Headache and Migraine Treatment
Headaches and Migraines
Headaches, often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, can be far more debilitating than they seem at first glance.
On this page
- Headaches and migraines
- What are the causes of Headaches and Migraines?
- What treatment methods Osteopaths use when treating headache?
- Who can take advantage of an osteopathic treatment for headaches?
- What are the main categories of headache?
- Diagnostic methods:
- Common conventional treatments for headaches and reasons why they may not work in some cases:
- Difference between Conventional and Osteopathic treatments:-
- FAQ
Headaches and migraines can cause a wide range of symptoms and types of pain. Here are some common symptoms associated with these conditions:
Tension Headache:
- Dull, aching pain typically on both sides of the head.
- Often feels like a tight band around the head.
- Mild to moderate intensity.
- Not usually accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
- May be triggered by stress, fatigue, or muscle tension.
Migraine:
- Throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head.
- Intense pain that can last for hours to days.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia).
- Aura (visual disturbances) may precede the migraine in some cases.
- Migraines can be triggered by various factors, including certain foods, hormonal changes, stress, and environmental factors.
Cluster Headache:
- Extremely severe, sharp, and intense pain, often around one eye.
- Pain occurs in clusters or cycles, with multiple headaches per day for a period of weeks or months (cluster period).
- Typically shorter in duration than migraines, but more intense.
- Can be accompanied by eye redness, tearing, and nasal congestion on the affected side.
- Often described as one of the most painful types of headaches.
Sinus Headache:
- Deep, constant pain in the forehead, cheekbones, or bridge of the nose.
- Often associated with sinus congestion or infection.
- Can be mistaken for migraines or tension headaches.
Rebound Headache (Medication Overuse Headache):
- Headaches that result from frequent use of pain-relief medications (e.g., over-the-counter painkillers or prescription medications).
- The pain can vary in intensity and may occur daily.
- Typically improves when the overused medications are discontinued.
Hemicrania Continua:
- Continuous, one-sided headache that varies in intensity but never completely goes away.
- Typically responds well to treatment with indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Ice Pick Headache (Primary Stabbing Headache):
- Sudden, sharp, stabbing pains that occur briefly but intensely.
- Often felt in the forehead, temple, or behind the ear.
- Can be very brief, lasting only a few seconds.
Thunderclap Headache:
- Sudden and severe headache that comes on very rapidly.
- Can be a symptom of serious conditions like subarachnoid hemorrhage or reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS).
What are the causes of Headaches and Migraines?
Most of us suffer from headaches at some point in our lives to varying degrees of severity and intensity. Causes may include muscle tension, sinus congestion, trauma, high blood pressure, pre-menstrual syndrome and, very rarely, tumours or meningitis. Most headaches are caused by muscle tension or migraines.
Most people experience headaches of varied degrees of severity and intensity throughout their lives. Muscle strain, sinus congestion, high blood pressure, trauma, pre-menstrual syndrome, and tumours or meningitis are a few possible causes. Muscle tension or migraines are the main causes of headaches.
Most often, changes in your jaw, neck, and upper back complex can be the source of headaches. Many individuals are sitting down more and more, whether it is for extended periods at their jobs, when driving, or even just looking down at their phones, laptops, or tablets. These undoubtedly have a significant impact on our muscles and spine.
Tension headaches: Also known as “carcinogenic” headaches because of their origin in the cervical region of the spine, are characterised by a continuous, tight “band” of pain around the head that is a result of neck muscle tension and is associated with times of increased emotional stress or postural strain.
Migraines: Usually severe, one-sided, pulsating, or throbbing pain that is worsened by movement, migraines are known to have vascular or neurological origins. Visual or sensory problems may precede it. Exercise, cheese, chocolate, wine, travelling, and coffee are a few examples of triggers that can cause problems.
Cluster headaches: These are sudden, short-term (up to 90 minutes), severe headaches focused around one eye, frequently accompanied by tears, redness, sweating, and a runny nose.
Sinus headaches: Infection or inflammation can cause the sinus membranes to expand and restrict the channels leading to the nose, putting pressure on the facial nerve and causing pain on either side of the nose as well as between the eyes.
It is a matter of alleviating the aggravating and causative factors for many patients. Osteopathic care can be quite helpful in easing headache and migraine sufferers’ pain and musculoskeletal stress.
What treatment methods Osteopaths use when treating headache?
- Spinal manipulation to relax the muscles around joints and ease mobility restrictions
- Soft tissue massage to gradually restore the physiological muscle length of extremely tight muscles
- Trigger point inhibition to relieve the muscular tension built up over specific areas of muscles
- It is crucial to remember that headaches can have a variety of medical causes, including those related to hormones, the heart, the nervous system, etc. We would refer you back to your GP if anything in your initial case history shows any concerns.
