Affecting Aucklanders of all ages and stages, headaches can be highly disruptive, making it challenging to perform simple tasks and affecting quality of life. While they are common, they aren’t something to simply accept as normal. Understanding the different types of headaches is an essential step in recognising what your body may be telling you and exploring the best ways to support your health.
The Six Most Common Types of Headaches
It’s estimated that there are more than 150 types of headaches, all of which have their own patterns and possible triggers. Recognising what kind of headache you have can help guide the best next steps for care. Let’s take a look at the six most common ones:
- Cervicogenic: Creates tension at the back of the head/neck.
- Cluster: Often causes pain at the front of the head or around the eyes.
- Migraines: Usually affect one side of the face; often triggered by light/screens.
- Sinus: Occur around the nose and eyes; eased by steam or hot showers
- Tension: Feels like a tight band around the head, often linked to stress.
- Dehydration: May cause pain at the temples or top of the head.
How Your Neck Affects the Rest of Your Body
The neck does far more than simply hold up the head. The nerves in the upper neck influence the head, jaw, shoulders, arms, hands, and even breathing muscles. When these nerves become irritated due to posture stress or spinal strain, it may contribute to headaches, neck tension, shoulder discomfort, or tingling in the hands.
One Patient’s Experience
Flynn, a busy paramedic student, struggled with frequent headaches that made it difficult to focus on his studies. After beginning chiropractic care to release pressure in his upper neck, he noticed changes, including greater clarity, better balance, and more ease in daily life.
“So many people accept headaches as part of life, but often the body is signalling that something deeper needs attention,” says Dr Ihaia Swann.
Supporting Neck Health at Home
Simple exercises can help manage neck tension and reduce the chance of headaches developing. Try gentle trap stretches by sitting on one hand while tilting your head sideways, or perform upper neck stretches with your hands behind your head as you tuck your chin and slowly look down. Posture openers with arms moving wide up and down help open the chest, while gentle neck hangs allow for natural decompression.
“Simple exercises, along with regular chiropractic visits, help keep the spine moving well and ease the build-up of tension,” notes Dr Tamzin Motion.
Discover Support for Headaches and Neck Tension
Chiropractic adjustments aim to release muscle tension, reduce nerve irritation, and support spinal balance. If headaches or neck tension have been affecting your daily comfort, our Auckland chiropractic team is here to help you take the next step. Contact Chiropractic First today to book a visit.