Headaches & Migraines

24 Sep Headaches & Migraines

Life happens, and it moves so fast. Pressures come at us from all corners of life and eventually, it can catch up to us and sadly our bodies bear the brunt of it… I’m talking about tension. Tension is your body’s way of communicating to you that it is under too much stress.

Sadly, it’s hard to escape our daily stresses, especially today’s society, so if you find that you are exhibiting physical symptoms of stress then it is time to make some changes.

Did you know that migraines and headaches are the most common neurological symptom seen in clinic practices? If you are someone who suffers from headaches/ migraines, know you are not alone.

Evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments, improves migraines and headaches.

We can help!

Chiropractic is a very effective, natural treatment for tension headaches. In addition to recommended lifestyle changes (discussed below), the chiropractor may also adjust any dysfunctions in the spine and may also use different forms of soft tissue therapies that relieve stress and tension. Rehabilitation/ exercise therapies are also provided to prevent possible recurring head and neck pain that may have been caused by muscle tightness and/ or weakness.

Symptoms of Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are distinctive and can be very painful. The good news is, they are rarely an indication of a more serious condition – other than a stressful lifestyle.

Some of the most common symptoms of tension headaches include:

• Muscle tightness in the neck, jaw, and shoulders
• Headache that originates at the back of the head and moves forward over the top and sides
• Difficulty sleeping
• Squeezing pain or dull pressure in the head (tight band around the head)
• Trouble eating
• Pressure in both sides of the head

Sometimes tension headache symptoms can turn into a migraine headache and may be considered a migraine trigger.

Causes of Tension Headaches

The top three environmental factors reported were:

• Changes in weather (82.5%)
• Stress (66.7%)
• Menstruation (51.4%)

And other factors included:

• Head injury (e.g. boxing, MVA)
• Changes in barometric pressure
• Smoking
• Smell (e.g. perfumes)
• Bright light
• Loud noises
• Excessive Screen Use (TV, tablets, phones)
• Working in front of a computer
• Psychological factors (depression, concerns, fear, anger, anxiety)
• Medications
• Sleep (short sleep, sleep apnea, fatigue)

Nutritional Factors

A definite statistical association exists between the sensitivity to cheese, chocolate, red wine and beer… oh my!

Over 25% of patients recognise missing a meal (due to hypo-glycaemia), caffeine withdrawal and certain foods as trigger factors, such as;

1.    MSG
2.    Preservatives found in meats and hot-dog products
3.    Wines and aged foods (cheeses)
4.    Chocolate, garlic, nuts, raw onions and seeds

Treatment Options

• Book an appointment with your chiropractor for an adjustment
• Make some lifestyle changes that avoid triggers
  • Smoking cessation, limit alcohol, dietary changes/ avoid certain foods
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Exercise
• Drink more water (2.1- 2.6L daily)
• Avoid excessive exposure to bright screens/ lights
• Regular sleep patterns (~7-8 hours)
• Supplementation-
  • Magnesium 300-600mg daily or, 300-400mg can be taken twice daily as tolerated
  • Vitamin B12
  • Antioxidant; CoQ10
  • Fish Oils* (consult with GP first, only under medical supervision for people with bleeding disorders and/or one week prior to major surgery)

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am here to help.

Yours in health,
Pro Chiropractic