Headaches

Headaches are a common occurrence for many people. Some headaches can be more long term or more intense, giving annoying, consistent discomfort and pain. They can be caused by a wide variety of problems, including problems with the neck and shoulders – most of which are very treatable.

headache art

A headache can range in intensity from a mild background tingle to a sudden thunderbolt of pain.

The actual type of pain experienced and secondary symptoms vary a lot from one person to the next. The first question to answer is to find out what type or classification of headache that you are suffering. Below are some of the more common ones.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic Type Headaches

shutterstock_180863306 Tight muscles in the neck or shoulders can refer pain to the head, causing headaches. Pain is usually felt around the base of the skull and around the ears. This is known as a ‘Cervicogenic’ headache.

Loosening the muscles and gently mobilizing the joints of the neck and shoulders can help to ease the pain and discomfort and prevent it from recurring.

Migraines

Migraine Type Headaches

shutterstock_125072162 ‘Migraines’ can be classified into two types: classic and common.

A Classic Migraine is associated with visual disturbances and occasionally nausea prior to the onset of pain, followed by an episode of fatigue and tiredness.

A Common Migraine does not have the visual or nausea symptoms. There is a large, and indeed growing body of evidence to show that chiropractic care can lead to a decrease in the severity and frequency of migraine type headaches.

Chiropractic care can also deal with the secondary problems associated with Migraines such as neck tension, tight muscles and stiff joints.

Headache Danger Signs…

Although most headaches are of a simple and treatable cause, some headaches can be a sign that something more is wrong. We recommend that you consult your GP if any of the following apply…

• You get a headache right after physical activity such as gym, aerobics, or running.
• You get a headache suddenly and it’s explosive or violent. or after a head injury.
• You have a headache and either slurred speech, eye sight problems, problems with movement of your arms/ legs, balance loss, confusion or memory loss.
• You have a headache and a fever, sickness, nausea or even vomiting.
• You get a headache that is severe and just in one eye, with a bloodshot appearance.
• You have just developed the onset of persistent headaches (esp if older than 50) or if getting significantly worse over 24 hours.
• You have a history of cancer and develop a new persistent headache.

What to do if you suffer with cervicogenic headaches or migraines

Treating your pain… Anyone who visits our clinic will always, above all else, receive a full and thorough assessment. Furthermore, we will give you a clear and honest explanation as to what we believe is causing your pain and what the best course of action is to get things back on track.

Our aim is to get you back to your best as quickly as possible using specific mobilisations, gentle manipulation, and a wide variety of soft tissue therapies. Dry needling may also be used where appropriate. We will always give you a summary of your initial visit so that you have a record to take home.

Prevent recurrence of pain…. Our clinical team pride themselves on preventative care. We will always prescribe a completely personalised ‘home help’ program to ALL patients who visit our clinic. This is essential to make the best and most long lasting recovery. We aim to put you in control so we can both achieve the most permanent solution possible. Call the clinic today for an appointment on 01452309372 or to chat with a member of the team.

If you would like to find out more about our clinic, or how we could help you, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can use the contact us page of this website or phone 01452 309372.