Migraine vs Headache

How Chiropractic Can Help?

Most people have suffered headaches before, the pounding, throbbing pain. Some people get them every now and then but unfortunately for others, they suffer from chronic headaches that can affect their overall health.

Headaches can be caused due to overactivity or problems with pain-sensitive structures. For some headaches can be triggered by certain food and even lifestyle factures. For others, structures of the skull and neck, like nerves, joints and muscles, can all play a role in your headaches.

More often these days, people come to us with complaints of headaches. Chiropractic treatments have been proven to be effective against many common types of head pain including migraines, tension-type headaches cervicogenic headaches and cluster headaches.

1. Migraine Headaches: Migraines typically start off as a weak dull ache but then can become very sharp. Millions of people suffer from migraines every year and they can start happening to people before the age of 30. The most common pain that people suffer from migraines is an intense throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head that can worsen when moving. Migraines can last anywhere from hours to even days. Side effects of migraines include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. Research has also shown that 20% of people experiencing a migraine will also get an aura which is seeing wavy lines, dots or flashing lights.

2. Tension Headaches: The most common type of headaches experienced by children and adults is tension-type headaches. These headaches are described as a tightening, dull or painful squeeze on either side of the head. These headaches can last from minutes to days in severe cases. The pain typically begins in the back of the head and travels to the sides of the head. These headaches can be brought on by stress, anxiety, fatigue and weather.

3. Cervicogenic Headaches: These are headaches are caused by a musculoskeletal dysfunction within the upper neck area, sometimes causing neck pain. The pain associated with cervicogenic headaches can be triggered or worsened by neck movements. Typically this type of headache recreates pain on one side of the head and can start from the base of the skull and spread to the front of the head and even into the back of the eye.

4. Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are characterized as sharp, non-throbbing pain experienced behind the eyes. It can happen several times throughout the day and come in groups, hence the “cluster” description. The symptoms of the headaches include tearing of the eye, bloodshot eyes, runny nose and pain on the side of the head.

As chiropractors, we can assess, diagnose and manage headaches. Evidence has demonstrated that chiropractor care can be an effective treatment for cervicogenic and tension-type headaches. Studies have also demonstrated that chiropractic care can decrease the intensity and frequency of migraines. Depending on the assessment we can recommend patient reassurance, manual therapies, modalities and lifestyle recommendation including rehabilitation.

*For more information please contact us at 905 637 4000 and ask for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Amirt Matharu and take control of your headaches.