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Headaches
You may have experienced a headache sometime in your life, but do you know the reason why? Or which ones require special attention? Primary types of headaches include tension, migraine and cluster. Secondary headaches are caused by other problems that include caffeine/analgesic withdrawal or more serious diseases like brain tumours, strokes, or hematomas.
The more common tension headache is experienced by 90% of adults; it is more common in females and is caused mainly by stress. A band-like tightness or pressure can be felt on both sides of the head when experiencing one. They can occur sporadically, but can happen frequently.
Migraines affect 12% of the population and occur in women (18%) more than men (6%). They are caused by a dilation of the artery on the side of the head and a release of chemicals from the surrounding nerves, which results in inflammation and pain. An intense throbbing/pounding feeling in one side of the head (1/3 of the time on both sides) can last from 4 – 72 hours. Migraines may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. They are usually recurrent and chronic.
Some more serious reasons for headaches include brain tumour, hematomas (bleeding following trauma to the head) or stroke (blood clot or blood vessel rupture). Although you should always go to a health practitioner for correct diagnosis and proper treatment, seek immediate attention if your headache is:
- severe
- different from usual headaches
- starts suddenly after exertion
- associated with persistent nausea/vomiting
- associated with
o stiff neck
o fever
o dizziness
o blurred vision
o slurred speech
o unsteady gait
o weakness or unusual sensation of arm or leg
o excessive drowsiness or confusion
o seizures
o recent head trauma or fall
- not responding to treatment and is getting worse
Headaches treated successfully in the chiropractor's office are most commonly tension headaches, and sometimes migraines.