Headache Relief in Barrie
Headaches are a debilitating condition that affect approximately 40% of the world’s population. The symptoms people experience can vary greatly. Some people experience a minor ache in a small part of their head. Others may have a stabbing sensation behind their eye. Other times it may feel like you have an elastic band wrapped around your head, squeezing tightly. The pattern and characteristics of the headache is an important clue in identifying what type of headache it is, and what can be done to relieve it.
Headaches can be debilitating, leading to missed time at work or school, affecting relationships, and degrading your overall wellbeing. This is why we care so much about getting to the root cause of your headaches, and helping you get back to normal.
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Types of Headaches
Migraine headaches
Migraines are a common form of headache that is characterized by severe pain, often unilateral (meaning on one side of the head). Sufferers may experience nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or noise.
Patients may experience what is known as an “aura”, which can occur up to an hour before they start to feel the migraine. An aura is an odd sensory experience that precedes a migraine attack, and can include visual disturbances such as seeing flashing lights, patterns, or blind spots. Others may experience sensory symptoms such as numbness or tingling in their body.
Some migraines may last only a few hours, while others may linger for days. Migraines can be triggered by a wide variety of factors, including sleep disturbances, stress, hormonal changes, or even certain foods (such as chocolate, cheese, or red wine).
Research has shown that migraine headaches can be successfully treated using a combination of chiropractic care, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy.
Cervicogenic headaches
This type of headache is caused by irritation of the tissues of the neck, including muscles and joints. These tissues can refer pain to other areas of the body, including the upper back, shoulders, and head. In cervicogenic headaches, the pain will typically start at the base of the skull, and can travel into the temples, behind the eyes, or even the forehead. Symptoms can be quite similar to those of a migraine. These headaches are often accompanied by neck pain.
This type of headache responds particularly well the chiropractic techniques such as manipulation/adjustments or mobilization, but they can benefit from therapy by any of our therapists.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They are often described as a dull, constant pressure or tightness around the forehead, temples, or the back of the head and neck. Some people liken it to having an elastic band wrapped around their head. They typically arise from tight muscles and stress. They are commonly seen in desk workers or students who spend a lot of time sitting down. These headaches can be triggered by poor posture, anxiety, social stress, or improper ergonomics. Like migraines, tension headaches can cause light/sound sensitivity, and can be accompanied by neck stiffness like a cervicogenic headache. However, they typically don’t cause nausea or vomiting.
Tension headaches can benefit from a number of interventions, including exercises to improve posture, ergonomic assessment of a person’s workstation, counseling for stress, and manual therapy from a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or massage therapist.
Secondary headaches
Secondary headaches are those caused by another condition, including (but not limited to)
- Head injury/concussion
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Infection
- Medication overuse
- Sinus congestion
- Tumors
- Stroke
While we may not be able to help with these types of headaches, we can often help identify the problem, and get you to the person who can.
How Chiropractic Can Help
Chiropractic care or physiotherapy may be an effective option for tension headaches and headaches that start in the neck. These headaches can respond well to spinal manipulation, stretching, and therapeutic exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there other drug-free ways to reduce headache pain?
Can eliminating certain foods help relieve my headaches?
When should I seek immediate care for a headache?
Other warning signs include visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures. If you experience any of the above, it’s crucial that you seek immediate medical attention.
Book an Appointment
If you’re suffering from headaches, we want to help. Contact Complete Care Chiropractic to schedule an appointment.
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