Headaches

A headache is a common health issue characterised by pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It can arise from various factors such as stress, tension, dehydration, or underlying health conditions. There are several types of headaches, including:

  • Tension Headaches: Often triggered by stress, anxiety, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

  • Cluster Headaches: Known for their severe pain that occurs in cyclical patterns or clusters, often affecting one side of the head and around the eye.

  • Sinus Headaches: Result from sinus inflammation or infection, leading to pressure and pain in the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes.

Understanding the type of headache you are experiencing can help in determining the appropriate treatment and management strategies

Headaches + Migraines

Migraines.

Migraines are a specific type of headache that are distinct from regular tension-type headaches or cluster headaches. They are characterised by a set of symptoms that set them apart, making them more intense and often disruptive to daily life.

Migraine Types:

  • Migraine without Aura: Most common, 70-80% of cases; moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually unilateral, with nausea, vomiting, and light/sound sensitivity.

  • Migraine with Aura: 20-30% experience aura as visual disturbances (flashing lights, zigzags) or sensory changes (tingling).

  • Chronic Migraine: Occurs 15+ days monthly for at least three months; can evolve from episodic migraines and is often debilitating.

  • Hemiplegic Migraine: Rare, causes temporary paralysis/weakness on one side, with similar symptoms to typical migraines.

  • Retinal Migraine: Rare; causes temporary visual disturbances or blindness in one eye, headache may be absent.

  • Menstrual Migraines: Associated with hormonal changes, predictable around menstruation, occurring before or during the cycle.

Difference from Headaches

While both migraines and headaches can cause pain in the head, migraines often come with additional symptoms and last longer. Regular headaches, such as tension-type headaches, typically present as a dull, constant ache and may be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications. Migraines, on the other hand, are usually more severe, often debilitating, and can last from a few hours to several days. The presence of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light makes migraines a distinct condition that often requires specific treatments and management strategies.

Understanding the various types of migraines and how they differ from standard headaches is important for effective diagnosis and to then receive Osteopathic treatment.

Understanding Trigger Points and Referral Patterns

A trigger point is a tight band of muscle fibres that can cause localised pain as well as pain in other areas of the body, referred to as referred pain. These points are often palpable as nodules or knots within a muscle. Trigger points can develop due to various factors, including muscle overuse, poor posture, injury, stress, or prolonged tension.

When pressure is applied to a trigger point, it can elicit pain and discomfort, sometimes radiating to surrounding areas. Treatment options often include manual therapy techniques, such as massage or myofascial release, to relieve muscle tension and restore normal function. Stretching and regular exercise can also help prevent the formation of trigger points by promoting overall muscle health and flexibility.


This image displays areas of trigger point pain and referral. The ‘X’ indicates areas where pressure can be applied and the red dots mark reported areas of where pain can refer too.

In the case of headaches, this image can display how we can feel symptoms in some areas where dysfunction may be originating elsewhere in the body.

Addressing these trigger points can be an effective way to treat a headache and offer relief. Dry needling is a particular technique that can be worth exploring if your headaches don’t respond to medication or hands on treatment.