Headache Treatment

There are various classifications of headaches and many sources from which headaches occur.

The term “headaches” can be broken down into migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Migraines can be accompanied by auras (visual, verbal, motor, or sensory precursors), nausea, vomiting, and sensitivities to light and sound. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Symptoms of tension headaches include pain at the base of the head, neck pain, or pain around the eyes. Cluster headaches are groups of headaches that are short lived but are very intense. They are similar to migraines but they affect men more than women and more commonly occur at night. The pain associated with cluster headaches can be described as shooting, burning, or stabbing.

The chiropractic approach to treating headaches is multifaceted. The suboccipital muscles attach to the base of the skull and connect to the first and second vertebrae. If these vertebrae are subluxated, they can create tension in the cervical musculature. Other things can create tension as well-physical, mental, and environmental stress. Adjustments can correct the subluxations and relieve the tension in the neck. Ice, trigger point, ultrasound, and electric stimulation can assist in relieving muscle tension.

Jaw disfunction (TMJ) can affect headaches. The jaw has surrounding musculature that attaches to the skull. The jaw is also a joint and therefore can be adjusted. Chiropractors can narrow down headache triggers such as food, chemicals, hormones, lifestyle factors, allergies, eye and dental issues, and assist in determining the proper treatment route. Prescription and over the counter medications can also impact headaches.

Headache Treatment in Eau Claire, Ladysmith, and Superior WI