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Chiropractic Treatment of Headaches
The majority of headaches are benign and are caused by dehydration, muscle spasms, stress or vertebral misalignments. There are different types of headaches and it is important to differentiate the type a person is suffering from before commencing any treatment.
Types of Headaches:
Tension Headaches
Tension type headaches are the most common, affecting 75% or more of all headache sufferers.
- Tension - type headaches usually involve a steady ache, rather than a throbbing one
- are described as a feeling of pressure or tightening
- may last minutes to days
- affect both sides of the head
- do not worsen with routine physical activity
- may also be accompanied by a hypersensitivity to light and noise
- nausea is usually absent
Some people get tension-type (and migraine) headaches in response to stressful events. Tension-type headaches may also be chronic, occurring frequently or daily.
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Rebound Headache Rebound headaches may occur among people with tension-type headaches, as well as in those with migraines. It appears to be the result of taking pain killers too often i.e. daily. If they are overused, headaches may "rebound" as the last dose wears off, leading one to take more and more pills.
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Cervicogenic Headaches Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems with the neck and are recognized as a referred pain in the head. These headaches are often precipitated by abnormal neck movement and/or sustained awkward head positioning (such as painting the ceiling or washing the floor). They can be reproduced with pressure over the upper cervical spine on the painful side. It is often accompanied by decreased range of motion in the neck and shoulder, or arm pain. These headaches are also common after an injury e.g. car accident or a blow to the head but can also be caused by poor posture and repetitive stress.
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Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are less common than tension-type headaches. Among the most distinguishing features is the potential disability accompanying the headache pain of a migraine.
- Migraines may last 4-72 hours
- usually only affect one side
- described as throbbing
- moderate to severe intensity
- are aggravated by routine physical activity
- nausea, with or without vomiting and/or sensitivity to light and sound often accompany migraines
- an "aura" may occur before head pain begins. This can involve a disturbance in vision and/or an experience of brightly coloured or blinking lights in a pattern that moves across the field of vision. About one in five migraine sufferers experiences an aura.
- Usually migraine attacks are occasional or sometimes as often as once or twice a week, but rarely occur daily.
It is thought that migraines are caused by a structure at the level of the first and second cervical vertebrae which controls blood vessel diameter in the head. Restrictions of the first cervical vertebrae and the base of the skull can put pressure on the nerves which causes the blood vessels in that area to constrict in the head and dilate the pupils in the eyes causing the sensitivity to light. Constriction of the blood vessels in the head results in reduced oxygen to the area causing chemicals to be released causing a migraine.
Migraines can be triggered by food, the most common known food triggers are the four C's:
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Citric acid.
Triggers may differ in individuals and it is important to determine the triggers in each person. Stress has also been shown to be a trigger for these headaches.
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Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are relatively rare, affecting about 1% of the population. They are distinct from migraine and tension-type headaches. Most cluster headache sufferers are male - about 85%.
Cluster headaches come in groups or clusters lasting weeks or month. The pain is extremely severe but the attack is brief, lasting no more than an hour or two. The pain centers around one eye and this eye may be inflamed and watery. There may also be nasal congestion on the affected side of the face.
These "alarm clock" headaches may strike in the middle of the night and often occur at about the same time each day during the course of a cluster. A history of heavy smoking and drinking is common and alcohol often triggers attacks.
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Chiropractic Treatment
Studies have shown that Chiropractic treatment is a viable treatment option that does not produce the side effects of conventional treatment such as NSAID's (e.g. ibuprofen) for managing tension and cervicogenic headaches. The Duke study carried out in Iowa in 1996 found that Chiropractic treatment was more effective than other physical treatment methods. When Chiropractic treatment was compared with amitriptyline use, Chiropractic was shown to have fewer side effects during the treatment period and markedly superior results afterwards in the treatment of tension-type headaches.
Chiropractic treatment is effective for cervicogenic headaches as these are caused by abnormal movement of the neck and also helps with migraine headaches by removing pressure on nerve fibers. Ergonomic changes are sometimes necessary to avoid re-occurrence of these types of headaches.
If you are a Headache sufferer speak to one of our chiropractors to see if they can help you alleviate them.
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DO YOU REALLY NEED OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS?
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| OTC treatments
| Why not take them
| Alternatives worth trying
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| Headache
| Painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol can be bought easily.
Stronger preparations, often including codeine, can only be bought at pharmacies. |
Excessive use of painkillers can lead to rebound, 'medication overuse' headaches. Misuse of codeine-based painkillers may create problems of dependency |
Eat regular meals, drink plenty of water, stretch regularly, improve your posture and consider having massage and Chiropractic treatment. |
| Common Cold
| Aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen are safe and can help relieve fever, muscle aches, sinus pain and headaches |
There's no cure for a cold and some 'OTC' remedies may not help much more than an ordinary pain killer |
Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and loosen congestion; use a humidifier. Chicken soup may really have cold fighting properties. |
| Sleep problems
| Sleep aids are based either on herbs such as valerian or on sedating anti-histamines |
Sleep experts recommend improving 'sleep hygiene' as the treatment of choice for insomnia |
Get up and go to bed at the same time each day; keep your bedroom warm, dark and quiet; avoid daytime naps, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and exercise before bed. |
| Heartburn/acid reflux
| Antacids (neutralise stomach acid)
H2 agonists (reduce the production of acid)
Proton pump inhibitors (block acid production).
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It's worth trying self-help methods first - relying on OTCs for persistent heartburn could mask a more serious underlying problem - see your doctor if symptoms occur frequently. |
Avoid eating foods that make the problem worse. Eat frequent, smaller meals rather than large ones and eat early in the evening. Try sleeping propped up, loosen belts and don't smoke. |
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