Headaches & Migraines
What is headaches & migraines?
Headache and Migraines are one of the most common complains and most people will experience them at some point in their life. When there is pressure or pain in your head, it can be difficult to tell whether you are experiencing a typical headache or a migraine.
A headache is a common pain in the head that can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, tension, allergies, and illness.
Migraines are a type of headache that are more severe and can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Headaches & Migraines Facts!
- The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50% of all adults worldwide will experience headache in any given year.
- Suffering from pain costs Singapore more than $8 billion each year according to the studies commissioned by GSK Consumer Healthcare, was conducted by global insights and consultancy firm Edelman Intelligence.
- In general, as mention in an article by Singapore General Hospital, pain has tremendous influence over a person. It may cause mood swings, depression or anxiety, sleep disturbances and inevitably a night of poor sleep often translates to greater pain the next day and vice versa.
What are the symptoms of headaches & migraines?
Both headaches and migraines can cause pain in your head, but they have different characteristics. Here are some typical symptoms of each:
Headaches:
- A constant ache or pressure around the head, particularly at the temples or back of the head and neck.
- Not usually associated with other symptoms.
- The pain is usually bilateral (on both sides of the head).
- The pain does not worsen with physical activity.
- The pain is often described as feeling like a tight band around the forehead or at the back of the head.
Migraines:
- Throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head.
- Pain that worsens with physical activity.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell.
- Some people may see shapes or bright spots (aura) shortly before the migraine starts. This is called a “classic migraine”.
- Some migraines can be accompanied by other neurological symptoms (such as visual disturbances, vertigo, speech disturbances) – these are known as “complicated migraines”.
- Migraines can last from 4 hours to 3 days, or even longer.
Remember that not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, and they can vary in severity and duration. If you’re experiencing severe or frequent headaches or migraines, you should seek medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
What are the complications from headaches & migraines?
Most headaches, especially tension-type headaches, don’t lead to complications beyond the temporary pain and inconvenience they cause. However, frequent or severe headaches and migraines can have a significant impact on quality of life and overall health.
Headaches:
Chronic daily headaches: If a person has a headache on 15 or more days a month for longer than three months, they’re considered to have chronic daily headaches. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, poor sleep, or overuse of headache medication.
Medication-overuse headaches: Overuse of pain relief medication can lead to rebound headaches. This is when the medication stops relieving the pain and begins to cause headaches.
Migraines:
Chronic migraines: Like chronic headaches, chronic migraines occur 15 or more days a month for at least three months. This condition can severely affect a person’s quality of life.
Status migrainosus: This is a serious and rare type of migraine that lasts for longer than 72 hours. It may require hospitalization because prolonged pain and vomiting can lead to dehydration.
Persistent aura without infarction: Auras usually start before the migraine and last about an hour. However, in some cases, aura symptoms can last for a week or more. This condition is often characterized by visual disturbances.
Migrainous infarction: This is a very rare type of migraine where aura symptoms lead to a stroke. The stroke is diagnosed by typical symptoms and confirmed by imaging tests.
Serotonin syndrome: This is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if medications to treat migraines, such as triptans, and certain other drugs (including some antidepressants) are taken together. It requires immediate medical attention.
The repeated episodes of migraines and headaches can also lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and other psychological problems. Work and family life may suffer, and chronic headaches can lead to financial hardship due to missed work days and medical expenses.
The common causes of headaches & migraines:
Headaches and migraines, while sharing the commonality of causing discomfort and pain, can be triggered by a diverse range of factors. Headaches are often tied to lifestyle elements such as stress, dietary choices, and sleep patterns, among others. On the other hand, migraines, though influenced by similar factors, seem to have a deeper connection with more intrinsic aspects, such as hormonal changes and genetic predisposition.
Headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns
- Skipping meals or fasting
- Dehydration
- Certain foods or drinks, such as those that contain nitrates or MSG
- Alcohol, particularly red wine
- Too much caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine
- Poor posture or strain on the neck or back
- Certain medications, including those for depression, high blood pressure, and oral contraceptives
- Overuse of over-the-counter pain relievers
- Glaucoma, sinusitis, flu, or other infections that involve the head
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Migraines have more specific triggers, although the exact cause of migraines is not yet fully understood. They seem to be related to changes in the brain, and genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role. Migraine triggers can include:
- Hormonal changes in women, particularly fluctuations in estrogen levels during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
- Certain foods and drinks, including aged cheeses, alcohol, caffeine, and foods containing MSG or aspartame
- Stress and anxiety
- Sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, sun glare, loud sounds, or strong smells
- Changes in sleep patterns, including too much or too little sleep
- Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity
- Changes in the weather or barometric pressure
- Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives or vasodilators
- Skipping meals or fasting
These are general triggers and causes. The specific triggers can vary greatly from person to person, and some people may have multiple triggers. If you have frequent headaches or migraines, it might be helpful to keep a headache diary to identify potential triggers so you can avoid them in the future.
However, if you have severe or frequent headaches or migraines, you should consult with a healthcare provider.
Do i need to see a doctor for headaches & migraines? When should I see a doctor?
In many cases, occasional headaches or migraines don’t require a doctor’s care and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and lifestyle changes. However, it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- Your headache patterns or pain changes. This includes if your headaches become more frequent or severe, if the location of the pain changes, or if the pain wakes you up at night.
- Your headaches are accompanied by other symptoms, such as confusion, dizziness, fever, intense neck pain, visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, or weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs.
- You have a sudden, severe headache, which could be a sign of a serious condition, such as a stroke.
- Your headaches are affecting your quality of life, causing you to miss work or school, or preventing you from participating in normal activities.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t helping or you’re needing to take them more often than recommended.
Even if your headaches aren’t severe, regular check-ups can help your doctor monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed. It’s also worth mentioning that if you find yourself relying on over-the-counter medications more than two days a week, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. Overuse of these medications can sometimes lead to “rebound headaches” or medication-overuse headaches, a situation in which the medication ends up contributing to the headache problem rather than relieving it.
If you experience migraines, a healthcare provider can often help you find a preventive strategy to reduce the frequency and severity of the migraines, which can significantly improve your quality of life. Treatment often involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
What are the treatments for headaches & migraines?
The treatment for headaches and migraines largely depends on the type, frequency, and severity of the episodes, as well as the person’s overall health.
Headaches:
Treatment for headaches primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future attacks. It may include:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: Nonprescription drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are often effective in reducing or eliminating headache pain.
- Prescription medications: If OTC drugs aren’t effective, your doctor might prescribe stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants.
- Preventive medications: If headaches are frequent or severe, your doctor might recommend daily medication to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. These could include certain types of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or beta blockers.
- Lifestyle modifications: Regular sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet can help prevent headaches. Avoiding known triggers, such as certain foods or stress, can also help.
- Behavioral therapies: Techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, or biofeedback might be recommended, particularly if you have chronic headaches.
- Chiropractic treatment for headaches usually involves spinal manipulation or adjustments. The theory is that misalignments in the spine can lead to headaches, and by correcting these alignments, the frequency and intensity of headaches can be reduced. In addition, chiropractors might provide advice on posture, ergonomics, exercises, and relaxation techniques, which can help alleviate the joint irritation and muscle tension that can lead to headaches.
Migraines:
Migraine treatments are aimed at stopping symptoms and preventing future attacks. They may include:
- Pain-relieving medications: These are taken during migraine attacks to stop symptoms that have already begun. They include pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as triptans (such as sumatriptan and rizatriptan), ergots, and anti-nausea medications.
- Preventive medications: These are taken regularly, often daily, to reduce the severity or frequency of migraines. These can include cardiovascular drugs (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers), certain types of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and Botox injections.
