Different Types of Headaches Explained (And Natural Ways to Find Relief)
Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek care, yet not all headaches are the same. Understanding what type of headache you’re experiencing can help you choose the right strategies for relief—and know when hands-on care can make a real difference.
Below are some of the most common types of headaches I see in practice.
1. Tension Headache (The Most Common)
What it feels like (in plain terms):
A dull, tight, or “band-like” pressure around the head, forehead, or temples. It often feels like your head is being gently squeezed.
Common causes:
Chronic stress or emotional tension
Prolonged sitting or poor posture (especially desk work)
Tight neck, shoulder, and jaw muscles
Shallow breathing patterns
Home care tip:
Try a 5-minute neck and shoulder reset: gently roll your shoulders back and down, then slowly turn your head side to side while breathing deeply into your ribs. Pair this with heat on the upper back or neck to calm the nervous system.
2. TMJ-Related Headache (Jaw-Driven Head Pain)
What it feels like:
Headache around the temples, ears, or side of the head, often accompanied by jaw tightness, clicking, clenching, or facial tension.
Common causes:
Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (often stress-related)
Dental work or bite changes
Poor head and neck posture
Neck and upper-back tension feeding into the jaw
Home care tip:
Place the tip of your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth and let your teeth stay slightly apart. Practice slow nasal breathing for 2–3 minutes to reduce jaw tone and calm clenching habits.
3. Migraine (Neurological + Vascular Headache)
What it feels like:
A throbbing or pulsing headache, often on one side, sometimes accompanied by nausea, light or sound sensitivity, or visual changes.
Common causes:
Nervous system sensitivity
Hormonal fluctuations (very common in women)
Poor sleep or irregular routines
Neck tension and upper cervical restrictions
Sensory overload or stress
Home care tip:
Create a low-stimulus environment: dim the lights, reduce noise, hydrate well, and place a cool compress at the base of the skull. Gentle stillness often helps more than stretching during an active migraine.
4. Cervicogenic Headache (Neck-Driven Headache) (Commonly Missed)
What it feels like:
A headache that starts in the neck and travels up into the head, often on one side. It may worsen with certain neck movements.
Common causes:
Restricted neck joints (especially upper cervical spine)
Previous whiplash or neck injury
Forward-head posture
Muscle imbalance between neck and upper back
Home care tip:
Practice gentle chin tucks against a wall: stand tall, lightly draw your chin straight back (not down), hold for 5 seconds, repeat 5 times. This helps restore neck alignment without strain.
5. Sinus-Related Headache
What it feels like:
Pressure or fullness around the forehead, cheeks, eyes, or nose, often worse when bending forward.
Common causes:
Sinus congestion or inflammation
Allergies
Upper respiratory infections
Poor lymphatic drainage
Home care tip:
Steam inhalation or a warm compress over the face can help promote drainage. Follow with hydration and upright posture to support sinus flow.
Why Manual Therapy Can Help
Many headaches are not isolated problems—they’re the result of how the jaw, neck, nervous system, posture, and breathing patterns interact. Manual therapies such as osteopathy, neuromuscular massage, and craniosacral therapy aim to address the root contributors, not just the symptom.
Next Steps
If you’re experiencing frequent headaches and are looking for a natural, hands-on approach, working with a manual therapist can help uncover contributing factors such as posture, jaw tension, and nervous system stress.
