To enable you to seek the appropriate care you need to get rid of the pain and get your life back, it is important to understand what causes these types of headaches. What we call tension headaches, the medical community calls “cervicogenic headaches”, which is a fancy way of saying that they are headaches caused by mechanical dysfunction in the neck. The cervical spine (the neck) is made up of bones, called vertebrae, that are separated by specialized cushions, called intervertebral discs. “Discs” are shock absorbers for the spine and protect the nerves that exit between the vertebrae. These nerves are branches from the spinal cord, which originates in the brain. The brain and the spinal cord are protected by the skull and the vertebral column, respectively. So, the first place where disruption in communication from the brain to the rest of the body can occur is where the nerves exit between the vertebrae.

Injuries such as whiplash from an auto accident, a slip and fall, or a sports injury, can cause individual joints of the cervical spine to become stuck, like suction cups. Thus, when the joints do not move normally, the connective tissues of the joint get irritated and cause inflammation. This condition is commonly known as osteoarthritis. One of the components of inflammation is swelling. This swelling and its resultant chemical irritants interfere with normal nerve transmissions. When the nerves that control the muscles of the neck get pinched, choked, or irritated, they will cause the muscles to become constantly tense, resulting in a tension headache. As a side note, we must remember that spinal nerves are very delicate. Beginning in the 1970’s, Dr. Chung Ha Suh, Ph.D and his colleagues at the Biomechanics Department of the University of Colorado demonstrated that it only took 10 mm Hg. of pressure (the weight of a dime) on a spinal nerve to decrease transmission in that nerve by up to 50%. In conclusion, it makes sense that if we restore normal joint function, inflammation will be reduced, normal nerve function and muscle tone will be restored, and the tension headache will be relieved.

Treatment options for tension headache sufferers are many and varied. We will review two popular approaches for safety and effectiveness: cervical manipulation and medication. In two controlled trials that Duke University reviewed, they found that cervical spinal manipulation, or what chiropractors call “adjustments”, resulted in “immediate improvement in headache severity…and [that] a course of manipulation treatments resulted in sustained improvement in headache frequency and severity.”2 In other words, consistent, repeated adjustments over a 6 week period resulted in fast-acting and lasting relief.

The effects and safety of amitriptyline, a headache drug, was compared with the effects of cervical adjustments for the treatment of tension headache in another trial. They found that amitriptyline had a greater effect on the reduction of headaches than adjustments during the 6 week trial period, but that adverse effects were much more common with the group taking the drug than those receiving adjustments. Only a 4% incidence of adverse effects were experienced by the cervical manipulation group. Conversely, a whopping 82% of the drug patients experienced adverse effects.3 Most importantly, after both treatments were stopped, the group taking the drug returned to the same headache frequency and level that they experienced before the trial, while the group that received adjustments sustained the improvements that they had maintained after the trial.4 It just goes to show what happens when the cause of a condition is treated versus just the symptoms.

For another natural treatment option, is a video that will demonstrate a simple, self-help method for temporarily relieving your headache until you can receive proper professional treatment. Remember, there is no such thing as a “normal” headache. Headaches are “common”, never normal, which is why it is important to seek professional help to determine the cause of your headaches and to treat them appropriately.

1,2,3,4 Duke University Evidence-based Practice Center/Center for Clinical Health Policy Research

Dr. Dana Williamson is a member in good standing of the Virginia Chiropractic Association. He is an expert in the natural treatment of headaches at his Chiropractic Centers of Virginia offices located in Richmond and Mechanicsville.

Manual therapy is the most used technique in this field of medicine. This typically involves some type of manipulation to the soft tissues, joints and spine. Additional treatment such as counseling and exercise may be recommended. In general, all treatment forms are considered relatively safe if they are performed by a certified physicians. However, as is the case with any form of medical treatment, complications may develop.

