There are many different types of headache, but in the Chiropractic office 2 of the most commonly treated are migraines and tension headaches.
Migraines
Many migraine suffers first experience these debilitating headaches in their early 20’s and women are three times more likely then men to suffer. Common symptoms of migraine include unilateral, moderate to severe pain with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, change in vision, sensory changes and light and sound sensitivity.
The main thought is that blood vessel in the head change diameter leading to a reduction in blood flow or that there is restriction to the upper neck vertebra resulting in nerve irritation and migraine symptoms.
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms for the first time it is important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible.
“I had problems with my neck, frequent headaches plus lower back pain. The doctor could do nothing for me. I am now able to move my neck thanks to Dr Scahill and his team”
Treatment
Chiropractic treatment is not like taking a pain killer, taking drugs is a temporary measure to mask the pain. If headaches are a persistent problem, a chiropractor will take a full case history and perform an appropriate examination to determine the source of the complaint. Once the information has been obtained they can then give a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Gentle Chiropractic mobilisation and manipulation of the neck, deep tissue work, muscle strengthening and stretching exercises are performed and self-help advice given to sufferers. Posture correction and nutritional advice can often help prevent the frequent return of headaches.
Unfortunately a lot of over the counter medication is only effective in reducing the pain of attacks and rarely reduces their frequency.