  Is it normal to get headaches? I’ve been suffering from them for as long as I can remember. Is there anything I can do for them?
 First of all, headaches are NOT normal, although sometimes they are a natural consequence of abusing our bodies as some know the “day after”. But, while extremely common, there are no “normal” headaches. That would be like saying dental cavities are “normal”.
Pain in the head is a symptom, not a disease. There are many causes related to physical, chemical or emotional stress, or any combination of these factors.
Headaches are one of the most common reasons for visits to a chiropractor or other health care provider. In our office, we would first identify what type of headache you are experiencing; where is it located, how long they last, how often you get them, what makes them better or worse, how they feel. Are there other symptoms such as neck pain, or sensitivity to light or sound, or any identifiable triggers or common patterns?
Treatment depends on the type of headache you have. There are several different common types of headaches:
- Tension - This is the most common type of headache. These headaches feel like there is a tight band around the forehead, temples and under the skull. Described as a mild or moderate tight pain, non-throbbing, tension headaches may last for several hours at a time. They may be associated with stress, poor posture and neck problems and thus are a form of Cervicogenic Headache. Tension headaches respond well to chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture. Depending on the cause, they may also respond to massage therapy or Craniosacral Therapy.
- Migraine - While far less common than a tension headache, migraine headaches are significantly more debilitating. Migraines are periodic, moderate-to-severe, throbbing, and often one-sided, lasting 4 to 72 hours. They affect women more frequently than men. They may be associated with a visual disturbance called an “aura”, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to bright lights and sounds. Migraines may be triggered by something dietary or environmental, or may have a mechanical origin in the spine. Chiropractic care and acupuncture are excellent treatment options. A naturopathic evaluation is also essential in identifying potential triggers.
- Cervicogenic - Literally means "originating from the neck”. As the name implies this is a headache caused by a problem or a dysfunction in the neck or cervical spine. This is a relatively new classification, and thus tends to be under-diagnosed. These headaches may begin at the base of the skull, spread to the top or the front of the forehead or around the eyes, and are often associated with neck pain and neck movement. There is commonly a history of a trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or chronic poor posture. Cervicogenic headaches often manifest as tension type or migraine headaches. This is the type of headaches that is the most responsive to chiropractic care.
- Sinus - These are constant, throbbing, felt over the sinuses, eyes, and may be increased in severity with coughing or sneezing. Typically these occur in association with an inhalant allergic reaction, or an upper respiratory tract infection, like a cold or flu. If associated with an allergy, the irritating substance must be identified and avoided. A sinus headache may be responsive to acupuncture, acupressure, herbal and homeopathic remedies administered by a Naturopathic Doctor or Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner.
- Cluster - These headaches come on suddenly are sharp in character, located behind one eye. Most common, but not exclusive to, males over 50, with a history of smoking. Anecdotally, may present in anyone with a history of living or working in a smoky environment, pharmaceutical use or even use of oral contraceptives. Toxic environments need to be eliminated or avoided.
- Rebound - These are the direct result of starting pain medication for a particular problem, like a headache, and then abruptly stopping that medication. If your body has accommodated to the medication, the pain may return as bad, or worse than before. This is a vicious cycle, because all too frequently people start back on that pain medication only to discover that they need to take more, or that it is no longer effective.
Headache Tip sheet:
- 90% of headaches can be classified as either a cervicogenic, tension-type, or migraine headache. However, an accurate diagnosis is critical to proper management.
- Identify the symptoms: where are they located, how long they last, what brings them on, what makes them better/worse.
- Stay hydrated and properly fed: dehydration and hypoglycemia can trigger a tension headache or migraine.
- Keep a headache journal: This may help you to identify triggers, and track the success of various treatments.
- See your chiropractor. The chiropractic adjustment has been shown to be more effective than pain medication for many types of headaches, including cervicogenic, tension and migraine headaches. A chiropractor is specially trained to help you identify the type of headache you may be experiencing and what may be the best method of reducing or eliminating them. If necessary, your chiropractor will work with other health providers to find a solution that fits your needs.
Downtown Integrative Health Group is committed to your well-being and qualified to help you with all of your health concerns, including headaches. |
Correct alignment of the neck is an important part of a good night sleep and avoiding that morning neck pain and headache.
