Headaches Can Really Be A Big Deal
If you or someone you know have frequent headaches then you know that a headache is a day ruiner. When you have a headache — a real headache — you just want to be left alone. You can’t think, it’s hard to talk, it’s hard to listen, bright lights hurt you and all you want to do is crawl under a blanket and hide from the whole world. Unfortunately the world doesn’t wait on you and very often you still try to make it through the day with pain. Does it sound familiar? The first step is to get a diagnosis of what kind of headache you have. There are a lot of different ones.
Headaches
- Tension headache
- Cluster headache
- Migraine headache
- Hemicrania continua
- Ice pick headache
- Thunderclap headache
- Hormone headache(menstrual migraine)
- Caffeine headache
- Exertion headache
- Hypertension headache
- Rebound headache
- Post-traumatic headache
- Hypertension headache
- Spinal headache
Tension Type Headache
Let’s address the ones that are most common and treatable by chiropractic here. By far the most common headache is the “tension type headache.” This headache describes itself pretty well. Due to tension in the muscles, usually in the neck or upper back, it refers pain into your head. This headache is sometimes felt in the temples on both sides or one, and sometimes pain can be behind the eye as well. This condition is very treatable by massage and chiropractic. Please do not wait if you are experiencing these symptoms. Most people wait in the hope that it will go away, but over time it tends to progress and get worse.
Why Tension Headaches Get Worse
Here is why it gets worse. Usually, people that have this headache have poor ergonomic habits. For example, sitting wrong at the computer while playing games or working, browsing the phone, sitting on a couch while watching TV, reading while in bed, and many more. The more you do activities that cause your headache, the more your muscles become tight. If your muscles are tight, it predisposes you to a sprain/strain mechanism. The more sprain/strains you accumulate, the higher the chance you will get more headaches. It’s a downward spiral that fuels itself and progressively gets worse unless it is stopped. When headaches are in their beginning stages, it’s much easier to take care of. It becomes more difficult as they increase in severity.
Migraine Headaches
Another common headache is a migraine. A true migraine is defined by aura (visual effects of color that occur before the onset of a severe headache). This headache commonly takes people out for 2-3 days at a time. Usually, people can’t go through the day when this migraine headache is present. There is anecdotal evidence in treating this. In my experience, I was able to help manage it for my patients. Very frequently, the common finding in these people is a decreased neck curve, which can be diagnosed by a simple X-ray. A decreased curve in the neck leads to increased tension, and that, in turn, decreases blood flow to the head. When enough blood flow decreases, a migraine headache may be triggered. Since this is related to postural correction, it takes a few months to achieve, but if you would like to know more about this, read a page about Posture and Posture Correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chiropractic actually help headaches?
It helps most with tension-type and cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches, where tight neck and upper-back muscles refer pain into the head. Gentle adjustments, massage, and posture work can reduce how often these headaches happen and how bad they feel. Evidence for migraine is more limited, but improving neck posture may still lower how frequently migraines occur for some people.
How many visits will I need before my headaches improve?
It depends on the cause and how long you have had the headaches, so this is only a general estimate. Some people feel relief within a few visits, while posture-related headaches often take several weeks to a few months of steady care. Dr. Nikolay Chernukhin reassesses your progress along the way and tells you honestly if chiropractic is not the right fit.
Do you take my insurance or auto accident PIP?
Yes. The clinic bills most health insurance and auto injury PIP (Personal Injury Protection) directly, so you usually do not pay the full cost upfront. It is smart to have us verify your specific plan or PIP claim before your first visit.