Do you know what causes the head pain you are feeling? If not, you are not alone. Nearly everyone experiences a headache or migraine at some point in life, but very few can distinguish which type of headache they are suffering from.
We know how distressing headaches can be. Besides disrupting aspects of your social, family, and work life, looking for a treatment that works is another challenge that people face.  In this post, we will look at the 12 different types of headaches and a proven-effective natural remedy to get rid of them.

1. Common migraines: They are characterized by intense throbbing or pounding head pain typically in the front of the head, on one or both sides of the temples. The headache may last from 4 to 72 hours. Various factors such as genetics, brain cell activity, and nerve function contribute to the onset of a migraine. Any changes in hormones, and eating or sleeping patterns may trigger a migraine.
2. Classic migraines: This type has the same symptoms as the common migraine, but it also has an aura (a short-term visual or sensory disturbance) before the headache begins. The aura usually lasts for less than an hour.
3. Tension headaches: This is the most prevalent type of headache and is caused by stress, anxiety, and bad posture. People describe a constant pain or pressure on both sides of the head or at the back of the head and neck. Tension headaches are commonly mild but can become chronic. They can last from 30 minutes to several hours.
4. Cluster headaches: These are temporary but overly painful headaches that usually affect only one side of the head. They can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. The headache attacks occur in cyclical patterns or clusters and may be followed by remission periods when the headaches stop for months or even years. Cluster headaches can cause tearing or redness in one or both eyes. Some of the triggers are alcohol, cigarettes, high altitudes, and certain foods.
5. Dental headaches: Nagging headaches can also be linked to dental-related issues such as bruxism (excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching) and TMJ disorder (bad jaw alignment). Not only can they result in headaches but they can also cause facial pain. Dental headaches may be on one or both sides of the head and are usually localized to the temples.
6. Sinus headaches: These occur when the sinuses become inflamed due to infection or allergies. They are often mistaken for migraines as they both share similar symptoms – nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and watery eyes. But a sinus headache will have a nasal discharge that is green or tinged with red. Unlike migraines, sinus headaches not have nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
7. Rebound headaches: These are also known as medication overuse headaches and can result from regularly taking pain relievers on more than 15 days in a month. Some of the medications that can cause it are Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, or triptans. Stopping the intake of pain relief medication is the only treatment for rebound headaches.
8. Caffeine headaches: Heavy consumption of caffeine can also cause headaches. Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee each day can bring about symptoms such as tiredness, irritability, and nausea. Reducing your caffeine intake could decrease your risk of getting this head pain.
9. Ice cream headaches: It is also referred to as a brain freeze. Although not life-threatening, this headache can give significant pain. It happens when the cold sensation of ice cream or a cold beverage touches the roof of the mouth, causing a surge in blood flow to the brain’s arteries. People who have migraines are at a higher risk of ice cream headaches.
10. Menstrual headaches: Women experience this type of headache when their level of estrogen suddenly drops just before or during menstruation. They usually occur three days prior or 2 days after a period. It may be accompanied by moodiness, menstrual cramps, and other PMS symptoms.
11. Early morning headaches: There are a couple of factors why one gets early morning headaches, such as dehydration, interrupted sleep patterns, poor sleep posture, alcohol intake, and even depression. People with sleep apnea often get early morning headaches.
12. Chronic daily headaches: It is considered a chronic headache if you experience it more than 15 days in a month for more than 3 consecutive months. Some of the possible causes of chronic headaches are overuse of pain medications, injury to the head or neck, meningitis, or tumors (although very rare). If there is no definite cause, it may be due to the body’s malfunction in receiving pain signals​

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To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

Migraines are so exceedingly common that they actually affect 1 billion people around the globe. Approximately 39 million Americans experience migraines, making it one of the most frequently complained about neurological conditions.

It is difficult to understand the reason for migraine onset and how sufferers may feel during an episode. People fortunate enough never to have had one may not understand the extent to which it can affect a person’s overall ability to function. Over 90% of those suffering with a migraine cannot continue with their everyday life activities. Job tasks, household chores and caregiving can all feel unachievable during these painful events.

Bringing Clarity to Migraine Misconceptions

​Clarifying a few of the misconceptions about migraines can be very helpful for those afflicted and for those who care for them.