Chiropractic was formed during the 1890s and has expanded since then. Chiropractors can be classified as straights or mixers. Straights believe in vitalism, innate intelligence, and spinal adjustments. They put great emphasis on subluxations, as they believe this is the cause of all disease. Contrastingly, mixers are open to the many techniques used in medicine and popular views that are held. Ice therapy, exercise, and massage are often recommended by these chiropractors.

Chiropractic, though always controversial, is established in Canada, United States and Australia. It is the largest health profession, after the fields of medicine and dentistry in the United States. The field may be grouped with other medical professions such as osteopathy, physical therapy, and massage therapy. Individuals experiencing lower back pain often seek out this type of care.

Chiropractors, who may be referred to as chiropractic physicians or doctors of chiropractic, manage the neuromusculoskeletal system without using surgery or medicine. These physicians are not licensed to prescribe medicine or conduct surgery in America. However, New Mexico is the first state in America that allows advanced practice in which trained chiropractors are able to prescribe certain medications to their patients. Some places allow these physicians to perform homeopathy, acupuncture, dispense supplements, and conduct lab tests and procedures.

Spinal adjustment is the most commonly used in this field. Techniques in which the hands are used to mobilize, adjust, manipulate, massage, or stimulate the spine is called spinal manipulative therapy. There are different adjustment methods that can be used.

Opinions regarding the effectiveness of these treatments vary. Despite this, it maintains its position as the largest field within the alternative medicine industry. Some health problems have not been proven to be cured through this care. Some examples: neck pain, radiculopathy, whiplash, extremity conditions, and headaches.

The field of chiropractic care began in the 1890s and has expanded since then to become the predominant field within alternative medicine. Thought it has been controversial at many points because of its emphasis on treatment that does not include surgery or medicine. Still, the effectiveness of this care has not been fully proven. The ultimate goal of physicians practicing in chiropractic is to maintain the musculoskeletal system, and allow individuals to live a healthy life.

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The most common type that will bring someone to their doctor’s office are tension headaches. This is hallmarked by a steady and constant ache, and will not throb like others can. It is more of a feeling of pressure or tightening around the head and can last several minutes or several days. The sufferer will often feel an increased sensitivity to light and sound as well. The root cause of this is primarily stress.

Migraine headache is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by moderate to severe headaches and nausea. It is about three times more common in women than in men. A migraine will only affect one side of your head and are throbbing instead of just simple pressure. This is often aggravated by even the simplest physical activity and sufferers are often nauseous and extremely sensitive to light, sound and even odors. In some patients, there may be a type of aura obscuring their vision immediately before the onset of pain, either a halo effect or blinking lights across the field of vision.

Headaches where the pain originates in the cervical spine, neck and upper shoulders are often referred to as a cervicogenic headache. Many times, these headaches can be a byproduct of whiplash, neck injury or muscle trauma due to poor prolonged posture or severe stress. Sufferers of this type will often report a reduced range of movement in their neck and upper thoracic region, and may also experience radiating pain in the shoulder or arm.

Before any headache can be successfully treated, the root cause must be determined by examination. More often than not, the root cause of your headache is a physical one, like irritating nerves or stress. Chiropractic treatment has been proven to positively treat headaches of all kind. The therapies applied will help reduce nerve and muscle irritation. It is advisable for patients who have headaches to consult with a chiropractic provider to understand their debilitating symptoms. To learn more about headaches, go to www.BackCareTreatment.com

Learn more about chiropractic care. Request a free report and video where you can find out all about headaches and what it can do for you.

Tension headaches can last 30 minutes, a relatively short period time or may last up to several days. Some people have chronic tension headaches that can last a period of time, go away and then come back periodically. They occur more often in females.

The discomfort from tension headaches is typically described as a steady ache as opposed to throbbing. The pain is normally situated at each side of the head, as opposed to just one side. Nausea and blurred vision is typically absent with tension headaches that is a way of differentiating them from migraine headaches. There is generally no severe sensitivity to light or noise although there may perhaps be some mild sensitivity.

