Headaches are common and happen to most individuals occasionally; however, some individuals experience chronic or intense headaches with the potential to disrupt one’s daily life. While most headaches will pass pretty quickly, there are certain types that may reflect an unidentified, serious condition. At Atkinson Family Spine Care in Greenwood, SC, Dr. Matthew Atkinson provides a variety of chiropractic and complementary techniques that assist in better managing headaches that interrupt the quality of your life.
Types of Headaches
Headaches typically manifest in each person distinctively. However, there are some patterns that show up frequently. These are the fundamental types of headaches -
- Primary Headaches
- Tension Headaches – Approximately 75% of headaches are tension types, manifesting as a dull ache or various levels of discomfort behind the eyes.
- Migraine Headaches are neurologically based and aggravated by light and sound. They can cause debilitating pain and nausea that can potentially last for several days.
- Cluster Headaches – these typically manifest in those 20 to 40 as intense pain on one side.
- New Daily Persistent Headaches – refers to a rare medical condition that presents with an unanticipated onset that can last up to three months.
- Secondary Headaches These headaches are symptomatic of another medical issue, like dehydration.
Usual Headache Triggers
Misalignment or displacement of the vertebrae in the neck or upper back can cause headaches. Other triggers include -
- Lifestyle Factors
- Poor sleep hygiene/routine.
- Dietary choices with excess levels of certain amino acids can cause headaches. Examples of these food choices would include chocolate, cheese, and pickled food.
- Excessive exercise.
- Stressors
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
- MSG (Monosodium glutamate).
- Nitrates.
- Nicotine, and more.
Chiropractic Techniques for Headache Relief
Fortunately, various chiropractic and complementary treatment options have been shown to help reduce headaches. The following are among the treatments available at Atkinson Family Spine Care to assist in the treatment of headaches and related symptoms –
- Chiropractic adjustments.
- Trigger Point Massage.
- Therapeutic Exercise, to release tight tissues.
Contact a Greenwood, SC, Chiropractor for Headache Pain Today
Have you been bothered by headaches? Dr. Atkinson and his team of health professionals at Atkinson Family Spine Care will tailor a comprehensive treatment plan for your headache relief.
For more information, contact Atkinson Family Spine Care at 864-381-7567. To book a consultation, you can also contact a member of our staff online.