Headaches – are they driving you to distraction?
Headaches
“I have a headache”. How often do you hear that at home, at work, walking around the store, or at the gym? If we had to guess, you hear it pretty often. Many people suffer from headaches and sometimes, it can affect their entire day. Being able to think clearly allows us to make proper and healthy decisions, poses and display proper emotions, and interact positively with others. A headache can cause the opposite reaction in all those categories. We may reach for that candy bar or coffee, hoping the caffeine and sugar will reduce our headache. Sometime you may hide from others because you don’t have the energy to talk and carry on a conversation. Others may act with anger or sadness because the only thing we can focus on is pain. Let’s break this cycle and be back on the positive aspect of life!
Types of Headaches
There are four common types of headaches.
- Tension-type
- Usually, people will describe this type of headache as “band-like” around their head encompassing their forehead, temples, and back of the head. It usually an intense pressure feeling. Sometimes, sensitivity to light and sound can occur.
- Sinus
- Let’s face it. We live in Western, PA. Seasonal allergies and sinus congestion is something most people suffer from in one way or another. Usually, when the weather changes drastically especially from winter to spring and summer to fall, headaches will become more frequent. These headaches are commonly located above the eyes or behind the eyes. Often times pressing around the eyebrows feels sore, but gives relief.
- Migraine
- Migraine is a common household diagnosis. Often times a migraine headache is described as a severe throb that encompasses the entire head. It can cause nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, and visual changes. In some severe cases, patients have to remain very still laying down in a dark room until the headache passes.
- Cervicogenic
- This occurs when the headache is caused by a structure in the neck and presents in the head and face. Often times neck stiffness or increased headache pain with neck movement are experienced.
What Causes Headaches?
Truthfully, causes of headaches are not always well understood. However, there are a few theories we will explore.
- Water Intake
- Simply, DRINK WATER. When the body is in a dehydrated state it cannot function properly, this includes the brain itself. If the brain detects that the body is dehydrated, it can create pain to let you know something is wrong.
- Adequate Sleep
- Sleep is important. Irregular sleep habits can trigger headaches and migraines. Maintaining a healthy sleep pattern such as going to bed at the same time every night, sleeping for 8 hours, and waking at the same time every morning can help reduce headache frequency.
- Caffeine
- Caffeine itself does not directly cause a headache but sometimes the aftermath can referred to as a “caffeine rebound”. Some people indulge in large amounts of caffeine. It is important to remember that caffeine is not only coffee or soda pop. Caffeine can be found in chocolate, tea, and some medications. A caffeine headache can occur if it is consumed in large quantities or when the use of caffeine is stopped.
- Stress
- When stress is elevated, muscles in the neck, head, and face can tighten and increase tension. It is also common when stress is increased, people will grit, grind, or clench their jaw increasing tension as well.
How Can Chiropractic Help?
- Chiropractic adjustments of the cervical spine
- Soft tissue manual manipulation
- Stretches and strengthening techniques
- Stress relief techniques
- Lifestyle change to encourage a healthy diet and adequate water intake
- Sinus/Allergy relief recommendations
Ready for Relief?
While headaches are frequent, they need to be taken seriously. If at any time that your headaches worsen, a headache appears after a head injury, numbness or weakness appears in the face or arms, or difficulty speaking presents, consult a medical provider right away.
Pain does not need to be a part of you. If you suffer from headaches frequently, call Miller Sports & Family Chiropractic today and let’s begin the journey to feeling better! Contact us here at Miller Sports & Family Chiropractic, the team is eager to help you be on your way to feeling pain-free.
