Why Do I Get Headaches? Causes, Types, and Treatment Options
By Don Williams, Institute of Sports and Spines
Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek medical and chiropractic care. A frequent question we hear at the Institute of Sports and Spines is:
“Why do I get headaches?”
The truth is, there are more than 20 different subtypes of headaches and at least 6 types of migraines. Identifying the type of headache you are experiencing is the first step in finding an effective treatment.
What Causes Headaches?
Headaches can be triggered by a wide range of factors, from something as simple as a stiff neck to more complex issues like food sensitivities, environmental triggers, or even serious medical conditions.
It’s important to note that headache severity does not always indicate the type. Many people assume that a severe headache automatically means a migraine — but that’s not always the case.
Clues that help us identify headache types include:
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Location of the pain
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Time of day or night it occurs
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Frequency and duration
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Triggers such as stress, posture, or certain foods
Migraines: Symptoms and Triggers
One of the most common types of headache we treat is the classic migraine.
Typical signs of a classic migraine include:
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Aura 10–30 minutes before the headache begins
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Visual disturbances such as flashing lights, tunnel vision, or foggy vision
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Severe, throbbing head pain that follows the aura
Migraines often have identifiable triggers, such as certain foods, chemicals, or environmental factors. The good news is that with the right guidance, many patients can reduce their migraine frequency through elimination diets or trigger management strategies.
Posture-Related Headaches
Not all headaches are chemical or neurological — some are posture-related. These occur when irritation or tension in the neck contributes to head pain.
At the Institute of Sports and Spines, our chiropractic team often treats these cases using:
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Soft tissue therapy
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Gentle mobilisations
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Postural correction advice
We’ve even seen long-term headache sufferers find relief in just one session. While this isn’t always the case, it drives our ongoing mission: helping more patients achieve lasting headache relief.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Before we begin treatment, we always rule out red flags — signs that headaches may be linked to serious conditions such as stroke, brain tumour, or brain bleeds.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
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Sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache
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Vision loss or double vision
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Numbness or loss of facial sensation
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Dizziness or loss of balance
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Repeated vomiting
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Weakness or loss of function in limbs
These symptoms may indicate a medical emergency and should never be ignored.
Headache Treatment at Institute of Sports and Spines
If you suffer from recurring headaches or migraines, our team can help you:
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Identify your headache type
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Assess red and yellow flags
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Develop a personalised treatment plan
Don’t let headaches control your life. Book an appointment with the Institute of Sports and Spines today, and let’s work together on finding a lasting solution.
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