Who can take advantage of an osteopathic treatment for headaches?
Anyone who experiences chronic headaches or migraines can benefit from consulting an osteopath. Musculoskeletal tension and/or postural problems are shown to be the primary causes of the majority of headaches, and an osteopath may effectively address these problems.
The muscles in our neck, upper back, chest, and even our jaw are affected by prolonged sitting with our shoulders and neck extended (hunched), making them weak and tight. The spine’s joints are also impacted by this posture, which results in compression and restriction. When these limitations and muscular imbalances impact the top three cervical vertebrae, it results in headaches.
In a similar way, if the muscles used to chew that attach the jaw to the skull are not aligned with the position of our teeth, it can result in inflammation and changes to the face, joint, or head, which in turn results in headaches.
Therefore, from a muscular-skeletal standpoint, osteopathy can aid in the relief of headaches. The osteopaths at Prime Health Hub can stretch and relax tight muscles. We can remove the jaw and spinal constraints and offer suggestions for upper back and spine strengthening exercises. In order to lessen the signs and symptoms of headaches, we can also apply gentle treatments to the skull.
What are the main categories of headache?
There are numerous disorders and conditions related to headaches and migraines, each with its characteristics and causes. Here are some headache and migraine disorders:
Primary Headaches:
- Tension-Type Headache: The most common type, characterized by a dull, non-throbbing pain often described as a tight band around the head.
- Migraine: Severe headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can have an aura (visual disturbances) in some cases.
- Cluster Headache: Excruciating, one-sided headaches that come in clusters, typically around one eye.
- Chronic Daily Headache: Frequent headaches occurring for 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
- Hemicrania Continua:Continuous, one-sided headache that varies in intensity but never completely goes away, often responsive to indomethacin.
- Paroxysmal Hemicrania:Short-lasting, severe headaches on one side of the head, typically responsive to indomethacin.
- SUNCT Syndrome (Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing): Very short, severe, stabbing headaches, often around the eye.
- Primary Stabbing Headache (Ice Pick Headache): Sudden, sharp, stabbing pains that occur briefly but intensely.
- Primary Exertional Headache: Headache triggered by physical exertion, such as exercise or sex.
- Primary Thunderclap Headache:Sudden and severe headache that comes on very rapidly, often a symptom of serious conditions.
- Primary Cough Headache: Headache triggered by coughing or straining.
Primary Headaches:
- Medication Overuse Headache (Rebound Headache): Resulting from frequent use of pain-relief medications, which can exacerbate headaches.
- Sinus Headache: Pain in the forehead, cheekbones, or bridge of the nose often attributed to sinus congestion or infection.
- Cervicogenic Headache: Arising from musculoskeletal issues in the neck.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Headaches caused by problems with the jaw joint.
- Occipital Neuralgia: Shooting pain in the back of the head and upper neck caused by irritation or injury to the occipital nerves.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: Severe facial pain due to irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve.
- Carotid Artery Dissection: Tear in the inner lining of the carotid artery that can lead to severe headaches and stroke.
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH): Increased pressure around the brain, leading to headaches and visual disturbances.
- Hypertension-Related Headache: Headaches caused or exacerbated by high blood pressure.
- Hypotension-Related Headache: Headaches resulting from low blood pressure.
- Hangover Headache: Headaches following excessive alcohol consumption.
- Post-Concussion Syndrome: Persistent headaches and other symptoms following a head injury.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Headaches can be an early symptom of carbon monoxide exposure.
- Viral Infections: Some viral infections, such as the flu or COVID-19, can cause headaches.
- Brain Tumors: Headaches can be a symptom, but they are usually accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges can cause severe headaches.
- Brain Aneurysm: A ruptured or unruptured brain aneurysm can lead to a sudden and severe headache.
- Temporal Arteritis: Inflammation of the temporal arteries can cause headaches, especially in older adults.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A sudden and severe headache is a common symptom of this type of bleeding in the brain.
- Intracranial Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the brain, which can result from various causes.
- Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): Headaches can be a symptom of this neurological disorder.
- Post-Lumbar Puncture Headache: A headache that can occur after a spinal tap or lumbar puncture.
- Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH): A specific type of headache that follows dural puncture, often associated with leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Hydrocephalus: Increased fluid in the brain can cause headaches and other neurological symptoms.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): Abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain can lead to headaches and other symptoms.
- Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: Blood clots in the brain’s venous sinuses can cause headaches and other neurological problems.
- Stroke: Headaches can be a symptom of some types of stroke.
- Chiari Malformation: Structural abnormalities in the brain can cause headaches, especially at the base of the skull.
