Headaches

Are headaches common?

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, 1 in 4 households include someone with migraines. In the United States, 18% of women, 6% of men and 10% of children experience migraines.

Doctors of chiropractic successfully help thousands of individuals everyday obtain safe, effective, long-term relief from their headaches. This is because most headaches have a spinal, muscular, or habitual component,
which the chiropractor has been trained to identify and treat.  

What are the types of headaches?

• Cervicogenic headaches 

Cervicogenic headaches originate from tissues and structures in the cervical spine or neck region. The headache is generally a very constant, strong, yet dull pain. The most common location of pain is around the
orbital (eye) region and upper neck area, but may also include other areas of the face, head and neck. The headache may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing of the ears, and sensitivity to light and sound.

These headaches are caused by irritation or injury to the structures of the upper neck region, resulting in local neck pain, as well as, referred pain to the temporal and facial regions. They can be precipitated or aggravated by head and neck movements, and by applying deep pressure to the muscles of the upper cervical area.

• Tension headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, representing approximately 60% of all headaches. They can be caused by the sustained contraction of the muscles in the neck and head region. There is a constant pressure sensation, generally feeling like a tight band is wrapping around the head. Pain usually starts in the base of the skull or temporal regions of the head and spreads outward to affect other areas of the head and neck.

• Post-traumatic headaches

These headaches are initiated from head or neck injury, such as in whiplash-type injury or blow to the head. The resulting headache varies from person to person.

• Drug-induced headaches

Headaches that are drug-induced are usually dull, diffuse and non-throbbing affecting both sides of the head. They are frequently present first thing in the morning and persist throughout the day. Experts claim that as many as 60% of chronic headaches are drug-induced. It's quite ironic that the abuse or frequent use of medications used to relieve the symptoms of a headache can actually end up perpetuating the headache or cause new headaches.

Many individuals think that consistent headaches are normal and will take over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs to find relief from pain. Unfortunately, these types of drugs only work to dull the pain rather than find the cause. Because they don't treat the underlying cause, a headache will often return.

Most individuals think that consistent headaches are normal and will take over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs to find relief from pain. Unfortunately, these types of drugs only work to dull the pain rather than find the cause. Because they don’t treat the underlying cause, a headache will often return.

How does DiLorenzo Chiropractic help?

Dr. Matt is trained in specific upper cervical care, which often times is the solution to your headache and migraine symptoms. When out of alignment, the atlas and axis, the first 2 vertebrae found in the neck, are often the cause of the headache symptoms. Dr. Matt not only has the traditional techniques of adjusting the spine in his toolbox, but he is one of the few Doctors who is trained in the alignment of the upper cervical spine, or orthospinology.

For more information see this link.