Everyone suffers from it from time to time, headaches. 20% of the population suffers from headaches every week. This makes headaches one of the most common complaints. You can suffer from different types of headaches. The most common are tension headaches and migraine. In addition, you may suffer from cluster headaches, hormonal headaches, or facial pain. Too much pain medication or caffeine can also cause headache symptoms. Do you also suffer from frequent headaches? The chiropractor specifically treats your tension headaches and migraines.

 

Tension headaches

Although this headache is called "tension headache," it is certainly not always caused by tension. This headache is not serious, but it is annoying. The pain can be worsened by stress, poor sleep, fatigue, or poor posture.

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Characteristics of tension headache:

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- the pain often radiates from the neck to the head;
- the headache is an oppressive pain, often felt as a band around the head;
- the pain is usually on both sides of your head or in the neck, but can also be on 1 side;
- the muscles of the shoulders, neck, and skull rim are often sensitive;
- the pain can last from a few minutes to many days;
- the pain is present, but usually, you can go on with your daily activities.
- You may be bothered by loud noises or bright light.

Neck muscles and joints are often the cause of your symptoms
There are several theories about the cause of tension headaches. Often it originates from the neck. When joints do not move properly and muscles are very tense high up in the neck, it can lead to headaches.

 

Headaches and chiropractic care
When you first come to the chiropractor the chiropractor will first ask you questions about your complaint and do an examination. You will always be explained the findings and, with your approval, treatment can be started after that. Sometimes on the same day already, sometimes at the next appointment. If the chiropractor needs more information or the complaint does not belong to chiropractic, this will be discussed with you.

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Comprehensive treatment program
The chiropractor has a wide range of treatment techniques for tension headaches. The treatments focus on improving the mobility of the joints and muscles of the neck and related areas of the back. You will also receive advice on good (sleep) posture, ergonomics, sports, exercises, and possibly nutrition. A healthy lifestyle is very important to minimize these headache symptoms.

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Migraines
If you have intense stabbing or throbbing headaches, often on one side of the head, you may have a migraine. The pain gets worse with exertion, and you may feel nauseous and vomit. Often bright light or loud noise is hard to bear. Sometimes migraines are preceded by an "aura. You may see some kind of flashes or glare 30-60 minutes before the headache begins. In a few cases, you may experience numbness, tingling, or some loss of strength on one side of your face or body. Migraines often come in attacks.

The nervous system's influence on blood vessels likely causes migraine
Migraines are most likely caused by the influence of the nervous system on blood vessels. Medications can help during a migraine attack. Your diet is also very important, as certain foods such as wine, cheese, and chocolate can cause a migraine attack.

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The chiropractor has different treatment techniques for tension headaches. Chiropractic care is unfortunately not always the solution for migraines, but often a chiropractor can help reduce your attacks in frequency and intensity. In addition, your chiropractor can advise you on your diet and other lifestyle habits. This can also contribute to you having migraines less often and needing to take less medication.