It is not uncommon to experience a headache. However, if headaches become frequent, affect your ability to function on a daily basis, or interrupt sleep, you need to seek professional help.
Headache Types
Headaches are generally classified into three types: tension, migraine, and cervicogenic.
Tension headaches feel like a tight band around your head. As the neck and scalp muscles contract or tighten, the individual feels discomfort. Common causes include stress, depression, anxiety, or a head injury. They are more common in women and usually occur in adults.
A migraine is moderate to severe pain usually on one side of the head. They are often accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity. They can be worsened with physical movement. These can be triggered by stress, bright lights or sun glare, strong scents like perfumes, and sometimes foods.
Cervicogenic headaches originate in the neck but the pain is felt in the face or head. It is almost always felt only on one side. It is usually the result of some disorder in the neck involving the nerve, joint, disc, or muscle.
Chiropractic Help
Chiropractic care is a choice for many in the management of headache pain. Their treatments are non invasive and is a good alternative to over-the-counter and prescription medications. Through their adjustments, chiropractors realign the spine and other joints to improve function of the nervous system. Studies show a reduction in the intensity and frequency of migraines. Some of the treatment options include:
- Manual therapy
- Soft tissue therapy
- Acupuncture
- Ultrasound
- Electrical stimulation
In addition, the chiropractor will help counsel you on appropriate lifestyle changes that can help. Through education and determining the stressors that trigger these headaches, you are better able to adjust your body’s reaction.
Your chiropractic team is also able to coordinate and work with other medical providers to find treatment options and solutions to your issues.
If your headache is unusual, sudden, or follows some severe trauma like a fall or automobile accident, seek immediate medical attention. Other symptoms can include fever, stiff neck, weakness, and difficulty speaking or eating. These are indicators of conditions that could be dangerous if left untreated.
When you contact us at Apollo/Ottawa Physio, we will first discuss all your symptoms and take a complete history. Our consultation may include imaging like x-rays or an MRI. Through these techniques we will be able to make recommendations about chiropractic treatment options as well as those of traditional primary care physicians, massage therapists, and physical therapists. We may also recommend discussing the situation with your dentist, especially if your tension gravitates to the jaw or clenching teeth.
We also will look at your daily activities and may recommend simple changes like how you sit at a computer or the way you text.
If we can help, just contact our office to arrange for an appointment. One of our associates will be happy to help take your information and explain our procedures.