1. Migraines are not simply really bad headaches.  A migraine is a neurological condition including symptoms that can be disabling for many individuals. These symptoms can happen with or without a headache, such as the following:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
• Extreme sensitivity to smells, light, and noise
• Visual disturbances called aura
• Cognitive issues or brain fog
• Neck or jaw pain
• Fatigue

1. Women aren’t the only ones who can get migraines.  It is true that more women than men suffer from migraines (approximately 85% of migraine sufferers are women); however, men do get them as well. Surprisingly, among children the statistic is swapped, with boys being more likely to have migraines than girls are.
2. Migraines can be chronic.  Some people may have only infrequent migraines. However, the number of chronic migraine sufferers is more than 4 million. These are people who have migraine episodes as often as 15 or more days out of the month. More than 20% of chronic sufferers are disabled.
3. Migraines can affect children as well as adults. About 10% of children ages 6-11 struggle with migraines, but for many of them, it will not get diagnosed. Migraines seem to be hereditary to some extent. According to research, if one parent has migraines, the child has a 50% chance of also having them. If both parents have migraines, then the percentage shoots to a 75% chance for their child. Almost half of adult migraine sufferers have their first episode sometime before 12 years of age.
4. Avoiding foods that are migraine triggers, such as chocolate or wine, can help prevent migraines, but not always.  Many factors can bring on migraines symptoms, and it is a good idea to avoid them. However, this does not ensure that you can keep migraines at bay entirely. Here are a few of the more common triggers you may not have heard of:

• Hormonal fluctuations
• Weather factors like wind, bright sun, or barometric pressure changes
• Food additives such as MSG
• Aged cheeses or meats
• Changes in sleep pattern, like pulling an all-nighter
• Strong scents, including perfumes or smoke
• Certain medications like oral contraceptives

Migraine medications don’t always work.  Overusing medications is a leading cause for migraines. Many people who use pain relievers will administer them multiple times a week. Using prescriptions even 10 days out of the months can lead to migraine symptoms. Many of these individuals get caught in the cycle of taking more pain relievers or migraine medication because of these symptoms.

​To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

When you hear someone say they suffer from migraines, you probably imagine they have really bad headaches from time to time. While this is true to a point, it is not the entire story. Migraines are not just really bad headaches. They are actually a disabling collection of neurological symptoms that include a really bad headache. Pain is often confined to one side of the head. However, in a third of the cases, pain can impact both sides. Attacks can last anywhere between 4 and 72 hours. The following symptoms often accompany the throbbing, pounding head pain:

• Visual disturbances
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and/or vertigo
• Sensitivity to sound, light, touch, and some odors
• Tingling and numbness in the face or the extremities

Each person is different and will experience migraines differently. Sometimes, each migraine is different in the same person. The type of a migraine you suffer from will be determined by the predominant symptom you are experiencing. Migraines are often referred to as a moving target, meaning symptoms can change from one attack to another, and you may have more than one kind of a migraine.

What Causes Migraines?

Previously, it was thought that the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the head brought on migraine pain. However, current thinking has changed due to advances in technology helping us to better see how the brain and nervous system function together. It is now agreed upon that nerve pathways and brain chemicals are involved in causing migraines. Migraines are hereditary, and 90 percent of people with migraines have a family member with them.

Migraines and the Connection to Heart Disease

An analysis from the Nurses Health Study II, a Harvard study, observed 115,541 women in the age range of 25 to 42, from 1989 through 2011. When the study began, 15 percent of these had migraines. Here is what happened over these two decades:

• 1,329 heart attacks
• 223 deaths due to heart disease

The researchers took into account those that smoked and those that had other risk factors. They discovered that migraine sufferers were at a 50 percent greater risk to have cardiovascular disease. The study revealed the following data about women with migraines:

• 39 percent more likely to have a heart attack
• 62 percent more likely to have a stroke
• 73 percent more likely to have other heart problems or require angioplasty
• 37 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

If you have never experienced a migraine, it can be extremely difficult to understand as it is so much more than just a headache. In fact, a migraine is not a headache at all. It is a neurological condition that includes a headache as one of its main symptoms. Oddly enough, a migraine is not always accompanied by a headache. Other symptoms that go along with migraines are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and certain odors
• Vertigo or dizziness
• Visual disturbances
• Extreme fatigue

Nausea and vomiting can be pretty miserable to deal with. Why do they occur with migraines? This is one of the mysteries that continues to plague the medical community when it comes to understanding migraines. Some theories being discussed are that the nausea and vomiting is caused by a migraine-produced brain chemical, trauma, genetics, poor diet, environment, or a number of other reasons. None have been agreed upon as the final cause. More important than the science behind nausea and vomiting and migraines in general, is how to make them stop.

