The ability to think calmly and clearly allows us to carry on with our daily lives, process emotions, and make sound decisions. That clarity and calmness can easily be impacted by the presence of headaches. Everybody suffers from the occasional headaches. However, it can be disabling when it happens frequently, affecting your ability to fall asleep or move on with your day.
Headaches are, in fact, one of the most common pain issues in the body. It can range from mild throbbing ones that comes and goes as quickly to chronic, sharp, and intense pain that stops you from doing what you are doing at the moment. In this article, we will discuss the five fundamental types of headaches that patients suffer from and how our chiropractic treatment can help relieve the pain effectively.
1. Tension headaches
Tension headaches commonly present themselves as tight band-like tension around the head and are the most common headache type among youths and adults. They result in mild to moderate pain that comes and goes over a period of time. Tension headaches often develop without any other symptoms.
2. Migraine headaches
Migraine headaches, on the other hand, typically occur on a single side of the head. Patients with migraine headaches usually also suffer from sensitivity to sound and light, and nausea. Individuals with migraine headaches often describe the pain as a constant throbbing and pounding in the head. They can last from a couple of hours to a few days.
3. Cluster headaches
These are painful and unusual headache types. They usually develop when there is a facial nerve issue and occur only on either side of the face. Individuals with cluster headaches might notice slight paralysis, sweating, and twitching on the impacted side of the face. Some individuals may also develop significant tearing of their eyes as well as a runny nose, but only on the impacted side of the face.
4. Sinus headaches
With such headaches, one may feel a constant and deep pain in the nose bridge, forehead, or cheekbones. Sinus headaches usually occur when the sinuses, which are the cavities in the head, get inflamed. Sinus headaches often develop alongside other related symptoms, such as a swollen face, fever, blocked ears, and a runny nose.
5. Cervicogenic headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are a secondary type of headache, which means that it is a result of another physical issue or illness. In the case of a cervicogenic headache, the cause is a cervical spine disorder and its component soft tissue, disc, and bone elements. It is a referred pain that is perceived in the head and face but starts at the neck. The exact cause of cervicogenic headaches is not always well understood, but some common factors could be stress, neck stiffness, and a family history of headaches. Patients with cervicogenic headaches often have a reduced range of motion at their necks, which can be extended with chiropractic care.
How does chiropractic care help with such headaches?
Chiropractors are able to assess, diagnose, and treat headaches. Evidence has shown that chiropractic care, including manual therapy, is effective in treating tension and cervicogenic headaches. Studies have also proven that adequate chiropractic care can help alleviate the frequency and intensity of migraines.
The treatment may include but is not limited to:
- Manual therapy
- Soft tissue therapy
- Modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation
- Rehabilitation
- Lifestyle modifications and education
- Referral and co-management
Conclusion
It is vital to take your headaches seriously, no matter how mild or severe, as it can be a significant quality-of-life issue. Consider seeking chiropractic care if you often suffer from headaches, if your headaches worsen, if your headache patterns change, or if you frequently take pain relievers for headaches. Seek immediate chiropractic treatment if your headache is severe and sudden, occurs after a head trauma or injury, or displays accompanying symptoms, such as difficulty speaking, numbness, weakness, stiff neck, or fever.
Healing Hands’ chiropractors are able to work with you to identify the root cause of your headache, locating and identifying any misalignments of your spine using targeted, specific, and precise chiropractic adjustments. Healing Hands Chiropractic has over ten years of experience in the industry, ensuring that you receive the best chiropractic care in Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Buona Vista, Jurong East, Paya Lebar, and City Hall.
Our chiropractors offer a wide range of treatments, from knee pain treatment to frozen shoulder treatment. We also take pride in offering quality corporate well-being programs for companies to ensure holistic wellbeing for their employees. Visit us to find out more.
