Headache
Tension
Tension headaches are the most common type and are often caused by stress. The pain is usually felt as if a band has been tightened across the circumference of the head. This type of headache is not usually aggravated by particular exercises or activities and can last for minutes or hours causing mild to moderate pain.
Migraine
Migraine headaches can be extremely painful and are usually localised to 1 side of the head causing a pulsating or sharp pain. Migraines can often cause unusual sensitivity to light/sound. They are sometimes preceded by aura; a set of symptoms that warns of a forthcoming attack although sometimes only the aura will occur. Aura symptoms include visual changes such as flickering lights or spots, feelings of pins and needles or nausea. It is unknown specifically what causes migraines to occur.
Cervicogenic
Cervicogenic headache is classified as a secondary headache meaning it is the result of another physical dysfunction or illness. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by dysfunction of the cervical spine (the 7 vertebrae that constitute the neck) referring pain from bony structures or soft tissues of this region. The pain is usually felt to the base and top of the head.