Almost everybody knows someone whose chronic headaches have made completing even normal daily tasks a real struggle. Fortunately, our Fort Wayne chiropractor uses natural therapies to bring patients at our North East Chiropractic Center relief from various types of headaches and migraines.
Finding the cause of chronic headaches or other head pain is overwhelming to many patients because there are so many potential culprits. These are the most common:
Among the many kinds of headaches, the two that our practice sees most often are tension and migraine, according to our chiropractor in New Haven. Cluster headaches, which somewhat resemble migraines, are also common.
Three of every four patients with headaches suffer from tension-type. In most cases, symptoms gradually develop. They might last only a few hours or for days. However, some patients report chronic tension headaches that continue for months. Tension headaches often link to stress placed on the spine or on the muscles in the neck and upper back. Poor posture can be a reason. Our New Haven chiropractor notes that the most common cause is subluxations in the upper back and the neck, especially in the upper neck. A common complaint is a dull ache that persists on either one or both sides of the individual’s head.
Each year, migraines cause problems for around 25 million patients, about 75 percent of whom are female. The hallmark of these headaches is their throbbing intensity. Many sufferers report nausea and/or sensitivity to noise and light. While many episodes last for days, others disappear after several hours. An aura resembling flashing lights or a distorted view of objects often precedes a migraine. Stress, changes in the weather, certain foods, odors, and lack of sleep can trigger migraines, which are the result of the constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain.
Therapies for patients treated by our Fort Wayne chiropractor are always natural. Migraine relief in Fort Wayne yields improvement without medication or surgery. Chiropractic adjustments are the core headache treatment and are extremely effective. They have achieved notable results in treating tension headaches, some studies report.
The first thing to do for a headache or migraine relief is visiting our New Haven chiropractor for a comprehensive assessment. Manipulation of the top two cervical vertebrae paired with adjustments to the point where the cervical and the thoracic spine meet provides notable relief for many patients suffering from tension headaches. When coupled with steering clear of identified triggers, this treatment is also helpful for relieving migraines.
One of the most common questions people ask has to do with the difference between a headache and a migraine. At its core, a migraine is a subset of a headache. A headache can come in many forms. There are multiple types of headaches. They include tension headaches, cluster headaches, migraine headaches, and even concussion headaches. Therefore, a migraine is only one of the multiple types of headaches. Even within the subset of migraine, there are multiple types as well. While it can be hard to keep up with the various types of headaches, the distinction is important because it dictates the type of medical care the doctor is going to provide.
There are many types of headaches from which someone might suffer. Some of the headaches include:
Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache. A tension headache develops when the muscles in the head are pulled tightly against the scalp. When this happens, people often describe a feeling of vice or pincer squeezing the skull. This can lead to pain.
Migraine Headache: A migraine headache is another common form of headache. When someone suffers from a migraine, they often feel nauseous. They might even start to vomit. In addition, people who suffer from migraines might also experience exceptional irritation if there are bright lights or loud noises nearby. A migraine headache can make it hard for someone to function.
Cluster Headaches: A cluster headache is less common than the other two types discussed above. If someone is suffering from a cluster headache, he or she might experience temporary paralysis of one half of the face. There might also be sweating or tearing on this side of the face. Cluster headache treatment typically involves providing supplemental oxygen.
Concussion: People who suffer a concussion can experience multiple types of headaches. Some people who suffer a concussion end up with tension headaches while others might experience a variation of a migraine. A concussion headache can last for a long time depending on the severity.
Someone who is suffering from a migraine headache might have one of two types. These include:
With Aura: The first type of migraine is a migraine headache with aura. This means that people have a premonition that the migraine is about to start. Some people notice a strange smell, such as the smell of garlic. Other people might see flashing lights or hear a certain noise. They receive a signal that a migraine is about to set in.
Without Aura: The other type of migraine is called a migraine without aura. This is the opposite. In this case, the headache comes out of nowhere. There is not a signal that the migraine is going to start beforehand.
Someone who experiences headaches and migraines often feels like they need to take prescription medications. It's important for people to know that there are other treatment options available. A chiropractor can use adjustment and manipulation procedures to help people with headache and migraine treatment.
With tension headaches, these headaches often set in because the muscles of the scalp are being pulled too tight. A chiropractor can perform an adjustment on the neck and back, helping these muscles release. This can provide pain relief.
A chiropractor can also perform an adjustment procedure that will change the way the nerves and blood vessels operate at the base of the skull. Migraine headaches often start due to issues with blood flow. Allow a chiropractor to perform an adjustment that will correct this blood flow issue, alleviating the headache.
Don’t let headaches or migraines interfere with your lifestyle. Complete chiropractic services including headache and migraine relief in Fort Wayne, IN are available to patients of all ages at our North East Chiropractic Center. Call us today at (260) 245-0460 to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor in New Haven, Dr. Adam Osenga, and start on the path to your wellness goals.
Monday 8:30am – 6:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 6:00pm
Thursday 8:30am – 6:00pm
Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday 8:30am – 12:30pm
Sunday Closed