are symptoms of an underlying medical condition, such as head injury, sinusitis, or medication overuse. Secondary headaches are not standalone conditions but rather a result of another health issue.

How are headache types diagnosed?

The diagnosis of headaches typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination by your healthcare professional. The process of diagnosis may also include the following if the healthcare provider deems them pertinent to the diagnostic process:

• Headache Diary:

  • Keeping a headache diary can be helpful, where individuals record details about each headache episode, including the time of onset, duration, severity, and any associated factors (e.g., food, stress, sleep patterns).

• Imaging Studies:

  • In certain cases, imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out structural abnormalities or other underlying conditions, especially if there are neurological symptoms or concerning findings during the examination.

• Laboratory Tests:

  • Blood tests may be conducted to check for underlying medical conditions or abnormalities, such as infections, metabolic disorders, or hormonal imbalances.

• Specialized Testing:

  • In some cases, specialized testing or consultations may be recommended. For example, if migraines are suspected, a neurologist or headache specialist may conduct specific tests to confirm the diagnosis.

I want to see an MHP practitioner for my headaches. What are some things I should keep in mind prior to my appointment?

It's important for individuals experiencing headaches to communicate openly with their healthcare provider, providing as much detail as possible about their symptoms and any patterns or triggers. This information is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and the development of an effective treatment plan.

Once a diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment options, which may include lifestyle modifications, chiropractic care, exercise/stretching, massage therapy, or other interventions, can be discussed and implemented. If the headaches persist or worsen, further evaluation by specialists may be recommended.

Some aspects of your headaches that your practitioner will want to touch on include:

• Location of Pain:

  • Headaches can occur in different areas of the head, including the forehead, temples, back of the head, or on one or both sides.

• Intensity:

  • Headache pain can range from mild to severe, and it may be described as dull, throbbing, sharp, or aching.

• Duration:

  • Headaches can be brief and episodic, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting over an extended period.

• Associated Symptoms:

  • Headaches may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, visual disturbances, and fatigue.

• Triggers:

  • Headaches can be triggered by various factors, including stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, certain foods, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions.

It’s advisable to consider these talking points prior to meeting with your practitioner so that you can provide him or her the most accurate information so that they may provide you the best possible treatment and advice as possible.