We all know that one of the many benefits to keeping up an active lifestyle is decreased risk for developing chronic health conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Although it’s essential for good health, being active can also create problems if not done properly. Whether you’re just getting started in your fitness journey or you’re a veteran athlete, proper technique and recovery are important in maintaining your physical health. If you have poor form while doing a specific exercise, you put yourself at risk for injury. The same holds true if you over train and don’t have a proper recovery routine. Although subtle at the time, one of the main injuries that occurs is a shift of one or more of the vertebrae in your spine, and although you may not feel it, it can cause major issues down the road. 

One of the most frequent complaints amongst athletes that we notice is a history of headaches. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to suffer from headaches, anyone can get them. Not all headaches are the same. In fact, there are more than 150 different types of headaches. If you’re an athlete and you’re experiencing headaches, it’s important to know the different types and what might be causing them. In this article, I discuss the top three different types of athletes’ headaches: tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches. I also offer some tips for how to deal with each type.

Tension Headaches

If you are suffering from a tension headache, you may notice that your head feels tight or like it is in a vise. You may also experience pain in your temples, the back of your head, or both. Tension headaches can be quite debilitating, making it difficult to concentrate or even sleep. 

Although tension headaches are extremely common, there’s not an exact known cause. However, they may be caused by a number of things, including stress, neck or shoulder muscle tension, poor posture, eye strain and inadequate sleep. It makes sense that athletes are subject to this type of headache, because they more than likely deal with all of these potential causes. Physical activity puts an immense amount of stress on the body. Although often referred to as a good stress, too much can be deleterious. 

There are a number of home remedies that can help relieve tension headaches. One of the best things you can do is to take a break from whatever you are doing and rest in a quiet, dark room. If you are experiencing neck pain, you can try applying a heating pad or ice pack to the affected area. You can also massage your temples or the back of your neck. If you are suffering from eye strain, try taking a break from screens and reading.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are a common type of headache that can cause intense symptoms. Migraine headaches are often described as a throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head, or pain behind the eye. They can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headaches can last for a few hours or even days.

There are many possible causes of migraine headaches, including stress, certain foods and drinks, hormonal changes, and other health conditions. Migraine headaches can be difficult to deal with, but there are some home remedies that may help relieve the pain. Some simple tips include staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and avoiding triggers. If you’re struggling with migraines, it’s important to seek help from a Gonstead chiropractor to find the best way to manage them.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are one of the most painful types of headaches. They are usually one-sided and can last for several hours or even days. Cluster headaches often occur in groups, or clusters, and can happen several times a day for several weeks or even months. Cluster headaches are more common in men than women and usually start between the ages of 20 and 40.

There is no one definitive cause of cluster headaches, but they are thought to be related to changes in the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. Cluster headaches may also be triggered by changes in barometric pressure, alcohol, and certain foods.

While there is no cure for cluster headaches, there are several home remedies that may help to relieve the pain. Chiropractic care has been shown to be an effective treatment for cluster headaches. Massage, heat, and ice can also help to relieve pain. Avoiding triggers such as alcohol and certain foods may also help to prevent cluster headaches.

One Common Cause

One common theme amongst all of these headaches, is that most of them are caused by a vertebral subluxation. A vertebral subluxation is when one of the bones in your spine (vertebrae) moves out of place and puts pressure on the nerves that come out of your spine. This pressure can cause any type of headache. Physical stress of exercising or playing sports cause these bones to misalign, and no medicine or stretching can fix  that. This is why so many athletes suffer with these headaches for so long. Therefore, it’s important to have your spine and nervous system checked on a routine basis.

You don’t have to be an athlete to suffer with these headaches, anyone can get them. If you have any questions or concerns, send us a message, we’d be happy to chat!