CONDITIONS

Headache & Migraines

Overview
Headache & Migraines are experienced by most people at some point in their life, with pain in your head or face that’s often described as pressure that’s throbbing (often in the back of your eyes), constant, sharp or dull, tension type headache similar to a headband like pattern as well as headache that stems from prolonged neck pain known as cervicogenic headache are commonly seen by Chiropractors. These are a major reason for employees taking sick leaves or even ending up having to live in headaches without knowing the root cause.

As a Chiropractor, we locate the root cause of the problem that is causing your headaches so that we can pin point weather it is cervicogenic in nature, tension type headache, migraines, rebound headaches from over reliance of over-the-counter medications etc. If your headaches are caused by vertebrae mis-alignments, we can successfully help resolve these headaches.

Causes of Headaches & Migraines

Poor posture & strain from neck and upper back – poor posture causes tension in your upper back, neck and shoulders

Sinusitis, flu, Glaucoma or eye infection – analysis will determine which vertebrae are weakened or subluxated

Physical stress – Direct blow to the head or whiplash type injury that leads to concussion of other more serious medical conditions such as space occupying lesions.

Genetics – Especially migraine headaches, tend to have a genetic link. When both parents have history of migraine, there is a higher chance their children would also experience them. Hormonal changes in women, particularly fluctuations in estrogen levels during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can be a trigger.

Other causes:

Emotional Stress – Anxiety, stress from relationships/work and depression. Sleep disturbance or poor sleeping schedules can worsen condition

Nutrition deficiencies or certain foods – Lack of proper nutrition (skipping meals, pro-long fasting) as well as lacking hydration which predisposed a person to experience headache like symptoms. Food containing nitrates or MSG or certain alcohol may also be linked. Too much caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine is also associated.

Chemical toxins – these can be caused by tobacco smoke, strong smells from chemicals or perfumes. Certain medication can also bring about side effects of headaches, as well as over reliance of over-the-counter pain relievers

Symptoms of Headache & Migraine

  • Tenderness or sensitivity around your neck, forehead, scalp or shoulder muscles might occur
  • A constant ache or pressure around the head, particularly at the temples or back of the head and neck.
  • Not usually associated with other symptoms.
  • The pain is usually bilateral (on both sides of the head).
  • The pain does not worsen with physical activity.
  • The pain is often described as feeling like a tight band around the forehead or at the back of the head.
  • A constant ache or pressure around the head, particularly at the temples or back of the head and neck.
  • The pain is usually bilateral (on both sides of the head).

How can Chiropractic care help with Headache and migraine?
After understanding your health history and performing examinations, the Doctor of Chiropractic(DC) will find out exactly what is the root cause of your problem.
Under regular chiropractic care, the aim is to correct the underlying causes of your headache. Regular chiropractic care will help you see improvements in the frequency of your headaches as well as other aspects of quality of life such as feeling more energetic and better sleep quality thus translating to a better mood.

Prognosis (each case is different)
Depending on factors such as your age, the length of time you have experienced these symptoms, and the severity of your condition.
Other factors to hinder your progress would be dependent on your general health and wellbeing, over reliance of medication, stress levels and your level of commitment towards your recommended care-plan by the Doctor of Chiropractic(DC)

Other Conditions