Headaches are generally not taken as seriously as back or neck pain. There are no obvious disabilities like a stiff neck or mobility issues. Headaches often come and go, and many who have a headache, can seem to keep on going with what they need to get done.
But statistics report that almost 100% migraine sufferers and 60% of headache sufferers report a reduction in work capacity and social activities. According to Headache Australia, the cost of migraines in Australia in 1989-90 came to $300 million. In the US, cost of migraine alone is about $1 billion each year. The costs are undeniably high.
A headache is simply speaking - pain in the head. However there are staggering varieties of headaches that have been classified. Even the three most common types of headaches, ie tension headache, cervicogenic headache and migraines, feature some overlap in their symptoms. It is not as clear cut as we'd like to think it is. However, for most people, the two main types are headaches and migraines.
But statistics report that almost 100% migraine sufferers and 60% of headache sufferers report a reduction in work capacity and social activities. According to Headache Australia, the cost of migraines in Australia in 1989-90 came to $300 million. In the US, cost of migraine alone is about $1 billion each year. The costs are undeniably high.
A headache is simply speaking - pain in the head. However there are staggering varieties of headaches that have been classified. Even the three most common types of headaches, ie tension headache, cervicogenic headache and migraines, feature some overlap in their symptoms. It is not as clear cut as we'd like to think it is. However, for most people, the two main types are headaches and migraines.
Headache
Headache can be caused by a number of factors. It is important to find out the cause of the headache before deciding if the course of treatment is relevant.
Dr Kim will perform a number of tests to assist in finding out the cause of your headache. If the headache is from the neck and or the surrounding muscles (cervicogenic and tension headaches), then chiropractic is appropriate and effective (J. Manip Physio Ther, 2011 Jun:34(5):274-89).
Headache sufferers will often also complain of feeling ‘foggy’ in the head. That is not surprising given that the very top part of the cervical spine (neck) protect the extension of the brain known as the brain stem. The brain stem is in charge of many functions including balance, blood pressure, alertness, vomiting, vision, hearing and so on. When there is enough irritation at the top of the spine, aside from head pain, this can also cause disruptions in any of the above listed functions. If alertness, vision, balance, blood pressure and so on begin to be affected by problems in the upper neck, then the brain will struggle to work well especially during the daily tasks. If your brain is not efficient, then you won’t be either.
Often headache sufferers will feel their head 'clear up' with chiropractic care, either immediately or over time.
Headache can be caused by a number of factors. It is important to find out the cause of the headache before deciding if the course of treatment is relevant.
Dr Kim will perform a number of tests to assist in finding out the cause of your headache. If the headache is from the neck and or the surrounding muscles (cervicogenic and tension headaches), then chiropractic is appropriate and effective (J. Manip Physio Ther, 2011 Jun:34(5):274-89).
Headache sufferers will often also complain of feeling ‘foggy’ in the head. That is not surprising given that the very top part of the cervical spine (neck) protect the extension of the brain known as the brain stem. The brain stem is in charge of many functions including balance, blood pressure, alertness, vomiting, vision, hearing and so on. When there is enough irritation at the top of the spine, aside from head pain, this can also cause disruptions in any of the above listed functions. If alertness, vision, balance, blood pressure and so on begin to be affected by problems in the upper neck, then the brain will struggle to work well especially during the daily tasks. If your brain is not efficient, then you won’t be either.
Often headache sufferers will feel their head 'clear up' with chiropractic care, either immediately or over time.
Migraine
Migraine is commonly characterised by teens and adults with severe head pain, often throbbing. It can start on one side, but can be both sides by the end. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound and certain smells commonly come with migraines. An aura or a warning may occur before the head pain, but not always. Head pain may not even be present with migraines - this is more commonly seen in younger children. They may experience abdominal pain or an aura not accompanied by sickness.
Once a migraine sets in, a person will often find it so debilitating that they have to sleep in a dark quiet room. It can be incredibly disruptive to a person's daily life. Pain medication is available for migraine attacks, however many people are uncomfortable with long term reliance on pain killers.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in managing migraines (J. Manip Physio Ther, 2011 Jun:34(5):274-89). It removes the stress that the spine can play on the body. This in turn reduces overall tension so that your body is more able to deal with common migraine triggers such as certain foods, fatigue, heat, etc. When the body is not as bothered by these triggers, a migraine will not be triggered. (Pain. 2016 Dec;157(12):2722-2730)
Emotional stress can also be one of the triggers. Neuroemotional Technique can be useful in healing in this area.
Migraine is commonly characterised by teens and adults with severe head pain, often throbbing. It can start on one side, but can be both sides by the end. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound and certain smells commonly come with migraines. An aura or a warning may occur before the head pain, but not always. Head pain may not even be present with migraines - this is more commonly seen in younger children. They may experience abdominal pain or an aura not accompanied by sickness.
Once a migraine sets in, a person will often find it so debilitating that they have to sleep in a dark quiet room. It can be incredibly disruptive to a person's daily life. Pain medication is available for migraine attacks, however many people are uncomfortable with long term reliance on pain killers.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in managing migraines (J. Manip Physio Ther, 2011 Jun:34(5):274-89). It removes the stress that the spine can play on the body. This in turn reduces overall tension so that your body is more able to deal with common migraine triggers such as certain foods, fatigue, heat, etc. When the body is not as bothered by these triggers, a migraine will not be triggered. (Pain. 2016 Dec;157(12):2722-2730)
Emotional stress can also be one of the triggers. Neuroemotional Technique can be useful in healing in this area.
If you are interested in chiropractic for headaches or migraines, book online or contact Soul Chiropractic today on 0415300341 or email [email protected].