Ailments and Treatments
Headaches
More than 10% of the UK’s population suffers from headaches and the pain associated leads to the greatest number of medical visits.
There are over 20 varieties of headache, but one of the most severe and commonly treated is migraine. Most migraine sufferers have their first attack in their early 20s and three times as many women as men suffer from migraines. Migraines usually occur at intervals, with no pain in between attacks. The headache can last for a few hours or several days, with other symptoms like nausea, visual, hearing or smell disturbances also occuring.
Headaches can also be caused by stress, and are often due to underlying problems within the joints and muscles of the neck.
Painkillers may provide temporary relief for a headache, however they do not address the underlying cause. Chiropractic care may be able to provide a more permanent solution, as a chiropractor will assess the body to discover potential sources of the pain to help prevent or reduce recurrence.
Chiropractors employ many different techniques in the treatment of headaches. Manipulation of the joints in the spine may be performed, along with various muscle stretching and strengthening exercises when appropriate. Chiropractors may also utilise massage, acupuncture and herbal remedies in the treatment of headaches. If your posture is a potential contributor, then your chiropractor will be able to advise you on the best way to correct this, enabling you to help prevent the headaches returning. Sleeping positions and pillows are other possible causes of headaches, and this is an another area that chiropractors are qualified to give advice on if needed. The longer standing a problem is, the longer it may take to feel the full benefits of any treatment plan.
"Headaches can be due to a number of various factors. If you suffer from migraines, then cutting common trigger foods such as red wine, chocolate, caffeine and fast food from your diet one at a time may help to prevent them occurring. If your posture is contributing to headaches then addressing your sleeping and driving positions may be of benefit. Similarly, ensuring your workplace is set up for you may be vital in correcting your posture. Also, having time to relax in a quiet environment may reduce the frequency of tension headaches caused by stress."
"Sleeping on your front causes your neck and spine to twist and should be therefore avoided. Some people wake up on their front, having gone to sleep on their back. Placing a pillow on either side of you just before sleeping can prevent this. Cut out trigger foods such as chocolates, crisps, red wine, caffeine-containing beverages, ready-prepared meals and fast food one at a time, to find out which ones you are sensitive to. Always take time out to relax in a quiet environment."