Tension headaches are often related to stress. This stress can be emotional or mental. People that have severe depression often have tension type headaches. In addition to this, not getting the proper rest, fatigue, poor posture, anxiety, hunger and over exerting your neck have also been found to be correlated with tension headaches.

Typical medical treatment for these headaches involves medication including pain relievers, muscle relaxers and antidepressants. It is important to understand that medication can help with the symptoms, but also has side effects which can be daunting. Medication will often lose its effectiveness over time. Many also become addicted to pain relievers.

A great option to standard medicine is natural chiropractic care. Chiropractic is natural and will not have the side effects that are generally found with traditional medicine. Chiropractors specialize in working with difficulties within the spine and neck which are generally correlated to tension headaches. In research, a loss of the standard curve in the neck is the only abnormality found with headaches. Chiropractors perform adjustments to correct issues located within the neck. They also perform therapies on the muscles to assist relax them. Numerous report long lasting outcomes following receiving chiropractic care for their tension headaches.

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Researchers estimate that a mere 1% of the earth’s population won’t ever experience a headache. The other ninety percent will have at least one headache on an annual basis while approximately 16%- 17% will experience the most intense type of head pain – the migraine headache. This represents over one billion people throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization, Twenty million migraine attacks occur each day, among the 303 million people that endure this malady.

So what causes headaches? Experts and researchers used to believe that headaches were attributable to an unusual, unexplained whole host of causes. Headaches include moderate to severe head pain that is localized at the rear of one or both eyes, head pain that changes from side to side, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, a decrease in appetite, lethargy, light-headedness, sensitivity to noise and many others.

It is very important understand what initiates the pain The causes consist of caffeine withdrawal, alcohol consumption, sunlight, sinusitis, unusual sleep patterns, skipping meals which then causes low blood glucose levels, menstruation, barometric pressure changes, and obesity can increase a migraine headache’s odds of taking place.

Over-the-counter medicines is the solution used by lots of women and men. However, overuse of the medications can cause them to be less effective as a solution. Even though these medications may provide short-term help, they seldom completely curea headache. Due to the ineffectiveness of these medications, people usually increase the dosage over a length time. This can cause what is known as ” rebound headaches “. These headaches may well be more frequent and even more intense making the medicines extremely ineffective. Prescription drugs are frequently more effective than over -the- counter treatments but the medications may possibly take up to 8 to 12 weeks for a course of treatment. They might also cause nausea and an increase in weight. If medicine isn’t the solution, precisely what is?

You need to begin by having a qualified physician to rule out the most serious conditions like brain hemorrhage, meningitis, encephalitis, etc. After that, you should have an x- ray taken of your neck. Cervicogenic headaches which originate in the neck are widely believed to be the primary cause of severe headaches. In my nearly twenty-two years of practice, I have found that deficiencies in the regular curve in the spine causes pressure on the nerves. Severe headaches can occur if the pressure is not relieved. The less the curvature of the neck, the worse the headaches. Whenever we have corrected this problem, the headaches typically disappear.

Is there anything else that you can do at home? The answer is yes – a couple of things – cryotherapy and Feverfew. Cryotherapy, often referred to as ice does fundamentally what migraine headaches medicines do and has no side effects. Ice constricts the blood vessels, lowering inflammation, which causes the pounding feeling and relaxes the nerves. An ice pack applied to the base of the skull to the length of the neck is typically sufficient for no more than 30 minutes at any given time. Feverfew is an herb which researchers have confirmed is reliable as a prophylactic for migraine complications if used on a daily basis as instructed. Ask your local supplement expert to find the best brand because vitamins and minerals are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

For more information about the treatment of severe headaches, contact Dr. James Kontaratos, DC at Advanced Comprehensive Medical – the Plano chiropractor you can trust. Call 972.424.4243.

