Headaches and migraines are unfortunately common problems for adults. Stress, lack of sleep, nutrition, hormones, allergies, and health issues can all contribute to headaches or migraines. For some, the pain is only mild, while other people may experience debilitating headaches or migraines that interfere with their usual activities. However, you don't have to rely on a pain medication. At Winchester Chiropractic Center in Winchester, VA, we can help. We offer chiropractic care as a natural solution to headaches and migraines.
What’s the Difference?
Usually, a headache is a dull, aching sensation in your head. It may be mild to severe and affect your forehead, back of the neck, or temples. Pain may last for minutes or days.
Migraines, on the other hand, tend to cause moderate to severe pain and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, or sensitivity to light and sound. Usually, a migraine will only affect one side of your head. Some people experience auras with or before their migraines, which cause symptoms like the following:
- Difficulty thinking and concentrating
- Visual disturbances
- Tingling or numbness in hands or face
- Sensory changes
- Difficulty speaking
After a migraine, you may experience constipation, irritability, frequent yawning, unusual food cravings, and depression. Conversely, a headache won't cause any abnormalities in your senses, nor will you experience vomiting or tingling or numbness.
Causes
Migraines may be caused by several problems. Females may suffer from migraines before their menstrual cycle. Contraceptives can also contribute to migraines. Other possible causes include alcohol use, anxiety, environmental factors, reduction in sleep, intense physical exertion, or certain medications or foods.
Headaches may also come from a lack of sleep, anxiety, alcohol use, medication, or environmental factors. High blood pressure or a physical injury could also contribute to a headache, as well as allergies or poor posture.
Diagnosis
Before our chiropractor can determine an appropriate treatment approach, you'll undergo a thorough evaluation. For instance, our practitioner will ask when the headaches started, their intensity, if you noticed any possible triggers, and if they're accompanied by other symptoms.
Treatment
Our adjustment chiropractor may recommend a chiropractic adjustment, which is a treatment that realigns the discs and vertebrae in your back. Ultimately, this treatment will relieve pressure on the soft tissue and nerves in your shoulders, upper back, and neck, which could be contributing to your headaches. Additionally, a spinal adjustment may enhance nutrient flow throughout your back to help with a nutrient deficiency.
Other possible treatments could include posture improvement, lifestyle changes, and nutrient supplementation.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Chiropractor
A medication isn't the only option for migraine and headache relief. Our chiropractor provides natural remedies to help ease the pain and prevent headaches or migraines from reoccurring. At Winchester Chiropractic Center, serving Winchester, VA, we can help your body heal and recover from headaches or migraines. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
