Headaches are common. While most are only inconvenient, some headaches may be symptomatic of a more dangerous underlying condition. Dr. Janice Cheatwood of Cheatwood Chiropractic in Brandon, FL, offers various headache (and related migraine) treatment options that can help you better manage these life-disrupting conditions.
Headache Symptoms
Because just about everyone will experience a headache during their life, it should come as no surprise that headaches present in various ways. The two primary categories of headaches include the following –
Primary Headaches
- The most common headaches are tension headaches. They are typically characterized by a dull ache felt behind the eyes and/or a tight band of tension around the head. Approximately three of four headaches are tension headaches.
- Migraine headaches are neurologically based and have the potential to last hours or even days. They can cause intense, debilitating pain and nausea, further intensified by sound and light.
- Cluster Headaches, which primarily afflict those 20 to 40 years of age, are best described by intense pain felt on only one side of the head/face.
- NDPH is an acronym for New Daily Persistent Headaches. These are rare with yet-to-be-discovered sources.
Secondary Headaches – examples of secondary headaches include the following -
- Sinus Headaches.
- Dehydration Headaches.
- Overusing Medication.
Common Headache Triggers
Displacements of discs or spinal structures in the upper back or neck region often cause tension headaches. Fortunately, headaches from these subluxations can be effectively managed with chiropractic adjustments.
Other headache triggers include –
- Chemical or toxin exposure. This may include nitrates (which are often used to preserve cold cuts and even found in heart medicine), MSG (Monosodium gluconate), nicotine, etc.
- Stress/anxiety/depression, etc.
- Lifestyle factors –
- Particular cheeses, chocolates, and pickled/fermented foods contain high levels of tyramine (an amino acid) that is believed to trigger headaches.
- Changes or disruptions in sleep.
- Poor eating habits.
- Improper posture.
- Excessive exercise can cause exertion headaches, among others.
How Can Our Brandon Chiropractor Provide Headache Relief?
Chiropractic adjustments, as a part of integrative care, have been shown to treat tension and even migraine headaches effectively. But note potential after-effects of a spinal adjustment may include short-term fatigue.
Ready to Speak with the Professionals at Cheatwood Chiropractic?
If you frequently experience headaches or migraines that impact your daily life in and around Brandon, FL, contact Dr. Cheatwood or a member of our staff for an appointment at 813-681-4418 or text us at 813-399-1539.