Not again. You feel it creeping up on you, or all at once like a tsunami wave. It’s a pounding headache or a low throb, but either way, it’s annoying and distracting. But it’s just a little headache, right? No big deal. Well, the short answer is yes and no. Headaches, like most types of pain in our bodies, are often an early indicator of something wrong happening internally. The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) takes some of the headwork out of this for us in their article “The Truth About Headaches.”

The Mayo Clinic cites headaches as the ninth-most common reason patients see a doctor. In the 2013 Global Burden of Disease, headache disorders are listed as the third-highest cause of significant time lost due to disability. The all-too-common response to dealing with minor to moderate headaches is amassing a veritable stockpile of over-the-counter painkillers to mask the symptoms. Dependencies can often develop, and these medications are not without their side effects, especially with long-term use. Stomach, liver or kidney problems can result.

The body has its built-in warning systems, and headaches are often your initial warning bells. Silencing the pain of the headaches typically does not address the root of whatever health problem is present. So, what can be done about headaches and their underlying causes?

Headache Types

To tackle headaches at the source, it is helpful first to understand the type of headache you are experiencing. The three main types we will discuss are migraines, tension-type and cervicogenic. Migraines are probably the most infamous type of headache, often characterized not only by intense pain but also by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Severe throbbing on one side of the head is also common.

Tension-type headaches are the most common, occurring in about 75% of the general population. It’s often described as a tight band or weighted feeling around your head, with neck or shoulder pain also potentially present.

Cervicogenic headaches start in the neck, also known as the cervical spine. They can mimic migraine headache symptoms. Pain may start intermittently, spread to one side of the head and then become seemingly continuous. The pain may worsen depending on neck movement or posture

Spinal Manipulation, Headaches and Prevention

Spinal Manipulation and chiropractic care have been positively reported by patients in many studies to help reduce headaches, with many reporting better results than with other standard medical interventions. If you are experiencing headaches, consult your chiropractor and other trusted health professionals. They can advise you on a plan of care, as well as preventive measures, such as improved posture, diet, exercise and stress management.