5 Most Common Types of Headaches — Causes, Symptoms & How Osteopathy Can Help

Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare advice. While they’re often dismissed as “just stress,” the reality is more complex. There are several distinct types of headaches, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding which one you’re dealing with is the first step to effective management.

1. Tension-Type Headache

Aetiology: The most frequent culprit. Tension headaches are usually caused by muscular tension and postural strain, particularly around the neck and shoulders.

Common Triggers:

• Prolonged screen use

• Stress and anxiety

• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding

Symptoms: A dull, tight, or pressing pain on both sides of the head, often described as a “band” around the skull. Usually mild to moderate in intensity.

Treatment: Regular movement, stretching, and ergonomic adjustments can help. Heat therapy and gentle manual treatment of neck and shoulder muscles are often beneficial.

Osteopathic Approach: Osteopaths can identify muscular restrictions and postural imbalances contributing to the tension. Gentle soft tissue release, joint articulation, and advice on ergonomics can reduce the frequency and severity of these headaches.

2. Migraine

Aetiology: A neurological disorder involving changes in the brainstem, vascular regulation, and sensory processing.

Common Triggers:

• Hormonal fluctuations

• Certain foods (e.g., chocolate, red wine, cheese)

• Sleep disruption

• Stress or sensory overload (bright lights, strong smells)

Symptoms: Intense throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side of the head. May include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some experience an “aura” before the headache—visual disturbances like flashing lights or zigzag lines.

Treatment: Lifestyle management, identifying triggers, medication for acute attacks, and preventative strategies.

Osteopathic Approach: While osteopathy doesn’t “cure” migraines, treatment can help reduce muscular tension, improve blood flow, and balance the autonomic nervous system—potentially lowering the frequency and severity of attacks.

3. Cervicogenic Headache

Aetiology: Originates from dysfunction in the cervical spine—commonly the upper neck joints, muscles, or nerves.

Common Triggers:

• Whiplash injuries

• Prolonged poor posture

• Neck trauma or stiffness

Symptoms: Pain begins in the neck and radiates to the head, often on one side. It may worsen with specific neck movements or sustained positions.

Treatment: Addressing the underlying neck dysfunction is key. Manual therapy, posture correction, and strengthening exercises are usually effective.

Osteopathic Approach: Osteopaths assess spinal alignment, joint mobility, and muscle balance. Treatment may involve mobilising the cervical joints, releasing tight musculature, and guiding rehabilitation to prevent recurrence.

4. Cluster Headache

Aetiology: A neurovascular headache thought to involve the hypothalamus and trigeminal nerve pathways.

Common Triggers:

• Alcohol or strong odours during a cluster period

• Irregular sleep patterns

• Smoking

Symptoms: Severe, stabbing pain around one eye, accompanied by watering, redness, nasal congestion, or drooping eyelid. Occurs in cyclical “clusters” over weeks or months, often at the same time each day.

Treatment: Requires medical management—oxygen therapy or triptan medications are standard. Lifestyle regulation and avoiding triggers help during cluster periods.

Osteopathic Approach: While cluster headaches demand medical attention, osteopathy can provide supportive care to ease muscular tension in the neck and upper back, which often worsen during attacks.

5. Sinus Headache

Aetiology: Occurs when inflammation or congestion affects the sinus cavities, leading to pressure changes within the skull.

Common Triggers:

• Sinus infections or allergies

• Seasonal changes

• Environmental irritants

Symptoms: A deep, constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or around the nose. Often worse when bending forward. May be accompanied by nasal congestion or discharge.

Treatment: Managing the underlying sinus condition—hydration, steam inhalation, nasal rinses, or prescribed medications.

Osteopathic Approach: Osteopathic techniques that enhance drainage and mobility of the facial bones and upper ribs can help relieve sinus pressure and improve breathing efficiency.

When to Seek Help

Persistent or severe headaches, especially if accompanied by sudden changes in vision, weakness, confusion, or speech difficulty, require immediate medical assessment.

For recurring or tension-related headaches, osteopathic treatment can be an effective part of a long-term management plan—addressing not just the symptoms but the mechanical and lifestyle factors contributing to the pain.

Take Control of Your Headaches

If headaches are interfering with your work, sleep, or quality of life, professional assessment is worth it. At Langstone Osteopathy, we identify the root causes and tailor treatment to help restore comfort, movement, and calm.