Are There Different Types of Headaches? Can You Tell What's Causing the Headache Based on Location?

While the location of the headache certainly isn't the only way to determine the cause of a headache, there are very strong correlations between the type/cause of the headache, and where the headache is located. Therefore, we can infer the cause of the headache (with reasonable accuracy) based on where it's located. There are also a lot of environmental factors such as diet, blood pressure, dehydration and stress that either directly cause, or exacerbate these headaches. Below you will find some of the most common locations of headaches and their most common causes:

1) Across the forehead (between the eyebrows and hairline) - Tension Headaches
2) Behind one of the eyes - Cluster Headaches
3) Below both eyes, and above the eyebrows - Sinus Headaches
4) A headache that predominantly affects one side of the head - Migraine
5) Top of the scalp/back of the head - Cervicogenic (headache caused by tension of neck muscles)
6) Temples/Outside of the Jaw - Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Since these headaches have different causes, they also have different treatment options. It's always essential to seek the advice of a medical professional when deciding which course of treatment to pursue. 

At Modern Concepts, we can help relieve pain from all of the headaches above! Chiropractors specialize in correcting the alignment of joints all over the body, not just the back. Tension and cervicogenic headaches can be relieved by realigning the cervical vertebrae, which in turn, relieves tension from the supporting neck and facial muscles that contribute to headaches. Regular chiropractic adjustments can also relieve sinus/allergy related pain by promoting drainage and relieving dizziness through the Epley's Maneuver.

TMJ headaches are caused by the misalignment and degeneration of the joint itself. Located in the jaw, the TMJ experiences a lot of "wear and tear" that cause the joint to become inflamed and cause pain. It also elicits the recruitment of supporting muscle groups in the face, which in turn, causes headaches in the surrounding regions like the temples and the jaw muscles. Chiropractors can realign the TMJ which relieves pressure, slows down degeneration of the joint, and relaxes surrounding muscles groups and relieves headaches associated with TMJ.

Diagnosing the cause of headaches is much more complicated than just basing it off of where the headache is located. Be sure to consult your primary care physician when exploring possible causes and treatment options for your headaches.