Understanding Headaches and Migraine

Headaches can come in many forms, each with different causes and symptoms:

Tension Headaches

These are common and often caused by stress or anxiety. They typically result from tight muscles in the shoulders and neck, leading to a constant, dull ache around the head.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines can be very distressing and last for several days. Symptoms include severe head pain, dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances such as flashing lights. Migraines can sometimes be triggered by irritation of nerves in the neck or by muscle tension.

Cervicogenic Headaches

These headaches originate from dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck) and cause pain in the top and back of the head. They are often associated with poor posture. There are numerous treatment options for cervicogenic headaches.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Headaches

Linked to issues with the TMJ, which connects the jaw to the skull, these headaches often involve pain around the face and ear. They can be caused by dental problems or jaw tension due to stress. Consulting a dentist or a specialist in TMJ disorders can help diagnose and treat these headaches.

Sinus Headaches

Caused by sinusitis, sinus headaches result in throbbing pain between the forehead and nose due to blocked sinuses. Symptoms include nasal congestion similar to cold or flu. Managing sinusitis with decongestants or other medications can help relieve sinus headaches.

Other Causes

Headaches can also be caused by dehydration, allergies, or eye strain.

Chiropractors are trained to identify the underlying cause of your headache. They can provide treatments to help relieve pain and discomfort or refer you to another healthcare provider if needed. Many people find relief from headaches through chiropractic care, which offers a safe, natural approach to managing health.

Reference

Sutherland, J., et al. (2020). "The effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for migraine and tension-type headaches: A systematic review." Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 28(1), 6.

Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society. (2018). "The International Classification of Headache Disorders." Cephalalgia, 38(1), 1-211. DOI: 10.1177/0333102417738202.

How Can We Help Your Headache?

At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help you find relief from your MSK pain and discomfort. Our approach to treatment is tailored to meet your individual health needs and includes a combination of Chiropractic Treatment, Exercise Therapy, Myofascial Therapy, Dry Needling and Patient Education (NRE).

What If We Cannot Help Your Headache?

While we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes utilising our specialist services, we understand that some cases may require additional intervention. If your condition does not improve as expected or if we believe that another approach might be more appropriate, we can:

• Refer You to Your GP: We will coordinate with your General Practitioner to ensure you receive the appropriate medical evaluation and care.

• Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition and inform the next steps in your treatment.

• Refer You to a Specialist: In cases where specialised care is needed, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Our commitment is to your health and well-being, and we will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.