Suffering from the occasional headache is not uncommon. However, for many people, their ongoing persistent headaches are severe and debilitating, which in turn seriously impacts the quality of their life.
Many patients who visit our chiropractic clinic in Stoke, suffer from headaches. It is important to identify the underlying cause of the headaches to effectively treat the symptoms.
In this post, our Stoke chiropractor outlines the two most common forms of headaches that can occur and how visiting a chiropractor may help.
Two Common Forms Of Headaches
There are many different types and causes of headaches. However, there are two forms of headaches most commonly experienced by people. One form is known as Cervicogenic headaches and is due to poor function of the joints and muscles in the neck. The other form of headaches, known as migraine and tension headaches, are due to issues in the nervous system.
Cervicogenic headaches
While Cervicogenic headaches can feel like migraines, their root cause is different. Cervicogenic headaches are related by problems, such as irritated joints, muscle spasms and nerve irritation, with the cervical spine (neck) or area near the base of the skull . This type of headache can respond well to chiropractic treatment.
Common Symptoms:
- Neck stiffness
- Pain on one side of the face or head
- Pain near the eyes
- Pain whenever you cough or sneeze
- Certain neck movements can trigger a headache
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are often recurrent and can be quite severe.
Common Symptoms:
- Recurrent
- Moderate to severe throbbing or pulsing sensation on one side or both sides of the head
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual disturbances (flashing lights, stars, blind spots, shimmering lights)
- Lethargy
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are a common type of headache that can be caused by many factors including stress, muscular tension, poor posture, fatigue, anxiety, eye strain, and dehydration.
Common Symptoms:
- Can be episodic or chronic
- Begin at the back of the head and move forward
- Mild to moderate pain which feels like a tight band around the head
- Affects both sides of head
- Dull pain
- Sore muscles in neck, shoulders, and jaw
- Tenderness on scalp, neck or shoulder muscles
Other Types Of Headaches
There are many medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and activities which can trigger other types of headaches including:
- Cluster headaches
- Allergy headaches
- Caffeine headaches
- Hormone headaches
- Hypertension headaches
- Exertion heads
- Rebound headaches
- Post-traumatic headaches (caused by injury)
How Visiting Our Stoke Chiropractor Can Help
When you first visit our chiropractic clinic in Stoke, your chiropractor will undertake a thorough consultation and examination to ascertain the type and cause of your headache. Poor function of the joints and muscles in the neck are the cause of many headaches, known as Cervicogenic headaches.
After making a diagnosis and, if treatment is chiropractic treatment is appropriate, your chiropractor may use techniques such as mobilisation, manipulation and Activator.
In addition to chiropractic treatment, your chiropractor may offer you postural and lifestyle advice together with exercises to rehabilitate your condition and to aid in addressing the underlying cause of your headaches.
Referral and co-management
Your Chiropractor has the training and experience to determine if Chiropractic treatment is not appropriate for the cause of your headaches. In this instance, your Chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional such as a GP or Consultant Neurologist.
Visiting City Chiropractic Clinic in Stoke
If you would like to know more about how Chiropractic care may help your headaches, call our clinic on 01782 848 184 or your can book an appointment online on our website here.