Conditions

Headaches

There are several types of headaches, some of which can be treated with chiropractic care. On this page you will find more information about headaches. 

Overview

Headaches are very common and are characterized by pain or discomfort around the head and/or neck area. They are often accompanied by additional symptoms such as sensitivity to sound, irritability, nausea and a feeling of pressure behind the eyes. Chiropractic care offers effective treatment options for various types of headaches, addressing the underlying causes and providing relief from symptoms.

Types of Headaches

There are many different types of headaches, but some of the most common are:

  • Tension type headaches: This type of headache is very common and often felt on both sides of the head and behind the eyes. People will often describe it like a tight band across the front or sides of the head. They are often caused by stress or prolonged poor posture. Most of the time the headaches range from mild to moderate, but occasionally they can be severe and be mistaken for migraine headaches.

  • Migraine headaches: This type of headache is not as common as tension type but still quite prevalent. They typically involve just one side of the head and can be throbbing in nature. Sufferers will often experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. People who get migraine type headaches will often just want to be left alone in a quiet dark room as a result. Occasionally there will be an early warning of a migraine headache coming called an ‘aura’, which often presents as a visual disturbance.

  • Cervicogenic headaches: This type of headache is not as severe as a migraine type headache and comes from radiating pain from the neck (hence the term cervicogenic). This is often accompanied by neck restriction and stiffness stemming from poor posture.

Causes

Headaches can have a variety of causes depending on the type and severity, but generally consist of:

  • Poor hydration

  • Muscle spasms in the neck or jaw

  • Nerve irritation

  • Hormonal changes

  • Dietary triggers

  • Psychological conditions such as stress or anxiety.

Treatment

Chiropractic care for headaches starts with identifying the type of headache that the patient is suffering with. There are many types of headaches that chiropractic can help with and there are many techniques the chiropractor can utilise. These include mobilisations, adjustments, and trigger point therapy. To find out more about chiropractic care, click here.

If you're experiencing frequent or severe headaches that impact your daily life, seeking chiropractic care can provide relief and help address the underlying causes of your symptoms. Contact Shield Chiropractic to schedule a consultation with our experienced chiropractor. We'll conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you find relief from headaches and improve your overall well-being.

FAQs

  • If the headache is not too severe and coming from the muscles of the head and neck, then some gentle stretching of the muscles around the neck can help take some of the pain away. You can also often prevent a headache from getting worse by adopting better posture when seated at a computer.

  • Most headaches are not an indication of a life-threatening condition. However, If you experience a sudden severe headache which reaches peak severity within 30 seconds, seek immediate medical intervention. Similarly, if you experience fascial or arm paralysis, a sudden change in personality or troubles speaking, also seek immediate medical intervention.

  • The best and easiest way to book your appointment is to book online. You will be able to see all the available appointments at a glance making it simple to find a time that suits you. Alternatively, you can contact us by email or phone here.

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If you have any further questions, please check out our FAQs page, or get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.