If you’ve ever caught yourself rubbing your temples at your desk, or waking up with a tight, throbbing pain behind your eyes or jaw, well you’re not alone. Headaches are one of the most common issues we help people with at Vital Wellness Centre, and in many cases, they’re not “just in your head.” They’re coming from your neck, posture, jaw, or daily stress habits.
We created a simple 1-page infographic that helps you identify the most likely cause of your headache — and what you can do about it.
*Disclaimer*
What we discuss in the entirety of this post isn’t a substitute for medical advice – and is for educational purposes only! Please consult a physician if you have any concerns about your health that you feel like need to be addressed immediately!
The 4 Most Common Types of Headaches We See
Tension Headaches
The most common type. Often caused by stress, poor posture, or tight upper back/neck muscles.
Feels like: A tight band around the head or pressure at the temples.
Cervicogenic Headaches
These start from the neck and refer pain into the head. Long hours at a desk or slouched posture are usual triggers.
Feels like: Pain at the base of the skull, sometimes radiating to the top of the head.
Plus, here’s a video on how to help a little bit more if you suspect you have a Cervicogenic-type headache.
DIY this headache away with some easy SELF manual therapy in this video.
The Splenius Capitis is a muscle in our neck that helps with loads of neck motions! However, because of this day and age, it’s excessively easy for this muscle to overload itself and work too hard (kind of like the rest of our bodies) – making muscle knots prevalent.
These knots can refer pain into other parts of our bodies, like our heads, giving us tension headaches and symptoms of Migraines! Try this out and see how it feels!
Migraine-Type Headaches
These may be more intense and come with light sensitivity, nausea, or one-sided pain.
Feels like: Throbbing pain, often behind one eye or side of the head.
TMJ-Related Headaches
If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, the muscles around your face can become tense and refer pain to the temples or side of the head.
Feels like: Achy face, jaw, or temple pain that worsens with chewing or clenching.
Too Long, Didn't Read? Here are the Key Takeaways:
Most headaches aren’t random, they have a root cause you can identify
Posture, stress, screen time, and jaw tension are common triggers
You can relieve many headaches naturally with targeted stretches and lifestyle tweaks
If headaches are frequent or severe, getting assessed is worth it
Need a little help?
Let’s say that doing it yourself doesn’t really work – that’s fine! Sometimes a little help will come along the way. You can always see a health care professional, wherever you are, and whether or not that’s a Registered Massage Therapist is up to you!
However, if you’re looking to have treatment with a health care professional about a pain problem or functional issue you have, and happen to live in the Greater Toronto Area, specifically Mississauga. You’re always welcome to come see me in person! You can book online with a click of a button!
Book an Appointment!
Richard Lam
Richard is the owner of Vital Wellness centre and practices as a registered massage therapist with a specialty in therapeutic massage, utilizing techniques including manual therapy, contemporary medical acupuncture and exercise therapy.