​One thing that can help you have fewer migraines has to do with migraine triggers. These are different for each person, but finding out what your personal triggers are and avoiding them can help reduce migraine events. Here is a list of 14 possible triggers:

1. Stress: This may be an increase or a dramatic decrease in stress. As many as 50 to 80 percent of migraine patients report this to be their trigger. Some feel a migraine coming on after they have dealt with a stressor, while others experience it in the middle of a stressful event.
2. Not enough sleep or jet lag: This is one of the most common factors connected to migraines. Along with insufficient sleep, too much sleep can also be a problem. Changes in your work schedule, as well as jet lag, can also bring about migraines. If you suffer from insomnia, you may be at a higher risk for not only migraines but anxiety and depression as well.
3. Food additives: Aspartame, along with other artificial sweeteners, has been known to trigger migraines. An interesting point is that it has also been seen to worsen clinical depression. MSG is another additive that can bring on migraines. It is a flavor enhancer put into savory foods and used a lot in Asian cooking.
4. Dehydration or hunger: Skipping meals can be dangerous for those suffering from migraines as it may be linked to drops in blood sugar levels. Along with skipping meals, not drinking enough water may lead to a migraine episode. About 40% of people report having migraines when they have not had enough to drink.
5. Beverages with a lot of caffeine: It is wise to monitor your intake of caffeine from soft drinks, tea, coffee, and energy drinks, as the amount of caffeine in these can bring on a migraine. On the other side of things, not having enough caffeine or withdrawing can also cause migraines. It is also important to be aware that over-the-counter medications can contain caffeine. 
6. Medication overuse: Yes, too much medication taken to alleviate migraines can cause them to come back worse than ever. This is often referred to as a rebound headache. It is a vicious cycle of taking medication to combat migraines to only cause them to occur worse and more often.
7. Alcohol: This is one of the most common triggers for migraines. In particular, red wine seems to be to blame, and this was more true for women than for men. 
8. Strong or odd odors: Things such as perfume, cigarette smoke, and strong food odors can trigger a migraine or make one worse during an attack. This is known as osmophobia. 
9. Bright lights and loud noises: Bright, flickering lights – even sunlight – can cause a migraine to occur in some people. Sunglasses are vital for those suffering from migraines.
10. Medications: Certain medications like opioids and butalbital have been seen to be a problem.
11. Weather changes: Numerous studies have been done that point to such things as days that are sunny and clear, hot, or cold, and changes in weather as being triggers. In particular, it seems like lightning can be linked to migraines, but no one is really sure why.
12. Hormones: Women have 3 times as many headaches as men. This may be due to hormone fluctuations, as many women get menstrual migraines. Using oral contraceptives and becoming pregnant may also worsen migraine attacks. Some women get relief after menopause.
13. Physical activity: Intense activity may trigger migraines. As many as 38% of those in a recent study reported this was the case for them, causing many to give up their favorite sport or exercise. 
14. Food: Certain foods can be a huge trigger for some people. Things like alcohol, chocolate, and red wine are often triggers for women but not men. Other foods to avoid are aged cheeses, salami and other processed meats, citrus fruit, MSG, and artificial sweeteners. 

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​​To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

Americans who suffer from migraines number 38 million men, women, and children. Worldwide this number is nearly 1 billion! Almost everyone knows someone who suffers from migraines. For these ones, it is vital to find out what could be triggering these neurological events to happen in order to try to avoid them. Some food-related triggers though to be common are:

• Red wine
• Caffeine
• Cheese
• Chocolate
• Coffee

One way to determine your personal migraine triggers is to keep a daily diary including:

• Stress levels
• Weather condition
• Foods eaten and how often
• Exercise

The National Headache Foundation recently studied 150 migraine patients and found an interesting connection. Not only do the above foods trigger migraines in some people, but they can also actually prevent them in others. In 3 of the participants, caffeine triggered a migraine, while in 32 it prevented one. Oddly enough, onions – not usually thought to be a problem – caused migraines in 14 of the study contributors. 

It remains a mystery why some foods cause migraines or why the same foods can also prevent them. One theory involves the nervous system and how effectively the nerves relay messages to and from the brain and body. ​

Migraine headaches can be very different from one person to the next, ranging from a throbbing pain to visual disturbance to nausea and vomiting.  In other cases those that suffer can experience numbness and tingling in arms and legs that is usually one sided.  And likewise headaches such as occipital headache to cluster headache to cervicogenic headache can occur presenting a wide range of symptoms with one common denominator, THE NECK! 

If you suffer with migraines or headaches the number one thing you should be investigating is treatment for a problem with the neck known as Atlas Subluxation Complex (ASC).  ASC is the number one cause of chronic recurring headaches.  If you are like the average case we see in the office, then you need to think back to when your migraines or headaches first started then go back 10-15 years and in a high percentage of cases you will have had an injury such as a car accident, slip or fall or even a sports injury.  On average it takes about 10-15 years before you have accumulated enough damage to the point that you start noticing the symptoms. 

