Headache is one of the most common conditions known to man, with nine out of ten Americans suffer from them either occasionally or on a more chronic basis. Today, nearly 30 million Americans suffer from migraines, and three times as many women are affected as men.

How can you successfully treat my headaches & migraines?

The most important thing your chiropractor will do is properly diagnose the type and source of your headaches. If it’s originating from subluxations (misalignments) in the neck and spine, he/she will perform spinal manipulation and other adjustments to reduce stress and eliminate neck and back tension. It’s important to know the cause of these misalignments – whether they’re from sports activities, sitting in fixed positions too long, or lack of exercise – so your chiropractor can create a program of treatment. Treatment will likely involve chiropractic treatment, diet, proper ergonomic (work) postures, exercise, and relaxation techniques. At Oakland Spine & physical therapy, we also employ the Butler Spine Program – a breakthrough non-surgical treatment using the LCT 1000 Deep Tissue (Class IV) Laser and spinal decompression – to treat neck pain, headaches, and migraines.

What are the symptoms of headaches & migraines?

Headaches are divided into primary headaches (which account for 95% of headaches) and those headaches that signal another physical condition. Migraine symptoms may include:

• Dull, sharp, or throbbing moderate to severe pain
• Pain behind the eyes or on one or both sides of the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell
• Pain that gets worse with routine physical activity
• Blurred vision

What causes headaches & migraines?

Several factors can trigger primary headaches, the most common being stress, tension, allergies, colds and flu viruses, insomnia, alcohol (particularly red wine), certain foods (such as processed meats that contain nitrates), poor posture, skipped meals, and changes in sleep or lack of sleep. Another common culprit is a sedentary lifestyle, which can create joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck, upper back, and scalp. Some people may also carry genes that predispose them to certain types of headaches. The cause of migraines is a bit of a mystery, but may be linked to central nervous system disorders, genes, vascular problems, or chemical abnormalities. Many of the triggers of primary headaches can also cause migraines.