Classification
Although it is common to classify headaches into the three categories cited below, in clinical practice it is often not necessary to do so, especially when incorporating integrative techniques into the patient treatment plan. While some integrative techniques are more helpful in treating one type of headache over another, most headache sufferers can benefit from lifestyle changes.
Many standard texts go into detail as to how to classify headaches, but discussion in this unit will be limited to the following types of headaches:
Migraines: Felt to be related to vasoconstriction. Up to 16% of women and 6% of men suffer from migraine headaches. Typically present as subacute onset of throbbing head pain (usually unilateral but can be bilateral), and can be associated with nausea and vomiting, photophobia, or sonophobia. Up to 20% are associated with aura beforehand. Duration is typically more than 6 hours and can last for days with fluctuating intensity. Common triggers include menses, specific foods, stress, changes in sleep cycle, weather, infection, fatigue, or bright lights. (1)
Tension headaches: Muscular in origin. Pain is typically bilateral, “band-like,” and may be associated with trigger points around certain muscles and tendons at the base of the skull, the temples, the masseters, and the forehead. May be triggered or worsened by stress, and may be exacerbated by teeth grinding at night (1).
Mixed headaches: It is extremely common to have features of both types.