Dennis Newhook RMT, CYT
Headaches are among the most common complaints we see at Lifewise, affecting both men and women, young to old. While some headaches are the result of underlying medical conditions, the majority of headaches, known as tension headaches, result from our busy lifestyles. Muscle tension in the shoulders and neck contribute to most headaches. These factors can be easily treated by paying more attention to posture, stretching, and drinking enough water. Prolonged computer use leading to poor sitting posture and strained eyes is another major contributor to tension headaches. Beyond improving your posture and increasing exercise, improving your sleep and treating any jaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction can greatly relieve headache symptoms.
Some people suffer with migraine headaches - which are poorly understood and experts have yet to agree on one concrete definition or cause. Two theories include the vascular model (often treated with vasoconstricting drugs) and the neurogenic model (affecting pain-sensitive nerves from the trigeminal nerve and the upper neck). The neurogenic model is supported by studies that have shown chiropractic adjustments to be helpful in relieving migraine symptoms. Migraines are often accompanied by auras, light/scent sensitivities, nausea, vomiting, and irritability.
Some headaches accompany more serious conditions or result from medication errors or side-effects. If a headache follows an acute head trauma and is accompanied with confusion, fever, or changes in vision be sure to seek immediate medical advice.
