Headaches

Headaches are a very common source of pain in Canada and worldwide. There are three main types of headaches that chiropractors treat.

• Cervicogenic headaches. These guys come from the muscles, joints, and nerves of the neck. Generally these headaches are only felt on one side of the head and refer pain into the front and side of the head. I treat cervicogenic headaches with adjustments, acupuncture, and exercise therapy, which are proven to be very beneficial in treating headaches in both the acute and chronic stages.

• Tension-type headaches. These are the most common type of headache seen worldwide. They are described as a band-like pain around the front of the head and are often described as throbbing. They are often accompanied by an increase in stress, dehydration, poor sleep, muscular tension, poor posture, and jaw problems. I treat tension headaches by providing my patients with relaxation techniques, supplements for relaxation, and of course adjustments and soft tissue therapy to address the dysfunctions in the neck.

• Migraine. The causes of migraines are unknown. What we do know is that often times they are brought on by triggers – scents, stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, etc. Migraines are always one-sided and are described as a throbbing pain. Often times they are preceded by a visual aura, and nausea or vomiting. Again, with soft tissue therapy, adjustments, acupuncture and exercise I have been able to significantly decrease the frequency and intensity of migraines.