Headaches can be triggered by many things such as sunlight, stress, certain foods, dehydration etc. The factor that triggers the headaches is different between different people and within a individual the triggers can change over time. Most people will have at least one headache in their lifetime. The soft tissues of the neck (muscles etc.) can also cause this head pain. There are many types of headaches.
Tension headaches occur usually in the forehead and in the temples. They tend to occur daily for a number of days or weeks. Usually if asked the patient will rate them 6 out of 10 in pain, and describe them as a tight squeezing feeling. They can be caused by tightness in the muscles of the neck or stress, in addition to accidents.
Migraines tend to occur in families. If asked they will be rated 10 out of 10 in pain. Typically sufferers need to lie down in a dark room for relief. The pain is a throbbing feeling often behind the eye and usually only on one side of the head at a time. Often migraines are accompanied by nausea and or vomiting. They are usually aggravated by noise and light.
Frequently they are preceded by an aura, which can be experienced as a blind spot or flashing lights which occurs approximately 20 minutes before the pounding starts. Common triggers include red wine, cheese and chocolate. Other people are triggered by pressure changes, humidity, temperature and changes in sleeping patterns. Migraines often go in families, more common in women and often stop after menopause.
Chiropractors Can Diagnose and Treat Headaches
Cervicogenic Headaches are caused by problems in the joints and muscles of the upper neck. The pain is often associated with certain movements of the neck, such as bending forward, backward or to the side. It typically occurs unilaterally starting at the base of the neck and spread out to the temple.
Cluster headaches are the most severe type of headache, often described as explosive or shooting behind the eye. They can be triggered by hormone changes, alcohol, blood pressure variations or medication. They can cause the nose to run, eyes to water and the face/eye/nose area to turn red. They occur in clusters, usually in the spring or fall, lasting approximately 90 minutes and occurring throughout the day for a matter of weeks, before disappearing again. The pain usually is only one sided. Like a migraine is bothered by sounds and bright lights or sunshine.
Chiropractors can diagnose and treat headaches; however in some cases referral to a medical specialist is required. Studies show that Chiropractic treatment can help tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. Acupuncture has been shown to help migraines. Evidence shows that these treatments can reduce both the severity and frequency of these conditions. Once the proper diagnosis then the appropriate treatments can include manipulation, avoidance of triggers advice, sleeping advice, trigger point therapy, muscle release techniques, stretching, and acupuncture. The treatment provided will always be tailored to the individual patient.
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