Headaches
About 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches, and from those, 28 million suffer from migraines. Headaches can be a very serious problem, especially when they interrupt your daily life. There are many different types and causes of headaches. The two main types of headaches are:
How to Tell Which Type of Headache I Have
Tension Headaches
The most common type of headache is a tension headache. The pain stems from your shoulders (which can be a response to tightness, tension, or stress). You’ll notice it radiates into your head, so it may feel like there is a band wrapped around your head. You might also experience nausea. Tension headaches typically occur 5-7 times a week.
Tension Headache Causes:
- Most likely caused by tight muscles in shoulders, neck, scalp, or jaw.
- It may be related to stress, depression, anxiety, a head injury, or holding your head in an abnormal position.
Migraines
There are different forms of migraines, but the most common can cause intense throbbing pain, or a pulsing sensation, in your temples. Although this is not very common, you might also experience an aura, or a transparent halo, in your vision. Migraines typically occur 1-2 times a month
Migraine Headache Causes:
- Usually occur with other symptoms, such as vision changes, sensitivity to sound or light, or nausea.
- Involve intense pain which may be throbbing, pounding, or pulsating.
- The pain usually gets worse as you try to move around.
- May be triggered by foods, caffeine withdrawal, lack of sleep, or alcohol.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are similar to tension headaches, except that the pain stems from your neck. You’ll notice some achiness radiating from the back of your head toward your forehead, like a helmet. You might also experience nausea. Cervicogenic headaches typically occur 3-5 times a week.
How We Treat Headaches In Spokane Valley, WA.
Over 45 million people in the United States are affected by headaches. Most of them experience up to 15 or more headaches within a month.
Headaches are a warning sign — your body telling you something is wrong. At Summit Chiropractic and Sports Institute, we take a three-pronged treatment approach to minimize your headaches.
1. Analyze
By conducting a comprehensive exam and mobility screening, we can diagnose the leading cause of your headaches.
2. Mobilize
Because of a restriction in your tissue (the most typical leading cause of headaches), your pain will increase anytime you force a movement beyond its acceptable barrier.
We’ll work together to maximize your range of motion, so your pain decreases. Our treatments include cupping, Active Release Technique – a soft tissue movement that adds mobility, massage therapy, and muscle flossing – a compressive technique that breaks up scar tissue.
3. Stabilize
Once we’ve gained mobility and decreased your pain, we want to keep it there. We’ll start adding stability exercises to strengthen your neck, mid back, or wherever your headache is stemming from.
We’ve seen some amazing results in treating and minimizing headaches by taking this approach.
Dr. Lopez will evaluate your specific situation and will create a treatment plan customized for you. Treatment approaches may include:
- Adjustments
- Posture correction exercises or other exercises
- Exploration of job modifications
- Co-management with other health care providers on the team
Call Summit for a free consultation and start feeling better today.