Headaches
Chiropractic is a great way to relieve most headaches.
We can also work with you to prevent/decrease frequency and
intensity of any future headaches.
Types of Headaches
1. Tension
2. Migraine
3. Cluster
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache people
experience. Usually it
is a generalized pain throughout the head which may feel like
a tight band around the head.
Pain may also be felt down into the neck.
They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 week depending on
the individual.
Causes of tension headaches:
· Stress
· Poor posture
· Working in one position too long
· Jaw clenching
· Muscle and Joint dysfunctions from the neck
Migraine
Migraines are chronic headaches that can cause significant pain for
hours or even days. Symptoms can be so severe that all you can think
about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down.
Some migraines are preceded or accompanied by sensory warning
symptoms or signs (auras), such as flashes of light, blind spots or
tingling in your arm or leg. A migraine is often accompanied by
nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
Other symptoms include:
·
Moderate to severe pain, which may be confined to one side of the
head or may affect both sides
·
Head pain with a pulsating or throbbing quality
·
Pain that worsens with physical activity
·
Pain that interferes with your regular activities
·
Nausea with or without vomiting
·
Sensitivity to light and sound
There is no known cause of migraines however there have been many
triggers that have been identified:
Possible Triggers:
·
Hormonal Changes
·
Foods- caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, aspartame (this is in a lot of
sugar-free and diet products), msg (this not just in Chinese food)
and aged cheeses
·
Stress
·
Sensory stimuli- bright lights, loud noises and unusual smells
·
Certain medications
·
Changes in weather
·
Other Headaches
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are a rare form of headaches but they are also the
most severe. They
typically occur in men between the ages of 20 and 40.
Cluster headaches often strike without warning and occur in
groups. Normally they
occur on one side of the
head and remain on the same side throughout the cluster period,
and throughout life.
During a cluster headache attack people generally like to pace as
laying down increases the pain.
Other
signs/symptoms of a cluster headache can include:
·
Pain is described as sharp and penetrating like “a hot poker stuck
in the eye”
·
stuffy nose on affected side
·
tearing eye
·
flushing of face on affected side
·
droopy eyelid
·
sweating,
·
swelling of affected eye
**Headaches can also be caused by an underlying disease so it is
important to get your headaches checked and diagnosed properly. **
Treatment
Chiropractic is a great, safe, and effective form of treatment for
most headaches. Since
the majority of the headaches come from the muscles in the neck and
upper back chiropractic has seen great success in relieving
headaches.
We will also work on improving your posture and improving the range
of motion in your neck.
Chiropractic also works to optimize the functioning of your nervous
system. This can help
to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
There have been studies that show chiropractic care reduces
headaches to a greater extent than medication, and without any of
their possible nasty side effects.
**If you are experiencing any of these symptoms seek medical care
immediately:**
-
Abrupt, severe headache, often like a thunderclap
-
Headache with a fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures,
numbness or speaking difficulties, which may indicate a number
of problems, including stroke, meningitis, encephalitis or brain
tumor
-
Headache after a head injury, even if it's a minor fall or bump,
especially if it gets worse
-
A sudden, severe headache unlike any other headache you've
experienced.
