A large percentage of our population suffer from headaches. Most people accept these headaches as if they are normal. Although headaches are common, if you are experiencing them on a daily or weekly basis they are certainly not normal. There are different types of headaches, each with its own characteristic symptoms and causes. Headaches may be due to dehydration, skipping meals or the effects of alcohol. The more common types of headaches include migraines, tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. The vast majority of headaches are associated with problems in the neck.
Migraine Headaches: There are two types of migraines: Classic Migraines (migraines with aura) and Common Migraines (migraines without aura). Classic migraines are preceded by a prodrome which is a progressively increasing blind spot surrounded by flashing lights. Common Migraines do not have a prodrome and account for 80-85% of migraines. Migraines usually affect women and present as a one-sided throbbing headache that is aggravated by bright light and noise. There appears to be a number of triggers including: changes in sleeping habits, environmental pollutants, medications (vasodilators) and certain foods such as chocalate, nuts, wine and cheese.
Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches are the result of pain referral from soft tissue and spinal structures in the neck. They affect men and women and can occur daily. They may be associated with reduced or painful neck ranges of motion. These headaches usually feel as though they originate at the back of the neck or base of the skull. Poor posture, especially forward head carriage is the prime cause of this type of headache. there is usually associated muscle tightness and tenderness in the neck area.
Tension Headaches: These also occur frequently in both men and women and typically get worse in the afternoon or early evening. Pain is usually felt at the back of the head or over the eyes and my last for days. NSAID’s may provide some temporary relief but do not eliminate the headache. There is often overlap between tension and cervicogenic headaches.
Doctors of Chiropractic specialize in the treatment of the bones, muscles and nerves (the neuromusculoskeletal system). Using a thorough health history and physical examination a chiropractor is able to diagnose the cause of your headache and then recommend the appropriate treatment plan. This plan may include chiropractic manipulation, therapeutic massage, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, cervical traction, dietary changes, and specific stretches and exercises. The goal of the treatment plan is to not only eliminate the headache but to address the underlying cause of the pain.
