What are the different kinds of headaches?

The three main kinds of headaches are tension, migraine, and cluster headaches.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are the most common kind of headache. Often, sufferers describe tension headaches as feeling like a band that's constricting their head. You may also have neck and shoulder muscle spasms, leading to pain in those areas as well. 

Migraine headaches

Migraine headaches usually affect only one side of your head. They often cause a pulsing, intense pain that can be so strong that it's disabling. Some migraine sufferers also have accompanying symptoms like light, scent, or sound sensitivity, nausea, or temporary visual disturbances like blind spots.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are very painful headaches that focus around one of your eyes. They happen in a pattern, usually occurring every day for weeks or months at a time. Cluster headaches may be seasonal.

No matter what type of headache you have or experience often, the NuVive Medical team has the natural solutions that can help. 

What causes headaches?

There are many different possible headache triggers. Some common triggers include:

• Stress

• Alcohol, especially red wine

• Food additives like nitrates

• Caffeine withdrawal

• Eye strain

• Lack of sleep

• Poor posture

An underlying medical condition like high blood pressure may also trigger your headache. 

How are headaches treated?

The team at NuVive Medical takes an integrative approach to headache treatment. The whole NuVive Medical team works together to diagnose your headache type, identify contributing factors, and customize a treatment plan to give you relief. 

Headache treatment often includes chiropractic adjustments that balance your spine and relieve nervous system stress to prevent pain. 

Rehabilitation therapy can also help with headaches. For example, you may learn exercises that can help alleviate muscle and joint irritation, which may help reduce headache frequency and duration. 

Alternative therapies may also be an option your provider discusses with you depending on the severity of your headaches and the root cause. 

Your NuVive Medical care provider can also help you make specific lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet to reduce your headaches. 

With a team of pain management specialists on your side, you can beat headaches now and in the future. Call 417-339-3999 to book your appointment for headache relief now.