Headaches
The potential causes for headaches are numerous, but research has shown that many are associated with the cervical vertebrae, or the spinal bones of the neck. The extreme mobility of the neck creates a constant danger of one or more of these vertebrae becoming displaced, potentially compressing and irritating the cervical nerves.
Types of Headaches
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They are caused by contraction or muscle strain, and they usually cause pain that is felt in the forehead or the back of the head and neck. In most cases, the pain can be described as a dull ache. Tension headaches usually come on gradually and last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines can take many forms. Most commonly, a migraine causes severe pain as the result of the blood vessels in the head dilating and pressing on sensitive nerve endings. A classic migraine is often preceded by an “aura”, or unusual visual sensation or other sensations like numbness, weakness or tingling. Sufferers of classic migraines may experience nausea, vomiting and feelings of exhaustion afterward.
Cluster Headaches
Sometimes classified as migraines, cluster headaches also occur as the result of the dilation of blood vessels in the head. The term “cluster” is used to describe the way the headaches occur in distinct, clustered episodes. Typically sufferers of cluster headaches experience several headaches for a week or two and then do not have any more for an extended period of time. Cluster headaches usually last around 15 to 30 minutes and come in violent, painful repetition.
Chiropractic Treatment for Headaches
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers for your headaches may seem like an easy solution, but in reality, doing so isn’t a solution at all. Pain relievers mere mask pain without addressing the underlying problem that is causing your symptoms. In time, you will become immune to a pain medication, and you will need to take higher doses in order to experience any degree in relief. Eventually, it may stop providing any relief to your pain.
If you are suffering from headaches in Hillsboro, you should seek immediate help from a Hillsboro chiropractor. At WellCore Health and Chiropractic, Dr. Anthony Marasco will determine the exact cause of your headaches and work with you to find a solution that eliminates your pain rather than masking it. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we will also make nutritional and exercise suggestions to help you improve your wellness and prevent headaches.
To schedule a consultation for headache relief in Hillsboro, please call WellCore Health and Chiropractic now at 503-648-6997.