Headaches
Do you suffer from recurrent headaches? Progressive Chiropractic Berwick delivers chiropractic care to alleviate the symptoms and reduce recurrence.
What is a Headache?
Are your one of many in Berwick who suffer from headaches? A headache is a common condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the head or neck area. Headaches can range from mild to severe and may be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, tension, illness, injury, or underlying medical conditions. Headaches are a common symptom that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. They can impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and can significantly decrease their quality of life. There are several types of headaches, including tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, each with its own unique set of symptoms and causes.
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Types of Headaches
There are several types of headaches, each with their own unique set of symptoms and causes. Here are some of the most common types of headaches:
- Tension Headaches: Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, accounting for approximately 90% of all headaches. They are usually characterized by mild to moderate pain that feels like a tight band around the head. Tension headaches are often caused by stress, muscle tension, poor posture, or a lack of sleep.
- Migraines: Migraines are a type of headache that is characterized by severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head. Migraines may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They are believed to be caused by changes in blood flow to the brain and may be triggered by certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, or environmental factors.
- Cervicogenic Headache: A cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that originates from the cervical spine (neck) and is referred to the head. The pain associated with a cervicogenic headache is typically described as dull, aching, and located on one side of the head or face, with additional pain felt in the neck. Cervicogenic headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma or injury to the neck, osteoarthritis, poor posture, or tension in the neck muscles.
- Sinus Headaches: Sinus headaches are a type of headache that is caused by inflammation or infection in the sinuses. They are characterized by pain and pressure in the forehead, cheeks, and nose. Sinus headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, fever, and facial swelling.
- Rebound Headaches: Rebound headaches, also known as medication overuse headaches, are caused by frequent or excessive use of pain medication. They are characterized by dull, persistent pain and may worsen with continued use of pain medication.
- Hormonal migraine: A hormonal migraine is a type of migraine headache that is triggered by hormonal changes in the body. It is often associated with fluctuations in estrogen levels, particularly during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Hormonal migraines typically occur in women and may be more severe than other types of migraines. The symptoms of a hormonal migraine may include severe, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.
Women who experience hormonal migraines may find that their headaches are more severe during certain times of the month, such as during menstruation, or may experience more frequent headaches during pregnancy or menopause
How can chiropractic treatment help Headaches?
Chiropractic treatment can be an effective way to manage different types of headaches, including tension headaches and migraines. Here are some ways that chiropractic care can help:
- Spinal Adjustment: Chiropractors use spinal adjustments (manipulation) to improve the alignment of the spine and reduce tension in the muscles and joints. This technique can help to alleviate tension headaches by reducing muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
- Cox Technic: Research has shown that Cox Technic can also be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of headaches. The technique works by gently stretching and decompressing the spine, which can help to reduce pressure on the nerves that control headache pain
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Soft tissue therapy, such as massage, can help to loosen tight muscles and improve blood flow to the affected areas. This can help to reduce pain and tension in the head and neck
- Lifestyle Advice: Chiropractors can provide lifestyle advice to help patients identify and avoid triggers that may contribute to their headaches, such as poor posture or stress
- Nutritional Advice: Chiropractors can provide nutritional advice to help patients identify and address any nutrient deficiencies that may be contributing to their headaches
- Exercise and Stretching: Chiropractors can recommend specific exercises and stretches to help patients improve their posture and reduce muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
Do you need help with Headaches?
Research on chiropractic treatment of headaches
Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, Marcoux H, Potter B, Ruegg R, Shaw L, Watkin R, White E. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 Jun;34(5):274-89. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008. PMID: 21640251.
Fernandez M, Moore C, Tan J, Lian D, Nguyen J, Bacon A, Christie B, Shen I, Waldie T, Simonet D, Bussières A. Spinal manipulation for the management of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Pain. 2020 Oct;24(9):1687-1702. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1632. Epub 2020 Jul 20. PMID: 32621321.
Maiers M, Bronfort G, Evans R, Hartvigsen J, Svendsen K, Bracha Y, Schulz C, Schulz K, Grimm R. Spinal manipulative therapy and exercise for seniors with chronic neck pain. Spine J. 2014 Sep 1;14(9):1879-89. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2013.10.035. Epub 2013 Nov 10. PMID: 24225010.
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