The pain from Fibromyalgia can make the patients suffer with persistent headaches, back pain, leg cramps, and arm pain. Many of these symptoms are chronic in Fibromyalgia patients but their intensity may vary throughout the day. There is no specific age group known to develop Fibromyalgia, that’s why chiropractic care comes as a perfect treatment as a preventive measure. Chiropractic care is suitable for all age groups.

Proper diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is vital in treating this debilitating condition. To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you must have had at least 3 months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 areas, including arms (elbows), buttocks, chest, knees, lower back, neck, ribcage, shoulders, and thighs. Blood and urine tests are usually normal. However, tests may be done to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms.

As already seen with the patients who have received chiropractic treatments, symptoms of Fibromyalgia have constantly been reported to have been relieved with the application of chiropractic care. Chiropractic relies on making the fine adjustments such that even the slightest loss of balance is tuned enough to make the body function well. A healthy skeleton, proper alignment and shape of spine result in the normal and natural functioning of the entire body.

Getting rid of or reducing painful symptoms of Fibromyalgia is the core focus of chiropractic care. It is advisable for patients of Fibromyalgia to consult with their healthcare provider to understand the debilitating symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

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Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in an automobile that is struck from behind, or collides with another vehicle. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine can be over-stretched. Common symptoms associated with whiplash injuries include: neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, jaw pain, anxiety, fatigue, upper back pain, and/or lower back pain.

Thousands of Americans suffer from episodes of acute or persistent neck pain each year from auto accidents. Problems in the neck (cervical spine), require assessment and treatment to prevent further, more permanent, damage. Chiropractic treatment has been known to have much success at restoring normal movement of spinal joints, relaxing tight muscles, and facilitating the healing of tendons and ligaments.

After the initial phase of care designed to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms. It is essential to restore movement in order to prevent long term consequences of spinal injury such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, disc bulges, and pinched nerves. Stretching exercises are also an essential aspect of treatment that needs to be continued at home. Elements that often slow down healing process are: additional injuries, ongoing medical conditions such as diabetes, overall physical and mental health.

If you’ve been in an auto accident, as soon as you’ve realized you’ve been injured, it’s a good idea to see a chiropractor. The faster you get some type of treatment, the better your results. Overall, advances in chiropractic care help patients recover faster and prevents ongoing residual pain from auto accidents. The effects of such injuries can last a lifetime and should not be ignored.

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The aura leads up to the headache and is a nervous system reaction that typically involves the sensory system. Auras can be visual, auditory, sensory, and even motor. The most common visual aura is a visual change known as a scotoma which appears as a hazy spot. The second aura is called paresthesia, which is the pins and needles sensation. Other common associated conditions include sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). The pain associated with the headache itself is usually graded as moderate to severe and is usually described as throbbing.

The most common theories behind the cause of migraine headaches include trigger factors, vasoconstriction/vasodilatation, and autonomic nervous system overreactions. Some triggering mechanisms include physical activity, stress, tension, poor posture, hormonal changes related to menstruation, changes in blood sugar, allergies, and certain foods. The most commonly identified foods include coffee, tea, alcohol, caffeine, MSG, niacin, processed foods, histamine, chocolate, cheese, and red wine. In order for patients to identify their possible triggers, they should keep a “headache diary”. In the diary they should note diet, hormonal cycles, activities, interactions, medications, and any other environmental factors as well as timing, duration, and severity of headaches.

Chiropractic care offers patients relief from recurrent migraine episodes using a wide variety of proven treatments. Soft tissue myotherapy in the areas of the upper back, neck, and head help to reduce muscle spasms. Gentle spinal manipulation has been proven to reduce nerve pressure by correcting spinal misalignments that normally leads to poor posture and tension.

