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Musculoskeletal Conditions / Headaches
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submitted by Dr. Gary Farr - Contact the author here.
Last Updated November, 23, 2001
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 Headache pain occurs in the tissues covering the brain, the attaching structures at the base of the brain, and the muscles and blood vessels around the scalp, face, and neck. The brain itself is insensitive to pain. Headache is defined as primary or secondary. Headache is considered primary when a disease or other medical condition does not cause it. The three most common primary headaches are tension or muscle contraction, migraine, and cluster. It is not uncommon for someone to experience a combination of these headaches. In fact, some experts believe that all headaches are derived from the same mechanisms that cause migraine, and they are simply variations on a single biologic theme. Secondary headaches are caused by other medical conditions, such as sinusitis infection, neck injuries or abnormalities, and stroke.
Symptoms can be anywhere in the head with radiation into the eyes, ears, sinuses, jaws, neck, and teeth.
Although there are many kinds of headaches and reasons for them, one thing is clear: headaches can be troublesome, and at times, debilitating. More persons seek medical advice because of headaches more than any other complaint.
What has not been fully appreciated are the results that could be obtained through skillful chiropractic care in the treatment of headaches.
Other treatment options, however, have proven to be problematic. It has been documented that certain drugs used in the treatment of headaches can actually make them worse and cause complications. Furthermore, these very same painkillers can lead to drug dependency.
These dangers, and the fact that the source of the pain is not truly being addressed, have sent many people looking for another solution to their headache dilemma.
This is where your doctor of Chiropractic could be a welcome ally. Examining the vital information about headaches will help you to understand why.
Headaches can be mild or severe, occasional or continuous, and everything in between. Some are caused by serious underlying problems, others by simple tension. To be safe, sudden or severe headaches, headaches that differ from usual patterns, or headaches that worsen over days or weeks (especially in an isolated part of the head) should be evaluated promptly by a licensed doctor. So should any headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, speech problems, paralysis, double vision, imbalance, excruciating pain, or pain in the temple.
Migraine headaches have the following characteristics:
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- One-sided pain associated with nausea
- Moderate to severe pain
- Throbbing sensation
- Extreme light, sound, and touch sensitivity
- Visual "aura"
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Tension headaches have the following characteristics:
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- One-sided pain associated with nausea
- Moderate to severe pain
- Throbbing sensation
- Extreme light, sound, and touch sensitivity
- Visual "aura" Steady, dull pain that "caps" your scalp
- Mild to moderate pain
- Tension in your neck or head
- Mild light or sound sensitivity
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Cluster headaches have the following characteristics:
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- Pain near the forehead or around the eyes
- Excruciating pain
- Penetrating, non-throbbing pain
- A series of headaches
- Watery, swollen eyes
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