Common Types of Headaches and What May Be Causing Them

Headaches can range from being mildly bothersome to severely incapacitating, and they can develop gradually or strike suddenly. Regardless of their intensity, most individuals seek relief as quickly as possible. There are several headache types that a Boise ID chiropractor can help address, making it essential to schedule an appointment if you experience any of the following.

Tension Headaches in Boise ID

Tension headaches are likely the most frequently encountered type. Common features of a tension headache include a sensation of pressure or tightness, occurring bilaterally, with mild to moderate pain that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to a week. These headaches typically do not involve nausea or vomiting, but they may be accompanied by sensitivity to light or sound. Tension headaches are not generally linked to any other medical conditions.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are less prevalent than tension headaches and are often confused with other types of headaches. Many individuals may mistakenly label any severe headache as a migraine, but this is not always accurate. A migraine is characterized by recurrent headaches lasting up to 72 hours, featuring unilateral, throbbing pain of moderate to severe intensity. Migraine sufferers often experience nausea and/or sensitivity to light, and the pain can intensify with routine physical activities.

About 20% of those who suffer from migraines may encounter a neurological symptom known as an aura prior to the onset of a migraine. Auras can manifest as visual disturbances or other sensory changes and may occur between migraine episodes as well. Migraines are typically not associated with other medical issues.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are distinct from both tension headaches and migraines, affecting roughly 1% of the population. While most migraine sufferers are female, cluster headaches predominantly affect men aged 20 to 40. This type of headache is characterized by intense pain around the eyes or on one side of the head. Attacks can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours and may occur as frequently as eight times in one day. Symptoms such as tearing, forehead sweating, and nasal congestion can accompany cluster headaches. The severe pain often leaves sufferers feeling restless or agitated during an episode.

If you experience any of these headache types and seek a natural, non-invasive method to alleviate your discomfort, a Boise ID chiropractor will thoroughly evaluate your lifestyle, medical history, and overall health to identify a lasting solution.

Reach out to our team at Advantage Spine and Disc today to schedule an appointment or to find out more. We look forward to assisting you.