Headaches are ranked among the top ten most disabling conditions in the world. Chiropractors can help with non-pharmacological management depending on the type. As clinicians, we determine whether patients are presenting with any ‘red flag’ symptoms which could be a cause for concern and warrant referral to another health care practitioner.
The most common types of headaches that present in my office are tension-type, cervicogenic and migraines. Tension-type headaches are the most common headache in the general population with stress being the most common trigger. They present as a non-throbbing type of pain of mild-moderate intensity, typically located on both sides and described as dull, pressure, ‘tight band’ or ‘head fullness’. Typically the headaches are made worse by head and neck movement but are not aggravated by routine physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs.
Cervicogenic headaches are caused by a structure within the neck whether that's muscle or joint related. These are typically a non-throbbing pain of moderate-severe intensity, usually located on one side and described as deep, continuous and fluctuating in intensity. The pain can start at the base of the neck and travel to the front of the head. These types of headaches are also aggravated by head and neck movements.
Migraines are largely genetic and are commonly associated with various triggers (ex. hormones, stress, eating habits, etc.). Up to 77% of patients will experience symptoms 24-48 hours prior to the headache. Following this, 25% of individuals will experience an aura which will then lead directly into the headache. Common aura symptoms include abnormal vision (ex. flickering light or sparkles), colour vision loss, numbness/tingling, etc. The actual headache presents as a pounding, pulsating or throbbing quality of moderate-severe intensity. Individuals commonly experience nausea and have sensitivity to light and/or sound.
All three types of headaches benefit from chiropractic care. Treatment may include: myofascial therapy to desensitize and reduce muscle trigger points, both stretches and strengthening exercises, and spinal manipulation/mobilization to any affected joints. In addition, specifically for migraines, acupuncture has been shown to be as effective as many of the standard pharmacological drugs but with fewer side effects.
Please let me know if you have any questions about headaches or how I could help!
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