HEADACHES
Headaches can range from mild to severe, and have multiple causes. The goal is to find the source of the headache, so then the treatment is more specific and effective.
What to Look For
There are 4 types of headaches:
Tension– This is the most common type of headache. Occurs and may produce tension in the neck as well. Can be located at the base of the skull, side of the head, or around the forehead.
Migraine– Usually located on one side of the head and face, can come with an aura (visual changes). Very intense pain that can cause sensitivity to noise and light. Can cause debilitating pain.
Cluster– Produces pain around the outside of an eye, usually only one. It can be a very painful type of headache, and usually happen without any warning. Can also produce tearing or a red discoloration of the eye.
Sinus– With a sinus headache, you may feel pressure and pain in the sinuses of the face. Changing positions like leaning forward or lying down can increase the pressure. Fatigue is common with these, and you may also notice a runny or plugged nose. With a sinus headache, you will not notice increased issues with bright lights or noises.
What Symptoms Can It Produce
CERVICOGENIC/TENSION
- Discomfort or Pain in neck
- Headache can precede or follow the neck pain
- Spasms can range from mild to severe in the neck
- May have tightness with moving the head different directions
- Range of motion may feel limited in the neck
MIGRAINE
- Moderate to severe pain
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Neck discomfort
- Can have nausea
- Can develop visual changes
CLUSTER
- Intense Pain located around one eye and/or temple
- Moderate to severe pain
- May cause tearing of the eye
- Potential swelling or redness around the affected eye
- Occurs in spurts or patterns
SINUS
- Pressure or throbbing pain
- Usually presents with nasal discharge
- Located by the sinuses above the eyebrows and by the cheekbone
- Pain or pressure that worsens with forward bending or lying down
What to Do
If its a Tension/Cervicogenic headache: Get to your chiropractor and remove any misalignments and muscle tension in the neck, specifically the upper cervical spine is where the irritation will stem from.
Tension/Cervicogenic
Have your Chiropractor create an at home posture correction protocol to remove any abnormal posture stress that may be leading to the headache.
Tension/Cervicogenic
Follow the ergonomic steps listed on the “Ergonomic Excellence” Page to ensure your workstation isn’t the stressor leading to the neck dysfunction and headaches.
Tension/Cervicogenic
Use light to moderate pressure points on the suboccipital muscles to relieve tension. The suboccipitals are located at the base of the skull and have a high density of nerve fibers per muscle that can stimulate a headache.
Tension/Cervicogenic
Use light to moderate pressure points on the suboccipital muscles to relieve tension. The suboccipitals are located at the base of the skull and have a high density of nerve fibers per muscle that can stimulate a headache.
Tension/Cervicogenic
Massage of the cervical spine can reduce muscle tension and speed up relief of a tension headache.
Tension/Cervicogenic
Taking Magnesium has been show to be helpful in the reduction of migraines, but may also provide relief for headaches.
Tension/Cervicogenic
Placing a heating pack on the neck may help to improve blood flow and ease tension, although it will not fix the problem.
If its a Migraine Headache: Check with your Chiropractor/Healthcare provider to ensure the neck is not a component of the migraines.
Migraine
Take Magnesium supplements- Magnesium has been shown to play a key role in the reduction of migraines. Certain studies have noted significant reduction in magnesium levels in the brain during a migraine episode.
Migraine
Avoid light, sound and anything that worsens the symptoms during the migraine.
Migraine
Follow the ergonomic excellence page to ensure you workstation is not placing undue stress onto your spine, leading to a migraine.
Migraine
Use blue light blocking glasses – Blue light blocking glasses will decrease the amount of blue light that is perceived by the eyes. If the migraine is coming from overstimulation to the eyes, this can be an extremely effective tool to keeping you migraine free, especially if you work in front of a screen.
Migraine
Test for food allergies – Certain types of food allergies have been shown to lead to increased rates of migraine headaches. Having a food allergy test or blood test can show any risk factors you may have.
If its a Cluster headache: Again, see your Chiropractor/Healthcare provider to ensure the neck is not a component of the cluster headache.
Cluster
Make sure there is no nerve irritation leading to the intense cluster bouts. Make sure to get plenty of exercise during the day to improve oxygen flow within the body and brain. Some studies indicate improved oxygen flow to the brain can help with headache related symptoms.
Cluster
Make sure to get plenty of sleep, a lack of sleep and sleep hormone imbalance can worsen cluster headache symptoms.
Cluster
If cluster headaches become chronic, be sure to check with your healthcare provider for any underlying problems.
Sinus
Start by using a warm washcloth to the face and sinuses to help relieve the pain and pressure.
Sinus
You can relieve the symptoms however, specifically by reducing the irritation or pressure in the sinuses.
If its a Sinus headache (allergic rhinitis): Most causes are viral, so the infection will have to run its course.
Sinus
Simple saline nasal solutions have had some improvement to increase sinus and nasal flow.
Sinus
Some case studies have shown acupuncture to be beneficial in relieving sinus type headaches as well.
