Headaches have a number of different causes and many of them are still largly not understood. Below is a list of common types of headaches, the causes or triggers known to be associated with them, and what you can do to manage them.
1. Migraine Headaches: Migraines are very common and can be quite debilitating. They usually manifest as unilateral (one-sided) headaches that may cause pain in both the face and neck. They may start as a result of a "trigger" such as the ingestion of caffeine or chocolate, or exposure to certain chemicals or pollen. It is not uncommon for people to also experience dizziness, vomiting or nausea in conjunction with the pain. Many also experience light sensitivity or double vision. Migraine headaches can last anywhere between several minutes to several days and may come on quite frequently. In some individuals, they take on a very regular pattern or come on in times of stress. The exact cause of migraines is still largely not understood. It is thought to possibly relate to vascular spasms related to the above "triggers". Management of migraine headaches often involves avoiding the triggers of the symptoms, stress management, or medication. Chiropractic care can also yield some significant results in some cases.
2. Tension Headaches: Tension headaches are related to stress. These headaches typically present as a band of tightness or pain across both eyes and in the temples. These headaches are largely stress related and usually last for about 5 to 7 days. These headaches can be managed fairly well with stress management and conservative care. Talk to your chiropractor for details on managing this condition.
3. Cluster Headaches: Cluster headaches are extremely painful headaches on one side of the face. They present as a sharp stabbing sensation behind the eye and are most common in men. Tearing of the eye, sweating, or runny nose may all be present in an episode of a cluster headache. These headaches may last for anywhere from days to months and can be quite debilitating. These headaches are typically treated medically although patients may find some relief from conservative management as well.
4. Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches stem from a problem in the neck region. Muscle tightness and joint fixation in the muscles of the neck may cause you to feel pain in the back of the head and up over the top of your head, to the front of your eyes. Applying pressure to the muscles of the back of the head often helps to relax them and can relieve some of the symptoms on a temporary basis. People with cervicogenic headaches often do very well under the managment of a chiropractor. Adjustments and soft tissue work to the joints and muscles of the neck help to relax the area and release the pressure causing the headache.
These headaches are some of the most common headaches amongour population. As you may have noticed, many of these headaches are associated with sress and muscle tightness in the neck region. Chiropractic care can relieve the tension in your muscles and joints and may also help decrease the frequency or intensity of your headaches. To see if chiropractic care may help to improve your quality of life, we invite you to chontact our office for your free initial consultation. If you're ready to schedule your first visit, you may call our office during business hours, or you may schedule your first visit 24/7 through our convenient online scheduling option.
Dr. Alesha Fleming
Natural Health and Wellness Chiropractic, LLC
Daytona Beach, FL
Dr. Fleming is a family chiropractor in Daytona Beach, Florida. She is passionate about preventative health care and nutrition and enjoys empowering her patients to improve their health and fitness, one day at a time!
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