Castle Rock Migraine And Headache Relief Center
303-858-8288
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Headaches
Headaches come in a variety of forms. It is important to correctly diagnose the headache type in order to treat it effectively. One of the most common types of headaches is the cervicogenic headache, so called because it originates due to tension and stress in the neck (cervical spine.) This type of headache is very responsive to physical medicine and is something we are very effective at treating.
Headaches and head pain can occur in a variety of areas around the face and head. The pain can be especially severe and range from spot locations to wide bands of pain and discomfort around the head. Headaches can become so severe that you may experience nausea or difficulty seeing.
303-858-8288
Call today for a free consultation and exam!
What are the Causes of Headaches?
Headaches can come in a variety of forms, including a migraine, cluster or tension headache. They may be the result of physical or emotional stress, a chemically-related disorder, or can be a sign of a more serious condition. But no matter the cause, every headache sufferer will agree: the pain is unwelcome.
Types of Headaches
There are many different types of headaches. Understanding which type of headache you have can be crucial to getting the right treatment. This list covers the most common, recurring types of headaches:
- Chronic Headaches. Chronic headaches can appear daily for weeks or even months. The pain is similar to that of tension headaches, causing a feeling of tightness around the head and neck. It has been described as having your head in a vise. The pain is steady and occurs on both sides of the head. The headache can even cause sore scalps, due to the constant muscle contraction.
- Cluster Headaches. These headaches occur on one side or the other, usually around or behind the eye. The pain is often described as sharp, deep, throbbing, severe, and develops rapidly. Cluster headaches last anywhere from 15 to 180 minutes. It’s not unusual for cluster headaches to come and go several times within the same day or to occur at the same times every day. Cluster headaches also may appear daily for weeks at a time and then suddenly one day, disappear, only to reappear again a few months down the road. Associated symptoms include: nasal congestion, running nose, tearing and/or redness in the affected eye, and agitation.
- Rebound Headaches. Rebound headaches keep coming back. Ironically, they often result from overuse of pain medication. It’s a vicious cycle. The patient takes pain medication for a headache but the headache returns, so they take more pain medication. Eventually, the headache may occur because the patient did not take any pain medication. These are sometimes called medication overuse headaches. Anyone who regularly uses pain medication more than 3 days a week is at risk for rebound headaches.
- Sinus Headaches. Sinus headaches cause pain in the cheekbones, forehead, nose, and even upper teeth. They commonly occur in conjunction with other sinus problems like discharge or blockage. The pain may increase or decrease with movement as pressure shifts within the sinus cavities, particularly when lying down or bending forward. They can be associated with sinus infections, but you do not necessarily have to have a sinus infection to have a sinus headache. Sinus headaches are common in people with allergies.
- Tension Headaches. These headaches are very common. In general, tension headaches cause feelings of dull pressure or tightness on both sides of the head, the top of the head, and down into the neck. The pain may ebb and flow and the headache may last a little as 30 minutes or several days. Headaches may occur daily or infrequently. There are two primary classifications of tension headaches: Chronic and Episodic. Chronic tension headaches occur more than half the days of the month. Episodic tension headaches occur less than half the days of the month. Both types include the additional symptoms of: poor concentration, sensitivity, irritability, muscles aches and pains, fatigue, and sleep problems.
Migraines
Migraine headaches are much more severe than the types of headaches listed above. They are actually a very complex collection of neurological conditions that affect nearly 10% of the population. A migraine is a vascular headache that is thought to affect the brain’s blood vessels. Pain may be located on one or both sides of the head. Migraines are typically recurrent. If you’ve had one migraine, there is a high likelihood that you’ll have another one at some point in your life. Along with pain, migraines may cause nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells, dizziness, and pale skin. Pain typically increases with physical activity.
Some people experience auras before an attack. Auras are any number of neurological signs such as: seeing wavy lines, spots, or flashing lights in your vision, tunnel vision, or blind spots. Auras can manifest in the other senses, too. Strange smells and tastes, loss of touch, pins and needles sensations, and difficulty with recall or speaking can all occur. These symptoms usually fade as the head pain begins.
Migraine Facts:
- They tend to run in families.
- Women are more likely to get them than men.
- Migraines can be debilitating to the point that they affect your ability to carry out your daily activities.
- Attacks can last from 4-72 hours.
- Migraine is a chronic disease that often occurs in conjunction with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.
- Migraine sufferers are frequently undiagnosed and untreated.
- Children and adults can get migraines.
303-858-8288
Call today for free consultation and Exam.
How Do We Treat Headaches?
At Helms Chiropractic and Wellness, we offer a comprehensive approach unique in Castle Rock. Dr. Helms alleviates your headache pain by correcting underlying cause. Dr. Helms approaches your healthcare from every angle to provide an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. If you are experiencing headaches or migraines, please call today to make an appointment. Dr. Helms will identify the cause and treat you with exquisite care.