Headaches

Headaches affect millions of people. The three most common types of chronic headache are migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. Each comes with its own telltale brand of pain.

• Migraines are characterized by throbbing pain and sometimes by other symptoms, such as nausea and visual disturbances. Migraines are more frequent in women than men. Stress can trigger a migraine headache, and migraines can also put the sufferer at risk for stroke.
• Cluster headaches are characterized by excruciating, piercing pain on one side of the head; they occur more frequently in men than women.
• Tension headaches are often described as a tight band around the head.

Why headaches will happen following an injury

Some of the substances released during and after an injury have been known to cause headaches. For example, histamine is one such substance. Once released following an injury, it can cause flu-like symptoms for many people, even though the person doesn’t have the flu. Some of the substances released during an injury cause your blood vessels to open, worsening the problem. Another reason a person will get headaches is usually resulting from a minor spinal injury, especially to the neck, that can happen from something as simple as tripping on a step. The bones of the neck can get stuck forward, not move properly, and open the pain gate. Please refer to the section marked “the cause of pain” for more information, or call the paindoctors.co.nz at 07 985 6177 to make an appointment for a free evaluation.