Different Types of Headaches and How to Help Them

There are over 100 different types of headache. Rather than reaching for painkillers repeatedly, getting a proper diagnosis can make treatment far more effective. Here's a guide to the most common types and how they're best addressed.

Tension Headaches

The most prevalent type today, often caused by "Text Neck", stress, and tight neck and shoulder muscles. Pain originates from specific trigger points that may refer pain to the jaw, eyes, or sides of the head. Trigger points can be primary (the direct cause) or secondary (resulting from primary points elsewhere), which is why generalised massage often gives only temporary relief. Experienced manual therapy that targets the specific trigger points is usually needed for lasting resolution.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Referred pain originating from degenerative discs and facet joints in the neck. These headaches are often one-sided and associated with neck stiffness. NICE guidelines recommend 9 to 12 acupuncture sessions for this condition, and osteopathic treatment addressing the neck joints is often highly effective.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines involve blood vessel changes, causing headaches plus visual disturbances (aura) and nausea or vomiting lasting hours or days. Common triggers include poor sleep, certain foods, hormonal changes, and stress. Management involves identifying and managing triggers alongside appropriate medication. Some patients find that treating underlying neck tension reduces migraine frequency.

Medication Overuse Headaches

Counterintuitively, taking pain medication too frequently can cause headaches. This creates a cycle where headaches cause medication use, which then causes more headaches. Breaking this cycle usually requires supervised withdrawal under medical guidance.

Cluster Headaches

Sudden, severe headaches occurring in bouts over weeks or months, often around one eye. These are less common but very debilitating. Oxygen therapy has good evidence for acute treatment; preventive medications are also used.

Sinus Headaches

Caused by congested or infected sinuses, usually with accompanying pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, plus nasal discharge and sometimes fever. Often confused with migraines. Treating the underlying sinus congestion or infection resolves the headache.

Thunderclap Headaches

A sudden, extremely severe headache, often described as the "worst headache of your life," requires emergency care. Call 999. These can be caused by a blood vessel aneurysm rupturing in the brain and must be treated immediately.

Getting the Right Treatment

For tension and cervicogenic headaches, osteopathic treatment, trigger point therapy, and medical acupuncture can make a significant difference. If you suffer from frequent or persistent headaches, call us on 020 8506 1000 to discuss an assessment.