HEADACHES

The term ‘headache disorder’ encompasses a number of conditions that vary in severity, incidence and duration. Tension-type headaches and migraines are the most prevalent headache disorders and, both with disabling potential, they have the greatest impact on public health.

Here at Strathalbyn Chiropractic our thorough examination and assessment will help ascertain whether chiropractic care may be of benefit to your headache. If so, an appropriate treatment plan will be recommended.

Tension Headaches

There are many different causes of headaches and the most common type is a tension headache. About 7 million Australians, 36% of men and 42% of women suffer from them. Generally, they are caused by muscular tension in the neck and upper back which refers pain into the head. People commonly experience pain at the base of the skull or forehead.

Some causes of tension headaches are:

• Poor posture

• Whiplash injuries 

• Lack of sleep

Signs and symptoms of a tension headache include:

• Dull, aching head pain

• Whiplash injuries 

• Lack of sleep

• Sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head

• Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles

Migraines

Approximately 2 million Australians suffer from migraines, that is close to 10% of the population. They affect women more than men, close to 1.5 million women compared to 500,000 men.

Warning symptoms known as aura may occur before or with the headache. These can include flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling on one side of the face or in your arm or leg. This is followed by an intense, often throbbing headache which can last 4 - 72 hours. It can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, where the person just needs to lie down in a dark and quiet room. Once the attack has finished many people feel washed out or confused, however, some people feel elated.

Pain relief medication may be helpful to cope with some headaches, but it is important to investigate and overcome the cause of the headache. 

Why Choose Chiropractic for Headache Relief?

Strathalbyn Chiropractors will use a range of methods to determine the exact cause of your problems and then tailor a Chiropractic care programme specifically for you. In addition to Chiropractic treatment and soft tissue work, you will be given advice on how to minimise the return of your headache through stretches, exercises, posture and nutrition advice.

If you or someone you know thinks they may be suffering from a headache or migraine of musculoskeletal origin call our team or book online today.