A headache refers to a painful feeling in any part of the head or face. There are many different types of headaches with different causes for each. The location, character (sense of pain – dull, achy or throbbing) and intensity of a headache all give information about your type of headache. Headaches are categorised into either primary or secondary. Primary headaches include migraines and tension headaches. Secondary headaches are headaches caused by another underlying condition and are a symptom or side effect of the underlying problem. Cervicogenic headaches are a typical example of secondary headaches.
Tension-type headache
Migraine
Migraines are characterised by moderate to severe headaches and nausea. Migraines are the second most common primary headache. It is more common in women than men, which is thought to be due to hormonal factors. You usually begin to experience migraines between the age of 20 and 40. However, some cases may affect people outside this age range, including children.
Diagnosis of migraine requires there to be:-
(a) pain with at least two of the following characteristics:
one-sided head pain, moderate to severe intensity pain, throbbing pain, aggravated pain intensity with movement
(b) at least one of the following associated symptoms:-
nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise
(c) headache lasting between 4 and 72 hours.
Other symptoms that may be experienced include:
Sensitivity to smell, visual disturbances such as bright lines, flashing lights, blind spots, difficulty concentrating, feeling unwell, problems with articulation and coordination, diarrhoea, neck and shoulder stiffness, tingling, pins and needles, numbness or vertigo
The causes of migraines are currently not completely understood. However, common triggers for a migraine can be established.
Headache Pain Treatment Methods
We have our own unique style of massage developed to complement our adjustments. We are experts at tracing the cause of headache pain to its source. Our treatment includes the front of the body (neck, chest, shoulder and arm muscles) and back (cervical spine, scapula, shoulder and arm muscles). This approach focuses on you as a whole person, not just a region in isolation. This brings you short-term relief from pain and lasting improvements to your health and well-being. Our adjustments all use traction, making them smooth and gentle on your body. We work with you to devise personalised functional exercises that you can use to stretch and strengthen your neck (deep neck flexors are a key) and build your postural stability—decreasing the stress on your body.
About
Five Dock Osteopathic & Chiropractic is located in Canada Bay, in Sydney’s Inner West. Servicing suburbs including Burwood, Croydon, Drummoyne, Five Dock, Haberfield, Concord, Abbotsford, Chiswick, Leichhardt, Wareemba, Russell Lea, Summer Hill, Strathfield.
Clinic hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 7AM – 7PM
Wednesday, Friday 7AM – 5PM
Saturday 7AM – 2PM
Sunday Closed
Contact details