Migraines
Severe pulsating pain. Nausea and vomiting. Sensitivity to lights or noise. These are common symptoms of a migraine headache, which can sideline sufferers from their daily activities. This headache tends to be on one side of the head, throbs like a heartbeat, and is usually a 9 or 10 out of 10 on the pain scale. This type of headache can make it difficult to function.
A migraine headache is different from a tension headache, which you tend to get in the front or top of the head. That’s usually a 6/10 on the pain scale.
Over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen can give temporary relief, and this type of headache isn’t anywhere as extreme as a migraine. Some people can experience a mixed headache, which has components of both types.
What to Expect
Dr. Gleeson will conduct a thorough exam to determine what’s causing your headaches. With tension ones, which mean the pain is coming from the joints, we address those by working on the suboccipital muscles (the ones at the base of the skull) using trigger point therapy or Muscle Release Technique to get the muscles to relax. The pain in the front of the head is a referral from muscles in the base of the skull, so when you get those muscles fixed, you’ll get relief.
Often the joints in the upper neck are involved as well, so we work on those and get them moving and loosening up, which helps the headaches too. Dr. Gleeson also uses acupuncture, which gets good results in many cases.
Identifying the Triggers
Those suffering from migraines experience different triggers. Sometimes it’s the weather or certain foods. Many people don’t realize that migraines can be triggered on the weekends because they’re changing their sleeping habits. Identifying and avoiding those triggers may also help prevent migraines.
Book an Appointment
You don’t have to put up with migraines. We want to help you get relief naturally. Contact Outback Chiropractic Clinic today to schedule an appointment.
