Headaches
Ever experience that nagging head pain that will not go away? Is one side worse than the other? Is this something new?
You could be experiencing a headache. If symptoms persist, it is important to have a qualified health care provider such as a chiropractor assess you and rule out major structural or other pathologies and assess for neurological signs. Sometimes other conditions or co-morbidities can cause headache symptoms as well.
Some red flags that we look out for include:
- Worsening headache with fever
- Eye pain
- Halos around lights
- Double vision
- Impaired level of consciousness
- Sudden onset
Surprisingly, headaches can come from tight neck and jaw muscles, and quite frequently can come from irritated joint areas.
Types of headaches:
- Tension – tight band across the forehead, most often comes from tight muscles
- Cervicogenic – typically one sided and comes from the neck. This can be brought upon by sustained postures or abrupt movements the body is not prepared for.
- Migraine – can be one sided or both, sensitivity to light, sound, nausea. Most often aggravated from physical activity
Some of the triggers of headaches can include:
- Neck strain/sprain
- Stress
- Prolonged positions – sitting, sleeping etc.
Management: Treatment will vary depending on the patient and duration of symptoms
- Exercises – catered to the individual
- Manual therapy (mobilizations/manipulation)
- Soft tissue therapy (IASTT, MRT, ART)
- Discussion of self-management strategies
Chiropractors can help to decrease the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Visit your chiropractor today!
Information taken from CCGI