Headaches

There are two main types of headaches which we see clinically:

Migraine, or vascular headaches. These are caused by variations in the blood supply to the sensory areas of the brain. They are generally treated with a combination of medications and input regulation (darkened rooms, cold packs, etc.)

Tension headaches. Generally caused by, as their name implies, muscular tension. This is the principal type of headaches which can often be successfully treated by a properly designed conservative orthotic and physical therapy regimen. The treatment will, of course, vary depending upon the area and nature of the headache and proper diagnosis is, as always, the key to effective treatment.

IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO APPRECIATE THAT AN OVERWHELMING PERCENTAGE OF HEADACHES ARE A COMBINATION OF VASCULAR AND TENSIONAL FACTORS. THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTING FACTORS MAY VARY, BUT MANY, MANY "MIGRAINES" HAVE A TENSIONAL COMPONENT (WHICH IS WHY MIGRAINE MEDICATIONS OFTEN MAY NOT BE FULLY EFFECTIVE) AND, CONVERSELY, WHY CERTAIN "TENSION" HEADACHES MAY NOT RESPOND FULLY TO ORTHOTIC AND "TMJ" TYPE TREATMENT.

There are of course, many, many other headache types, arising from neurogenic, hormonal, neoplastic, traumatic, and other factors. Consultation with a medical practitioner is always the first step.