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Put simply Atlas Subluxation Complex is a previous accident or injury that resulted in damage to the connective tissues of the upper neck that has allowed for the misalignment of one or both of the top two neck bones often known as subluxation for short.  
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Spinal misalignment in the upper two neck bones (Atlas and Axis) will occlude the opening where your nerves, blood vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid pass, creating a form of brain congestion, that over time (average of 10-15 years) will commonly result in migraines and headaches among other health problems. 

Dr. Grayson Blom is an upper cervical spinal expert located in Boise Idaho.  Dr. Blom is trained and certified in the upper cervical procedure to detect and correct Atlas Subluxation Complex.  

If you suspect your headaches may be due to a previous injury to the head or neck then we invite you to call our office (208) 559-0541 or send us a consult request (click the link) so we can meet with you and discuss your problems so that we may determine if you are a candidate for upper cervical care. 

There are many different types of headaches and subtle variations to them.  It should also be noted that it is possible to have combinations of headaches.  A quick example might be a tension type headache, combined with migraine and rebound headache.  Many people do not realize how all their symptoms are related.  The hard part is figuring out the source of the headache and fixing that. This is a short and sweet summary of several of the most common types of headaches.  

​The migraine headache is a large topic but to sum things up; a migraine headache is usually a one sided throbbing/pulsating head pain that in many cases will feel like blood is backed up in your head.  In addition many people can experience nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbance (aura), numbness down the arm (brachioplegic migraine) or even one side of the body (hemiplegic migraine). 

​The term cervicogenic headache literally breaks down to a headache pain created by the neck. The most common cause is joint dysfunction in one of the upper two neck bones. This type of headache can radiate pain to many different areas of the head, face, neck, and shoulders. In fact there is so much variability to this type of headache they have developed pain maps through research to help to try and categorize them. 

​A tension headache feels like a constant ache or pressure around your head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck (this is a huge sign of an underlying neck problem by the way). This type of headache is one of the most common and as the name implies too much tension in the muscles or a muscle imbalance in the back of the head, neck, scalp, jaw, eyes, etc. will cause head pain.   

​This type of headache is pain in the back of the head, upper neck, and commonly behind the eyes.  There are several names for this type of headache such as occipital neuralgia, C2 neuralgia, Arnold's neuralgia etc.  Joint dysfunction in the upper neck irritates the nerves in the upper neck called the occipital nerves and pain radiates to the back of the head, upper neck, and in some cases behind the eyes. 

​Cluster headaches appear suddenly and usually stick to one side of the head creating a debilitating pain.  In many cases people that suffer with this type of headache will also have a watery eye and nasal congestion on the same side but can also have a runny nose due to the excess water draining from the eye.  These headaches show up in groupings or clusters and will likely result in you wanting to lie down and rest.  If you are like many people with cluster headaches you will be restless and have a hard time getting comfortable. 

​Many people do not realize that long-term use and over-use of painkillers for headaches can actually cause headaches; in addition permanent damage to other areas of the body is not uncommon due to long term toxicity from the drugs used.  With the rebound headache you end up back at square one, likely having spent a lot of money and ending up with a similar problem to the one you were trying to eliminate. 

​A previous injury to the head or neck is the common denominator in virtually all chronic headache patients.  The most common types of injuries reported by patients are car accidents, sports injuries, slips, and falls.  When a trauma occurs, an injury to the head or neck is common and it can lead to head and neck misalignment (one of the upper two neck bones gets knocked out of alignment).  

Once it is pointed out it is easy to see that there is a strong relationship to upper neck problems and headaches of many different varieties.  Time and time again upper cervical chiropractic care has been shown to be the natural, non-invasive treatment of choice for headaches. 

Dr. Blom is an upper cervical chiropractor in Boise, Idaho that specializes in detection and treatment of spinal related disorders of the head and neck.  Correction of head and neck misalignment has proven to be highly effective for people that suffer from headaches.   If you are looking for natural headache treatment and relief in Boise Idaho you are on the right track. 

If you would like to schedule a consultation to meet with Dr. Blom about your headaches please click the link below or you can give us a call directly at (208) 559-0541 to schedule an appointment. 

If you would like to learn more about the relationship between headaches and the neck you can download our ebook. ​

A primary headache is said to be due to the headache "condition" by itself.   Primary headaches they say are the most common.    

The most common primary headache types are:

1. Migraine Headache
2. Tension-Type Headache
3. Cluster Headaches

A secondary headache is a headache that is caused by another condition other than the headache itself.    

