Headaches: Migraines, Cluster, Sinus, TMJ, Tension Headache Pain Treatment in Bel Air, MD

Headaches: Migraines, Cluster, Sinus, TMJ, Tension

There’s really no such thing as a “regular” headache. There are more variations to headaches than there are grains of sand in Ocean City. When it comes to headaches, few of them actually occur because of something wrong in the head.

With many headaches there is a known cause and ways to either fix or manage them with chiropractic, PT, massage, acupuncture, or other treatment modalities. Even with the rare conditions, we’ve been able to control the pain and symptoms for our patients.

Types of Headaches

Classified by where the pain is located & extra symptoms.

Migraine Headaches

It’s not just a headache.  Migraines are defined as brain and nervous system disorders and have many more symptoms than just a headache.

Symptoms of Migraine Headaches:

• Terrible pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vision issue such as flashing lights
• Light or sound sensitivity

Click here to read more in-depth info regarding headaches vs migraines. 

Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are short but painful headaches that occur behind the eye and appear in groups or clusters.  Think cousin to migraine. Typically, more painful than migraines, but without the accompanying prodrome and aura.

Symptoms of Cluster Headaches:

• Pain on one side of the head
• Behind one eye can spread to forehead, temple, nose and check.
• You can feel your blood pulsing.
• Occur Predictable pattern like time of year or time of day.

Sinus Headache

Our skull is not a solid hat rack. Spread throughout, we have little caves known as sinuses. Many more than the ones that cause a runny nose. These pockets can become inflamed, infected, clogged, or otherwise irritated.

Symptoms of Sinus Headaches:

• Dull pain behind their eyes, in cheeks and nose.
• Pressure and feeling like your head full and heavy.
• Adjustments to the face, behind your ears and your neck can all relieve pressure in your head and aid the sinus in draining. Many patients say a side effect is that they get sick less and can handle seasonal allergies better.

TMJ Headache

Many people do not associate their jaw pain with the cause of their headache, but TMJ often causes headaches and headaches can cause TMJ.

Symptoms of TMJ Headaches:

• Tight face muscles
• Tight haw
• Clenching jaw
• Face pain
• Restricted movement in jaw
• Ear pain

Click here to read more in-depth info regarding TMJ.

Tension Headache

This is the most common type of headache. Tension headaches are caused by muscle tension in the head and neck. Often described as feeling like your head is in a vice.

Causes of Tension Headaches:

• Acute stress.
• Long term stress.
• Wear and tear of the neck muscles from postural changes.

Symptoms of Tension Headaches:

• Pressure either side of head.
• Band of pain across forehead.

Treatment for ALL Headaches

1. Treat the symptoms.
2. Discover why they are occurring.
3. Prevent them from returning.

Our goal is to stop the any type of headache, heal the area, and prevent them from happening.

Those who suffer from headaches and or migraines should seek treatment as soon as possible, but it is never too late. The professionals at Susquehanna Spine & Rehab understand first-hand how frustrating it is to get answers. Dr. Lee’s daughter has even struggled with post-trauma headaches after a concussion.

An expert neurologist at Johns Hopkins recommends vitamin supplements, chiropractic care, PT, and acupuncture as a first choice for the treatment of headaches and migraines. Post-COVID healthcare has made it difficult for specialist appointments. Many patients have gotten relief for headaches / migraines at SSR while waiting months to see the neurologist.

Remember, your chiropractor can treat more than your neck and back. As outlined above headaches are multifaceted. The head is a rather small area and can be affected in many ways. Adjustments to the face, behind your ears, jaw, sinus cavities, and your neck can all relieve pressure in your head, reduce inflammation, and aid the sinus in draining. Acupuncture is also a great solution.