- Lifestyle modifications: Similar to headache management, maintaining regular sleep patterns, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding known triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
- Behavioral therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be beneficial for migraine management.
- For migraines, chiropractic care can also involve spinal manipulation, particularly of the neck. Some studies suggest that chiropractic manipulations may be as effective as medications in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines in some people. A chiropractor might also provide advice on diet, nutrition, and stress management, all of which can be migraine triggers.
There are also newer treatment options, such as the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors, which have been specifically developed for preventing migraines.
Always remember that it’s important to discuss with a healthcare provider to find the most appropriate treatment for your situation. Overuse of both prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead to “rebound headaches,” or medication-overuse headaches. Your doctor can help you avoid this problem by monitoring your medication use.
Is chiropractic treatment good for headaches & migraines? Should i see a chiropractor?
Chiropractic treatment can be a useful option for some people suffering from headaches and migraines, particularly if their symptoms are related to muscle tension or misalignments in the spine, such as those that can occur with poor posture. Some studies have suggested that chiropractic manipulations, especially spinal adjustments, can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.
Chiropractic care generally focuses on the body’s structure (primarily the spine) and function, and how that relates to overall health. Chiropractors can provide advice on posture, ergonomics, exercises, and relaxation techniques, as well as offer nutritional counseling, which could potentially help reduce headache and migraine triggers.
At Healing Hands Chiropractic Singapore, our primary goal is to get to the root of the issue and handle it with precise non-invasive techniques that help relieve pain. We aim to restore patients and enhance their quality of life through our neck pain treatment and frozen shoulder treatment in Singapore. If you are looking for a chiropractor for neck pain, get in touch with us for a thorough consultation and find the best solution for your pain relief.
Healing Hands Chiropractic has been in the industry for 12 years and has a team of experienced chiropractors dedicated to helping patients with pain relief and management. We strongly believe in our three core values, Care For Patients, Integrity, and Attention To Detail.
Why Choose Us?
Healing Hands Chiropractic has been in the industry for 12 years and has a team of experienced chiropractors dedicated to helping patients with pain relief and management. We are experienced in pinched nerves issue and are able to help you to manage the pain using holistic and effective means. Healing Hands Chiropractic Singapore is one of the most reviewed and trustable chiropractic clinic. With over 1600+ five star reviews and real before vs after patients photos, you can entrust us with your health!
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What To Expect During Your 1st Visit
Identifying postural imbalances to detect any differences in weight between the right and the left sides of the body, alignment from our head all the way down
to our hips. Tyron thermographic spinal scan helps to measure the muscle temperature around the spine. It detects areas with the greater temperature where muscles are working harder due to poor posture.
1-on-1 consultation with our Chiropractors with a detailed review of your health history.
Our Chiropractor will investigate and educate you on the necessary steps forward in reaching your health goals.
Our Chiropractors will perform a series of range of motion tests to determine your current body condition and an adjustment will be administered if deemed
clinically safe to do so.
Our Chiropractors will use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled force to the spinal joints. “Crack” or “Pop” sound may occur as your spine gets manipulated. Do not be alarmed, as the adjustment releases trapped gasses from your joints.
X-Rays will be prescribed so that we can accurately diagnose your condition before prescribing a customized treatment program. It is also for your safety and for us to rule out any possible underlying conditions that cannot be treated by Chiropractic.
The review of your X-rays is complimentary at your following visit if you take up the X-rays with our preferred diagnostic partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
A chiropractor provides non-invasive treatments with the benefits of spinal adjustments and realigning the joints to improve the system and function throughout the body.
In general, chiropractors believe in the ability of the body to self-heal through Chiropractic adjustment with the help of modalities such as the Flexion distraction table, E-stim, Denneroll, and functional exercises. They also utilize various other treatment modalities such as ultrasound, bodywork, etc. to get patients back to health.
