Migraines and Headaches
Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches. Whether they are occasional, frequent, dull and throbbing, or so severe that it causes nausea, there are different origins and treatment options.
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache, accounting for nearly 90% of all headaches. Causes include muscle tension in the head and neck, stress, poor posture, eye strain, sleep deprivation, dehydration and caffeine withdrawal. In addition to eliminating headache “triggers”, much research has shown that chiropractic manipulation is an effective treatment to rid or decrease the intensity of tension headaches.
Migraine headaches, a more severe form of headache, are sometimes accompanied with a visual disturbance known as an aura” (such as seeing stars or a blind spot). Not all migraine sufferers experience an aura, however most experience some form of warning sign before the headache begins. This can be in the form of excessive thirst, craving sweets, depression or sleepiness.
Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, researchers are sure that migraines are caused by a change in blood flow in the brain. Some common migraine “triggers” include the following:
-Alcohol
-Certain foods (such as aged cheeses, chocolate, nuts, meats containing nitrates, foods containing MSG, dairy products)
-Loud noises
-Certain odors such as perfumes or smoke
-Bright lights
-Stress (physical or emotional)
-Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
-Sleep deprivation or excess sleep
In addition to avoiding migraine “triggers”, there is research that suggests that chiropractic treatment is just as effective as certain medications in the treatment of migraine headaches.
Click on the links below to read more:
Psychology Today
ACA Today
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache, accounting for nearly 90% of all headaches. Causes include muscle tension in the head and neck, stress, poor posture, eye strain, sleep deprivation, dehydration and caffeine withdrawal. In addition to eliminating headache “triggers”, much research has shown that chiropractic manipulation is an effective treatment to rid or decrease the intensity of tension headaches.
Migraine headaches, a more severe form of headache, are sometimes accompanied with a visual disturbance known as an aura” (such as seeing stars or a blind spot). Not all migraine sufferers experience an aura, however most experience some form of warning sign before the headache begins. This can be in the form of excessive thirst, craving sweets, depression or sleepiness.
Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, researchers are sure that migraines are caused by a change in blood flow in the brain. Some common migraine “triggers” include the following:
-Alcohol
-Certain foods (such as aged cheeses, chocolate, nuts, meats containing nitrates, foods containing MSG, dairy products)
-Loud noises
-Certain odors such as perfumes or smoke
-Bright lights
-Stress (physical or emotional)
-Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
-Sleep deprivation or excess sleep
In addition to avoiding migraine “triggers”, there is research that suggests that chiropractic treatment is just as effective as certain medications in the treatment of migraine headaches.
Click on the links below to read more:
Psychology Today
ACA Today