Almost everyone has suffered from headaches at some point in life. For some of us, headaches become regular and severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Learning to recognize the type of headache you’re experiencing can be the first step to seeking appropriate treatment.
Of course, we definitely recommend that you discuss your headaches with a doctor, rather than trying to diagnose yourself! But this brief guide can give you some idea of your options for treatment.
Tension (or stress) headaches. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and may occur daily or come and go at intervals. Since tension headaches are caused by stress, poor posture, and muscle contractions, addressing your posture and work habits can often relieve them. Chiropractic care for headaches is also effective.
Migraines. Migraines are often more severe and can occur along with nausea and sensitivity to bright light. They’re caused by inflamed blood vessels that create a squeezing situation in your head. Chiropractic care can help to address the causes of migraines and alleviate the symptoms.
Cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are less common but can be quite severe. They manifest as throbbing pain behind one eye that occurs one to three times daily. Cluster headaches might persist for weeks or months, then abruptly disappear. They often go into remission but then reappear years later.
Organic headaches. This type of headache signals something potentially serious going on in the brain but are luckily quite rare. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you experience a sudden, severe pain in your head along with confusion, lack of balance, difficulty speaking, and/or seizures.
Chiropractic care for headaches can be very effective depending upon the type of headache you’re suffering. Call our office to schedule an appointment, and we will discuss your symptoms to determine the type of headache you’re experiencing. Then we will make a treatment plan to address the underlying cause of your symptoms, along with a plan to remedy your pain as quickly as possible.