Why do I get headaches?
All sorts of problems can cause headaches. Some of the more common causes include:
Injuries
If you fall and hit your head or suffer a head injury playing sports, unsurprisingly, you're likely to end up with a headache. Misalignment in your spine can also cause pain that radiates into your head.
Upper respiratory tract infections
Colds and flu often cause headaches due to a fever or inflammation and blockage of your sinuses and nasal passages.
Environmental factors
Numerous aspects of your environment can trigger headaches, from pollution, chemicals, and allergens to bright lights and excessive noise.
Dehydration
Your body largely consists of water, so if you haven't been drinking enough, it can quickly lead to dehydration and a pounding headache.
Stress
Stress causes tension headaches, one of the most common types of headaches. Feeling anxious or stressed makes your muscles tense up, leading to a tight, throbbing pain in your head.
Neuralgia
Nerve damage or compression can cause intense pain in your head and face. Trigeminal and occipital neuralgias affect major nerves in your head.
There are also many types of headaches for which the causes aren't clear. One of the most well-known types of severe, recurring headaches is migraines.
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a headache that also causes a variety of other unpleasant symptoms in addition to pain, which is often severe.
Some people who get migraines can tell one is coming because they experience odd symptoms like food cravings, constipation, and constant yawning in the days leading up to an attack.
During your migraine, you might feel nauseous and vomit, see flashing lights or have other odd visual disturbances (known as aura), and feel extremely tired. For many people who get migraines, the symptoms are so disabling they can barely function normally.
How does chiropractic help with headaches and migraines?
Chiropractic offers a noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical approach to treating headaches and migraines. Dr. Yodice can assess your condition and see if any spinal misalignments need correction, which could swiftly relieve your pain.
One chiropractic treatment that's particularly useful for headaches is the Activator Method®. Dr. Yodice uses a hand-held tool to apply quick, low-force adjustments at specific points.
You might also benefit from other treatments, including:
- Massage therapy
- Pressure point therapy
- Electrical and magnetic pulse technologies
Relaxation and learning to manage stress are also helpful for relieving tension headaches.Â
Find out how you can get relief from the misery of headaches and migraines by calling Collaborative Chiropractic today or booking an appointment online.
