Gresham Chiropractor

There are many classifications of headache, but all fit into three basic categories. The vast majority of headaches that patients suffer can be easily fit into the first category, or primary headache. Primary headaches occur to almost everyone, and are not a serious or life threatening issue. Primary headaches can occasionally become very painful, or can become a chronic problem. Although this isn’t life threatening, it sometimes presents an obstacle to daily functioning. Fixing these Headache Types can be very important to the daily life and functioning of a patient. Correcting issues regarding primary headaches can usually be done with the use of over the counter medications.

Cluster headaches are a far more serious kind of headache that can seriously debilitate a patient if not treated. Although not life threatening in itself, the pain associated with a cluster headache can drive patients to take unreasonable measures. Cluster headaches are known as such because of the groupings they occur in, and can be very hard to predict. This results in treatment that is difficult to apply, resulting in attacks that usually cannot be avoided. A cluster headache can disable an individual, so great is the pain. Pain usually centers behind one or both eyes, and presents with visible symptoms like runny and watery eyes and nose. Patients may undergo a pain crisis when presented with a cluster headache. Treatment of this pain is very important and should be done as soon as possible. Over the counter medications are typically inadequate in these situations.

Secondary headaches are the third and rarest form of headache types. As the name implies, a secondary headache is actually a symptom of another problem. Secondary headaches result from a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening. In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumor. There are dozens of other possible secondary headache causes. Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.

The vast majority of Headache Types suffered fit into the primary headache category. As many as 90% of primary headaches result from the “tension” variety of headache. A tension headache occurs when the muscles over the skull contract tightly, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head. The pain usually centers around the temples. Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.