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Headaches

Headaches
A headache is experienced in some form by 80% of the population at some stage in their lives. The most common types of frequent intermittent headaches are:

  • Tension type headaches (37%)
  • Migraine (27%)
  • Cervicogenic (18%)
  • Uncategorized (18%)

Neck pain is associated with 70% of all headaches and 10-20% of chronic recurrent headache are related to neck musculoskeletal pain.

Migraines

Migraines are defined as a headache with attacks lasting 4-72 hours and is described as moderate to severe that is commonly described as pulsating. It is usually present on one side at a time but it can change sides within an attack or between attacks. Migraines are usually aggravated by physical activity and can lead to nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. A n aura can begin about an hour before migraines are present.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are headaches lasting 30 minutes to 7 days and described as a tight or pressing feel. It is usually found on both sides but does not have a pulsating quality like migraines. Tension headaches are usually of mild to moderate intensity and is not aggravated by physical activity. While there is usually no nausea or vomiting associated with tension headaches, sensitivity to light or sound can still be present.

Cervicogenic headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches or head pain with signs and symptoms of neck involvement. Some of the signs and symptoms include reproduction of head pain but neck movement, decreased neck range of motion, decreased movement in individual joints of the cervical spine, and shoulder pain. Cervicogenic pain is usually a moderate to severe, non-pulsating pain that is present on one side and does not shift. Episodes are of varying duration and do not respond well to NSAIDS.

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