The most common secondary headache types are:

1. Cervicogenic Headache (This literally means a headache due to a neck problem) 
2. Post-Traumatic Headache (ex: Car accident trauma, again likely a neck problem)
3. Rebound Headache (ex: Overuse of drugs)
4. Sinus Headache
5. Illness Headache (ex: Meningitis, Stroke, Aneurysm, Brain Tumor, etc.)

Whether your headache is primary or secondary if we go with the law of averages the most common cause of chronic headaches is by far an underlying neck problem.  The truth is there is overlap between primary and secondary headaches.  This is why in our opinion primary and secondary headache definitions are a poor way to categorize headaches.  All headaches are caused by something so these definitions make it confusing.  We feel there is no need for the distinction of primary or secondary headache.  We should also point out that the majority of people that suffer with chronic headaches will appear to have a stable predictable sequence of symptoms that will occur again and again over months and  unfortunately in many cases years.     

​As we noted above underlying neck dysfunction is by far the most common cause of chronic headaches.  Dr. Blom is a local upper cervical chiropractor that specializes in the treatment of neck and neck related disorders.  If you suspect you have an underlying neck problem that may be causing your headaches you are more than welcome to give us a call directly to schedule an appointment (208) 559-0541 or you can click the link below to schedule. 

​Dr. Grayson Blom works with a nationwide group of Doctors expertly trained and specializing in the Upper Cervical Procedure.  Dr. Blom is also one of the few Doctors in the state of Idaho trained and certified in the Upper Cervical Procedure. We are dedicated to helping patients just like you who suffer from migraine's, headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain and other spinal-related disorders.  
  
And right now, our office is offering a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION to determine if you are a candidate for Upper Cervical care. 

Take the first step toward reclaiming your health…  
Call our office directly at (208) 559-0541, or fill out a consult request form. 

Every health condition has a root cause. Alternative medicine has now been successful in associating upper cervical spinal problems to several types of headaches. There are a number of reasons; however, the most common cause is the misalignment of one or both of the upper cervical vertebrae and the resulting muscle tension that develops in the neck.

It is important to understand the difference between cure and temporary relief. While DRUGS can help reduce the intensity of your headaches, is there any guarantee that these medications will make your headaches completely disappear? NO. They don't even claim to fix the CAUSE of the problem.  Usually medications evolve into a life-long dependency and require regular expenditure just for some temporary relief. However, there are natural drug free option available.  

Once you have made the decision to move forward with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care, the entire process from start to finish is geared towards finding the root CAUSE of the problem.  If the CAUSE of the problem is corrected then symptoms will resolve as the body heals itself. 

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care aims to align the vertebrae that have misaligned due to accidents and injuries removing pressure and irritation to the brain stem and upper spinal cord as well as allowing the blood to flow in and out of the head correctly, thus, relieving the symptoms of headaches without the use of dangerous DRUGS.

The Upper Cervical Chiropractic Specialist will conduct an extensive background history. This will be followed by a through examination of your posture, muscles, and spinal alignment of the joints in the upper neck and head region.   

 Upper Cervical Chiropractic specialists have the skills to assess you in the following ways:

- Specific orthopedic tests to the neck
- Muscle tests to determine the extent of weakness
- Palpation to reveal muscle tenderness and tightness of the neck and spine.
- Neurological assessment is used to determine the extent of the problem
- General posture and flexibility
- Restricted active and passive joint range of motion particularly in the upper cervical spine (neck)
- Precise X-rays of the neck and or spine are taken to determine the extent and severity of the problem. 

Once the CAUSE of the headaches has been determined, precise re-alignment of the offending vertabrae will provide you the correction needed to begin the healing process. Further consideration among other things is given to:

1. Use of an appropriate pillow
2. Stress management and relaxation
3. Posture assessment
4. Soft tissue and trigger point assessment for the affected muscle groups globally. 
5. Ice can be used as necessary 
6. Heat can be used in non-acute situations 
7. Work station assessment

Apart from correction of the Upper Cervical misalignment, Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care is  offering you a DRUG FREE solution for your headaches. The specialist can guide you with the right, recommendations for eating habits and supplementation as appropriate.  Furthermore, Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care will help you minimize re-occurrence of your headaches by teaching you how poor postures in your daily activities of living can result in the misalignment re-occurring. 

For a complimentary consultation call Dr. Grayson Blom at (208) 559-0541 or CLICK HERE to send us a consultation request.   

If you want to learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines feel free to download our complimentary e-book Natural and Drug-Free Ways to End Your Migraines by clicking the image below.