How to Manage your headache. A chiropractor's guide

Unfortunately, headaches are one of the most common complaints among Canadians. Over 50% of Canadian adults report suffering from headaches. A headache can have no warning signs and can hit you suddenly, or they can have a slow build-up and reach a point where they become completely debilitating.

It is difficult to self-treat or self-manage your headaches because their causes are not alike, and the symptoms of headaches vary. While over-the-counter pain medication offers temporary relief, it will not get to the root of the problem of what is causing the headache.

If you are concerned and looking for relief, seek help from a qualified healthcare professional, like our Kelowna chiropractor Dr. Col, here at Move RX. She can help identify your headache and provide you with the strategies best to relieve your pain. 

Consider the following types of headaches and the characteristics that go along with them.

Tension Headaches:

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Usually, they are present as a dull, achy pain with tightness around the head. The most common trigger for tension headaches is stress – no surprise there. So what can you do to help alleviate the pain? Focus on decreasing your stress, apply heat or ice, and stretch those neck and shoulder muscles. Conservative chiropractic care, or a massage, can help relieve stress and symptoms and help prevent headaches from reoccurring. 

Migraine Headaches:

Migraine symptoms are often known for causing some of the worst headache symptoms. They can be severe, often with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and disturbed vision. In addition, an aura usually accompanies migraines; those experiencing a migraine typically have to stay in a dark, quiet room until their symptoms subside. The cause of migraines is unknown, but some triggers can be stress, lack of sleep, or certain foods such as chocolate and red wine.

Cervicogenic Headache:

A cervicogenic headache - is sometimes called a secondary headache because the pain is referred from structures of the neck. Since the origin is usually related to the cervical spine, managing pain can include manual therapy and recommended at-home exercise to address postural issues and dysfunction.

What can cause headaches?

While the actual cause of headaches is still unknown, research finds that it can be everyday events can be a cause such as incorrect joint movement, muscle tension, and poor posture. In addition, environmental factors such as alcohol, lack of sleep, dehydration, and lack of food all lead to the development of headaches.

Why should you see a chiropractor for help with headaches?

Chiropractors can assess, diagnose and manage your headaches. In addition, studies have shown that chiropractic care can help decrease the intensity and frequency of headaches. Treatment options from your Kelowna chiropractor may include manual therapy, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation. In addition, chiropractors will identify different vertebrae that are out of place or are causing pressure on your nerves. Many times it is the extra stress on the nervous system preventing your body from functionally normally, causing the problems.

Dr. Col. will often educate and offer suggestions to avoid events or situations that tend to trigger headaches. A few examples are: how to stretch at your desk if you are working from a desk (avoiding poor posture), how much daily water your body needs, how your body should be sleeping, and more.

On infrequent occasions, Dr. Col may refer you to another trusted health professional if she can determine something more serious, like a tumour, is occurring. After all, a chiropractor's job is to help you get out of pain and ensure a healthier you.

Take headaches seriously as treating them is important. If you deal with them, often consider consulting with our chiropractor Dr. Col today. 

Suffering from headaches is not normal! If you have questions about what your Kelowna Chiropractor can do for your headaches, contact our chiropractor Dr. Col to learn more. Move RX specializes in helping the Kelowna community treat headaches, neck pain, sports injuries and auto accidents, including ICBC claims. Move RX is located in Lakeshore. Book your appointment online or call us at 250-717-8445 to schedule your appointment today.