If you are reading this blog there’s a good chance you’ve experienced a headache at one time or another in your life. The American Headache Society reported that nearly 40% of our population suffers from episodic headaches each year while a mere 3% are reported to have chronic tension headaches. Tension headaches are more common than the all too familiar ache called migraines. Knowing the difference between the two is important in finding the proper treatment plan for you.
Let’s break down the two.
Tension Headaches: are typically a tightness or continued ache positioned in the neck, particularly located in the base of the skull. This can aggravate the upper cervical nerve roots resulting in pain and/or numbness in the head. The pain can at times reach the eyes but often will stop at the top of the head. Common triggers may include strain on muscles, everyday stress and anxiety.
Migraine Headaches: Migraines are often much more intense and can be incapacitating to those who suffer from them. Migraines can remain on one side of the head and can be associated with vomiting and nausea. Often migraine headaches have a strong family history, which can indicate genetics play a role.
Causes: There are many reasons we can get headaches. The main ones can include lack of sleep, stress and can also result from a recent injury- such as a vehicle accident or sports injury.
Triggers: Everyone is different in what can “trigger” a migraine. A few common triggers can be chocolate, caffeine, dehydration, dried fruits, exercise, food additives, lights, medications, noise, alcohol, weather, etc.
How can chiropractic help: Research has shown that chiropractic is highly effective for both types of headaches (Tension vs. Migraine). Deep tissue release techniques, spinal adjustments and nutritional counseling are just among the few common steps utilized by our chiropractors.