As a chiropractor, one of the most common conditions that I encounter in my practice is headaches. Headaches can be debilitating and interfere with our daily activities. While there are many different types of headaches, the most common ones include tension headaches, migraines, cluster, and cervicogenic headaches.
In this blog post, I will discuss the different types of headaches, their causes, and how chiropractic care can help.
Tension headaches:
Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches, and they are often described as a dull ache or pressure that feels like a tight band around the head. It is often compared to wearing a visor that is too tight. These headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days, and they are typically caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Migraines:
Migraines can be very severe and debilitating. They are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. The exact cause of migraines are related to chemical changes within the brain. They can be triggered by a wide variety of factors such as chocolate, alcohol, stress, environmental changes, and even certain medications. They are caused by changes in the brainstem and imbalances of certain chemicals in the brain.
Cluster headaches:
Cluster headaches are a rare type of headache that are characterized by intense pain on one side of the head and the eye, almost as if someone was digging behind your eyeball. They typically occur in cycles or clusters, with periods of frequent headaches followed by periods of remission. The cause of cluster headaches is not well understood, but they are believed to be related to changes in the hypothalamus (within the brain). They occur with other side effects such as tears, runny nose, increased perspiration and drooping of the eyelid on the affected side.
Cervicogenic headaches:
This is more a head pain, rather than a typical headache, that starts in the neck and base of the head, which is made worse by certain postures. Patients can experience this pain all over the head, forehead, neck and sometimes even the arm. Issues in the cervical spine musculature, joints or related anatomy can lead to cervicogenic headaches. In other words, this headache is a direct result of a musculoskeletal condition relating to the cervical spine (IE: the neck) and the main bulk of treatment will focus on treating this condition.
How chiropractic care can help:
Chiropractic care can be very effective in treating headaches by using an array of techniques to help relieve the underlying causes, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and lifestyle advice.
Spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy can help manage conditions relating to the spine that may be contributing to your headaches, as seen in cervicogenic headaches. By improving joint biomechanics, reducing muscle tension and boosting nerve function, your chiropractor can help to alleviate your headaches.
Chiropractors may also provide lifestyle advice to help prevent headaches from re-occurring. This may include advice on posture, ergonomics, stress management, and exercise.
Headaches can be frustrating, exhausting, and even debilitating, however, chiropractic care can be a safe and effective way to relieve the underlying causes of headaches and improve overall quality of life. If you suffer from headaches, consider consulting with a chiropractor to see how they can help you.
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