Headaches Specialist

What are Headaches?

A headache is discomfort in any part of the head or neck. The discomfort may be a sharp pain, throbbing sensation or a dull ache. Sometimes a headache will feel like a vise squeezing the head.

Headaches may develop on one side of the head or both sides. They may come about suddenly or develop slowly. The pain may stay in one location or move to another part of the head. Some headaches disappear in less than an hour; severe headaches can last for days.

What Causes Headaches?

Most headaches are not the result of a serious problem, although some life-threatening conditions can cause headaches.

Healthcare professionals, including chiropractors, classify headaches as primary or secondary according to their cause. A primary headache is caused by overactive pain-sensitive structures in the head. Migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches are types of primary headaches. Stress, poor posture, consumption of alcohol or certain foods, and poor sleep can cause primary headaches.

Secondary headaches are the result of a disease, such as sinusitis, concussion, dental problems, dehydration, influenza or a more serious problem.

How Do Chiropractors Treat Headaches?

Chiropractors use spinal and postural screenings to determine if poor posture or spinal misalignment is causing headaches. These back specialists can perform spinal adjustments to improve the way the bones in the neck work. Chiropractic adjustments also alleviate any stresses to your system that may trigger headaches.

Doctors of chiropractic also provide nutritional advice that may include the addition of B-complex vitamins that may relieve headaches. Chiropractors can also guide patients through corrective exercises to alleviate pain. Massage therapy relaxes tense muscles of the neck and upper back that lead to primary headaches.