With the holidays over and the in-laws out of town you have
decreased your chances of a headache about 60%.
Doroski Chiropractic Neurology in the Woodbridge, Dale City Virginia
area would like to give you some tips on avoiding the other 40%
Headaches are more common in adults, although they can
develop at any time in life. Approximately 4 out of 5 children have headaches
at some point, but most are benign and self-resolving. In fact, many adults who
suffer from headaches report having the first headache in childhood.
Headache symptoms usually begin gradually. In fact, the
sudden onset of severe headache may signify a serious problem and requires
immediate medical attention. Common headache is often described as achy, dull
or throbbing pain. It typically begins at the base of the skull/upper part of
the neck and may radiate into the eye(s), the temple, or other locations.
Headaches may be felt on one or both sides of the head. Often loud noises or
bright lights may make them worse. Some patients may become nauseated or
experience odd smells, sounds, or sights before and during the headache attack.
How Is a Headache Evaluated?
Early diagnosis and treatment are important in identifying a
serious underlying cause for your headache. In most cases, an in-depth history
and physical examination can help determine if your symptoms are related to an
easily treated problem, or if it is more serious.
Your doctor can use other tests that reproduce the symptoms
of your headache to help develop a specific management plan for your condition,
or refer you to another health care provider. X-rays, laboratory tests and even
advanced imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be
necessary.
Your doctor may ask you to complete a headache diary, recording:
day and time of the headache
headache location
what the headache feels like
what you were doing when the headache began
how long the headache lasts
what makes it feel better or worse
anything else you notice before, during, or after the
attacks
What Is the Treatment for Headaches?
Headache treatment is cause-related. Doctors of chiropractic
often treat patients with tension-type headaches and headaches caused by
problems with the joints and muscles in the neck, as well.
Joint manipulation and mobilization of the neck, along with
stretching and strengthening exercises, have been demonstrated to be effective
in the treatment of this type of headache.
Massage and other forms of soft-tissue treatment can
sometimes be helpful.
Scientists are also investigating other therapies, such as
acupuncture, to prevent and treat this disorder. Over-the-counter pain
relievers, such as acetaminophen, can be used for an occasional headache, but
not for long-term headache management.
More serious causes of headache require aggressive treatment,
and your doctor of chiropractic can assist you in finding a medical headache
specialist. The majority of patients
with headache recover completely after treatment. Unfortunately, the recurrence
rate is relatively high, particularly with tension-type headache. If you have
any questions or concerns about headache, feel free to discuss them with your
doctor or chiropractic.
What Causes Headaches?
Headaches can be primary and secondary. Primary headaches do
not result from some other health condition.
The most common type of primary headache is caused by
problems with the neck muscles. Changes in the blood vessels inside the skull
usually cause migraines. Other common types of headache include “cluster”
headaches—headaches grouped together over weeks at a time; sinus headaches,
associated with allergies and/or sinus infection; and headaches from poor
vision.
Secondary headache results from some other cause or
condition—head injury, concussion, blood vessel problems, or high blood
pressure—or from side effects of some medications, infections in the head or
sinuses or elsewhere in the body. Rare headache causes include tumors,
aneurysms and other abnormal growths inside the skull, and toxic substances in
the blood. Certain foods, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food flavor
enhancer, may cause headaches, as well.
How Can Headaches Be
Prevented?
Muscle-tension headaches can often be avoided by maintaining
proper posture and neck movements while performing your normal activities. You
should:
Avoid slouching
Avoid reading with your neck bent forward
Keep your computer monitor at eye level
Take frequent breaks from reading and working on the
computer.
Try a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet. A recent
study demonstrated that such a diet can dramatically lower the frequency,
intensity, and\duration of migraine headaches.
3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102
Woodbridge VA 22192
703 730 9588