- Pituitary Tumor: Tumors of the pituitary gland can lead to headaches and hormonal disturbances.
Diagnostic methods:
Medical History: A detailed medical history is essential to understand the characteristics of the headaches and any associated symptoms. Questions may include:
- When did the headaches start?
- How often do they occur?
- How long do they last?
- Where is the pain located?
- Is the pain throbbing, stabbing, or dull?
- Are there any triggering factors (e.g., stress, food, sleep)?
- Any family history of headaches?
- Any history of head trauma or other medical conditions?
Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination helps identify any underlying health issues or neurological abnormalities. The examination may include checking blood pressure, assessing the neck and spine, and examining the head and face.
Neurological Examination: This assessment evaluates the functioning of the nervous system and may include tests of reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and sensation.
Pain Diary: Keeping a headache diary can help track the frequency, duration, severity, and triggers of headaches over time. This information can be valuable in diagnosing and managing headaches.
Imaging Studies:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used to visualize the brain and rule out structural causes of headaches, such as tumors, vascular abnormalities, or lesions.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Provides detailed images of the brain and is often used in emergency settings to rule out acute issues like bleeding.
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): In certain cases, a lumbar puncture may be performed to analyze cerebrospinal fluid. This is typically done when there is suspicion of conditions like meningitis or idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).
Blood Tests: Blood tests can help identify underlying causes of headaches, including infections, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disorders.
Visual Field Testing: Useful in evaluating vision-related headaches and detecting abnormalities that may be associated with conditions like glaucoma or pituitary tumors.
Allergy Testing: If allergic triggers are suspected, allergy testing may be performed to identify specific allergens.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): EEG measures brain wave activity and may be used if there is concern about seizures or other neurological conditions.
Nerve Blocks: In some cases, a nerve block may be performed to determine if a specific nerve is contributing to the headache.
Provocation Tests: These tests involve exposing individuals to potential headache triggers (e.g., specific foods or substances) to see if they provoke headache symptoms.
Sinus Imaging: If sinusitis is suspected as the cause of headaches, a sinus X-ray or CT scan may be ordered.
Ultrasound: Doppler ultrasound can be used to assess blood flow in the carotid and vertebral arteries, which can be relevant in certain headache disorders.
Sleep Studies: In cases where sleep-related disorders are suspected, polysomnography or home sleep studies may be conducted to evaluate sleep patterns and quality.
Ophthalmological Evaluation: An eye examination by an ophthalmologist may be necessary to assess visual disturbances and eye-related causes of headaches.
Common conventional treatments for headaches and reasons why they may not work in some cases:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Medications:
- Common Medications: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are often used to relieve headache pain.
- Reasons for Ineffectiveness: OTC medications may not work for severe or chronic headache conditions. Overuse of OTC pain relievers can also lead to medication-overuse headaches (rebound headaches), where the medication itself becomes a cause of headaches.
Prescription Medications:
- Common Medications: Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan), beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed for various headache disorders.
- Reasons for Ineffectiveness: Some individuals may not respond well to specific medications or may experience side effects that limit their use. Finding the right medication and dosage can be a trial-and-error process.
Preventive Medications:
- Common Medications: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, and certain antidepressants are used to prevent frequent or severe headaches.
- Reasons for Ineffectiveness: Preventive medications may take time to work, and some people may not tolerate their side effects. It can also be challenging to identify the most suitable preventive medication for an individual.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Common Lifestyle Changes: Identifying and avoiding triggers, managing stress, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and staying hydrated are essential for managing headaches.
- Reasons for Ineffectiveness: Lifestyle modifications may not completely eliminate headaches, and it can be difficult to pinpoint and avoid all triggers. Additionally, stress and lifestyle factors may be challenging to control.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments:
- Common Approaches: Physical therapy, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be helpful for some individuals.
- Reasons for Ineffectiveness: Success with these approaches can vary, and they may require consistent practice and effort. Not all individuals respond equally to non-pharmacological treatments.
Failure to Identify Underlying Causes:
- Reasons for Ineffectiveness: In some cases, headaches may be secondary to underlying medical conditions, such as infections, hormonal imbalances, or structural abnormalities. If the underlying cause is not identified and addressed, conventional treatments may not work.
Individual Variability:
- Reasons for Ineffectiveness: Every person is unique, and what works for one individual may not work for another. Headache management often requires a personalized approach, and it can take time to find the right combination of treatments.
Medication Overuse Headaches:
- Reasons for Ineffectiveness: Overusing pain medications, both OTC and prescription, can lead to medication-overuse headaches, which can be challenging to treat. In such cases, the primary treatment is discontinuing the overused medication.