Patients who experience frequent migraines should consult a healthcare professional and those taking any medication should consult with their physician before attempting any nutritional supplementation. Migraines can run your life if they are left undiagnosed or untreated. There are a number of alternative treatments available to migraine sufferers so seek help today. The doctors at New Century Spine Centers are specialists in treating all kinds of back pain, including migraines.

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Migraines are a common form of head pain. The migraine can often cause sensitivity to smell, noise and light. The person can be nauseated from the pain. Chiropractors have offered effective help for migraines for many years. With regular adjustments by the chiropractor, many patients report that the migraines occur less often and if they continue to occur, they are less severe.

A sinus pressure headache can be very painful. Chiropractors may use neurological reflex in order to open the passages of the sinuses and allow this pressure to be relieved. This procedure is non-invasive and does not cause the rebound effect patients often experience when taking antihistamines. Chiropractors also offer dietary changes that can help to relieve excess production of mucus.

Many people attribute the pain of the head to stress and tension. This pain is also relieved through the help of a chiropractor. The doctor can make adjustments of the base of the skull, upper spine and neck to help relieve the tightness and restore balance to the body. In addition, the doctor may use pressure point therapy to bring relief.

TMJ, a condition involving the joint of at the back of the jaw. This condition can cause sufferers to experience a headache. This condition is often characterized by a popping or clicking in the jaw. Chiropractors often suggest exercises that stretch the muscles for use at home while employing other procedures in their office that can help to reduce the general pain experienced in the ears, face or other regions of the head. The chiropractor offers help that can avoid surgery to correct this condition.

A Suboccipital headache results in dull but constant pain located at the skull base. Chiropractors use muscle stretching procedures in the office but might suggest other exercises the patient can use at home. Additionally, the doctor might make suggestions that can help to improve posture in order to reduce pain.

Cervical Cranial syndrome can also cause a headache. In dealing with this pain the doctor may use spinal manipulation of the neck at the skull’s base and work down the spine to the upper back. Chiropractors may also use trigger point therapy or massage to bring pain relief. Additionally, the doctor can help patients with stretching muscles that can trigger the pain.

A headache may be caused by many different things, but most respond well to the chiropractic care for headaches. Chiropractors are doctors trained to help with many kinds of pain, including that caused by a headache. When patients visit with a chiropractor they often are taking the first step toward feeling better.

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Neck pain can be caused in a variety of ways including: injuries to the neck itself; car accidents (often resulting in whiplash); osteoarthritis; spinal stenosis; sleeping in a poor position; and even wear and tear from chronic poor posture. You can damage, injure, or “pinch” a nerve in a variety of ways: overstretching the nerve, constricting the nerve, or compressing it. Direct neck injuries or car accidents usually over stretch the nerves. Disc protrusion or spinal stenosis can constrict the nerves. Osteoarthritis with boney growths will compress the nerves.

Common symptoms of neck nerve injury include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, pain running down the arms, numbness and tingling from the shoulders to the hands, or muscle weakness. It can also affect the nerves that control your balance, which can lead to clumsiness. Symptoms will vary, depending on the location of the problem in the cervical region. When symptoms do occur, they are mild and gradually worsen over time.

Treatment for neck pain and problems vary depending on the individual case. When neck pain is acute, sometimes a change in sleeping habits, such as a neck pain pillow is enough to help the body recover from neck pain. In other cases, over the counter medication, neck stretches or exercises may help relieve painful neck conditions. When there is a specific condition causing chronic neck pain individuals usually start on the conservative end of the treatment spectrum and work their way to the surgical end of the spectrum.

Chiropractic care is a conservative approach. It is also a very successful approach to neck pain. In many cases, doctors of chiropractic will recommend neck adjustments (also referred to as cervical manipulation). This is a very precise procedure that is done by hand and applied to the joints of the neck. Neck adjustments help to restore range of motion, increase spine mobility, and improve normal spinal curves and posture. Patients who undergo such treatments often note a reduction of neck pain, stiffness, and a better ability to turn and move the head.

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