We recommend seeing one if you are experiencing any discomfort, pains or aches in your muscles or joints. Check out the list of conditions we treat here.
Most importantly, do not wait until you are experiencing pain or worse, numbness to see a chiropractor. Often, pain is the last thing that shows up but the first to go away after chiropractic treatment.
There is no better time to visit the highest rated chiropractor in Singapore. Book your appointment here.
Chiropractic adjustment should not be painful. However, in some instances when the injury is either acute (happened recently) or sub-acute(on the road to recovery), the muscles and ligaments may prove to be guarded or sensitive to the touch, these are some exceptions.
A thorough examination of your complaints and conditions can alleviate any concerns that you may have.
It is a very safe & accurate thermographic scanner that scans the full spine or segmental parts of the spine in approximately 15 seconds. The Tytron detects areas of asymmetry as well as indicate areas with greater temperature due to acute soft tissue damage.
The Tytron scanner uses precision sensors, speciality lenses and a unique focusing system to give the chiropractor the most accurate and repeatable information available. You will be given a print out of your result on the first visit.
Book your first appointment with us to experience the Healing Hands chiropractic journey.
X-rays are recommended if you want to take care of your condition holistically and to get to the root of the issues. It is also for the patients safety and for us to rule out any possible underlying conditions that cannot be treated by Chiropractic adjustment. Just like your regular health check up, X-rays serve to give you and the chiropractor an insight to your spinal health as our naked eyes can only tell a rough story.
Our Chiropractors will use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled force to the spinal joints.
A “Crack” or “Pop” sound may occur as your spine gets manipulated. Do not be alarmed, as the adjustment releases trapped gasses from your joints.
Yes, we have both Male and Female Chiropractors at Healing Hands Chiropractic Singapore.
Our Female Chiropractors are stationed at Healing Hands Ang Mo Kio.and Healing Hands Bedok
All our Chiropractors believe in personalised care supported by time-tested techniques enhanced with the most efficient time frame. All our Chiropractors embody our 3 core values; Care For Patient, Integrity and Attention to Detail.
Yes, neck adjustments are a very safe treatment when performed by chiropractors as they are trained in the correct techniques to manipulate the joints safely. Healing Hands chiropractors also ensure that it is clinically safe enough for the adjustment before they perform it. This is also one of the reason why X-rays are required before more customised treatment can be done to ensure that your body is able to receive it.
The benefits of getting chiropractic treatment helps with reducing pain and increase joint mobility. We’ve written an article all about it here.
There also seems to be a lot of concern about the safety of getting adjusted by a chiropractor. However, when done by a professional chiropractor, spinal manipulation and Chiropractic care are generally considered safe, and effective treatments for acute pain.
Healing Hands Chiropractic Singapore has been treating thousands of patients since 2010 and many have benefited from it.
We hope to tell people more about chiropractic so that more can come to understand and appreciate how chiropractors can help with the various conditions for the people in Singapore.ut chiropractic so that people can understand and appreciate Chiropractic.
According to MOH, there are currently 150 chiropractors in Singapore. Choosing the most effective chiropractor for you may be challenging.
That is why we have written an article about 5 ways to find a good Chiropractor. In short,
1) Know your own health goals.
2) Integrity and confidence of the Chiropractor.
3) Word of mouth or reviews about the Chiropractor.
4) Clinical competency and experience of the Chiropractors.
5) The willingness of the Chiropractor to refer out.
How can Healing Hands Chiropractic Help?
At Healing Hands Chiropractic Singapore, our main goal is to get to the root of the issue and handle it with precise non-invasive techniques that help relieve pain altogether and ensure the quickest, fullest recovery. We help athletes and sports enthusiast to practice their sports at the optimal level by;
- Aligning the spine and extremities (shoulder, Back, elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle) in the right manner
- Advanced soft tissue techniques (Active release technique, Graston etc.)
- Providing lifestyle advice and exercises to rehabilitate and strengthen the body