Osteopathic Treatment:-
- Osteopathy: Osteopathic medicine is a holistic approach that focuses on the interrelationship between the body’s structure and function. Osteopaths use a variety of manual techniques to address musculoskeletal, nervous system, and circulatory system imbalances. Osteopathy can be effective in managing musculoskeletal pain, promoting relaxation, and addressing certain health conditions.
- Cranial Osteopathy: Cranial osteopathy is a subset of osteopathy that focuses on the skull and its associated structures. Practitioners use gentle manual techniques to assess and treat imbalances in the cranial system. While some patients report benefits, the scientific evidence supporting cranial osteopathy’s effectiveness for various conditions is limited, and its mechanisms are a subject of debate within the medical community.
- Visceral Osteopathy: Visceral osteopathy involves the assessment and treatment of internal organs and their relationships within the body. It is based on the premise that restoring mobility and balance to the viscera can improve overall health. Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of visceral osteopathy is limited, and its use varies among practitioners.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation: Vestibular rehabilitation is a well-established and evidence-based approach to treat balance and vestibular disorders. It includes exercises and techniques to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and enhance overall vestibular function. It is generally considered effective for conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and other vestibular disorders.
- Structural Osteopathy: Structural osteopathy focuses on addressing musculoskeletal imbalances and structural issues in the body. Osteopathic manual techniques are used to improve posture, alleviate musculoskeletal pain, and enhance mobility. The effectiveness of structural osteopathy can vary depending on the condition being treated.
- Cranial Nerve Manipulation, Peripheral Nerve Manipulation, and Vascular Nerve Manipulation: These techniques involve manual manipulation of nerves to address various neurological and vascular issues. Their effectiveness can depend on the specific condition and the skill of the practitioner. Scientific evidence supporting these techniques may be limited or inconclusive.
Difference between Conventional and Osteopathic treatments:-
| Aspect | Conventional Treatment | Osteopathic Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Approach to Treatment | Evidence-based approach with standardized treatment protocols. | Evidence-based and (W)holistic approach considering the interrelationship between body structure and function. |
| Core Treatment Techniques | Medications, including non-prescription pain relievers and prescription drugs. | Manual techniques, such as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), focus on the musculoskeletal system. |
| Individualized Care | Typically follows standardized treatment protocols, with some personalization. | Emphasizes individualized treatment plans tailored to the patient’s unique needs and preferences. |
| Preventive Focus | Focuses on relieving current headache symptoms with medications; preventive medications used for recurring headaches. | May include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and stress management techniques to prevent future headaches. |
| Complementary to Other Therapies | May involve neurologists and headache specialists who utilize diagnostic tools and specialized medications. | Often integrated with conventional medical treatments, such as medications or physical therapy, to provide comprehensive care. |
| Research Basis | Generally based on clinical trials and scientific research; evidence-based treatments. | Limited scientific evidence for some techniques; emphasis on individualized care. |
| Multidisciplinary Care | May include neurologists, pain management experts, physical therapists, psychologists, and other specialists. | May involve a variety of healthcare providers, including osteopathic physicians, physical therapists, and dietitians. |
FAQ
Common causes of headaches include tension, sinus congestion, dehydration, and caffeine withdrawal. Migraines are often triggered by factors like stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and sensory stimuli.
Treatment options include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, lifestyle modifications, relaxation techniques, and in some cases, preventive medications or therapies.
Migraines typically involve severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head, accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Regular headaches (tension-type) are usually characterized by a dull, steady pain.
Natural remedies include staying hydrated, managing stress, maintaining regular sleep, avoiding trigger foods, practicing relaxation techniques, and using essential oils or herbal supplements.
Seek medical attention if you experience severe, sudden-onset headaches, headaches with neurological symptoms (e.g., numbness, weakness), or if your headaches worsen in frequency or intensity.
The best treatment varies from person to person. Triptans are commonly prescribed for acute migraines, while preventive medications like beta-blockers or anticonvulsants may be recommended for frequent or severe migraines.
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For quick relief, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Triptans are effective for migraines. Rest in a dark, quiet room and apply a cold compress.
Recovery time from jaw surgery varies depending on the procedure and the individual. It can range from a few weeks to several months. Patients typically work closely with healthcare providers to monitor and manage their recovery.
Migraine treatment can be categorized into acute (abortive) treatment to relieve symptoms during an attack and preventive (prophylactic) treatment to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines over time.
Some people find relief from migraines by taking a warm shower or bath, which can help relax tense muscles and provide a soothing effect. Cold showers may help some individuals by constricting blood vessels.
The duration of migraine attacks varies. Some migraines can be relieved or improved by sleep, but it may take several hours or even a full night’s sleep to fully recover from a migraine.