29 October 2026
Headaches are extremely common, but the reasons behind them can vary quite a lot. Some may be linked to muscle tension, stress, posture or long periods spent at a desk, while others can be connected to different medical or lifestyle factors. Because of this, understanding the type of headache you are experiencing can be an important first step.
In this blog, we’ll look at some of the most common types of headaches, everyday habits that may be contributing to them, and when it may be worth seeking professional advice.
What Are the Most Common Types of Headaches?
People often use “headache” as a general term, but there are a few different types, and they can feel quite different from one another. Tension-type headaches and migraines are probably the best-known headaches, while cluster and cervicogenic headaches have their own distinct patterns.
A tension-type headache usually feels more like pressure or an ache than a sharp pain. It can be felt across the forehead, around the temples or towards the back of the head. Some people also notice their neck and shoulders feeling tight at the same time. Stress can sometimes be involved, although it is only one of several factors that may play a part.
Migraines are often easier to recognise because the pain can be much stronger. It may throb or pulse, sometimes on one side, and symptoms such as nausea or sensitivity to light and noise can come with it.
Cluster headaches are less common. They tend to cause very severe pain on one side of the head and can return several times during a particular period.
Cervicogenic headaches have a different starting point altogether. They come from the neck, with pain often beginning around the neck or base of the skull before being felt further up the head, such as around the temple or forehead.
Daily habits that could be contributing to Your Headaches
Certain habits can make headaches more likely to appear or feel worse, although the triggers are not the same for everyone. With tension-type headaches, things such as stress, poor sleep and changes in caffeine intake can all play a part. Spending long periods at a computer, missing meals or not drinking enough water may also be relevant for some people.
Migraines can have a wide range of triggers too. Tiredness, stress, skipped meals and too much caffeine are commonly reported, while a lack of regular exercise may also have an influence in some cases. Because triggers can vary so much, it can be useful to notice whether your headaches tend to follow a particular pattern.
Cluster headaches are slightly different. They often happen in repeated periods, and some people find that alcohol, smoking, strong smells or certain types of exercise can trigger an attack while they are in one of these periods.
Cervicogenic headaches start in the neck, so the way we think about daily habits is a little different here. Things such as repeated neck movement or spending long periods in positions that irritate an existing neck problem may make symptoms worse, rather than being the direct cause of the headache itself. Reduced movement in the neck is also commonly associated with this type of headache.
When Should You Seek Chiropractic Help for Headaches?
If your headaches keep coming back and you also notice things such as neck stiffness, reduced movement or tension around the shoulders, it may be worth speaking to a chiropractor. An assessment can help establish whether the neck or surrounding muscles could be playing a part, which is particularly relevant with headaches that are linked to the neck.
A headache that starts after an injury is a different situation and may need medical assessment first, depending on what happened and what other symptoms are present. The same applies to a headache that comes on suddenly, feels unusually severe, or is accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, confusion, changes in vision or difficulty speaking. Those symptoms should be assessed urgently rather than treated as a routine headache.
What Help Is Available?
When headaches are accompanied by stiffness or discomfort in the neck, the neck may be one area your chiropractor looks at more closely. Managing your discomfort might involve gentle movement of the joints, manipulation or soft tissue work around the neck and shoulders. What is used will depend on what seems to be contributing to the symptoms and how you respond during the assessment.
Exercises may also be suggested, especially if neck movement, strength or control seems relevant. For someone who spends a lot of time at a desk or driving, simple changes to their workstation or sitting habits may be worth looking at too.
It is also useful to consider what is happening outside the treatment room. Sleep, stress, hydration, caffeine and missed meals can all be relevant for some people, so these may come up during the discussion. Chiropractic care is drug-free, but it is not the right option for every headache. If the assessment raises any concerns, you may be advised to speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Your Headaches?
If headaches are becoming a regular problem and you would like to understand whether chiropractic care may be suitable for you, contact Lichfield Chiropractic Clinic to book an appointment. Your chiropractor can talk through your symptoms, assess any relevant musculoskeletal factors and explain the options available to you.
