Headaches and Migraines (click this link to see the full presentation)
There are several kinds of headaches. Some of the more common types are migraine, tension, and cluster. Many patients have a prodrome to their headache. A prodrome is a set of symptoms or events that happens leading up to the actual event, in this case the headache. In this case, the chiropractic patient should get to their doctor as soon as possible for an adjustment.
Migraine Symptoms:
Nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, double or blurry vision, pounding or throbbing head, etc.
For migraine patients, a regular sleep schedule is important. Do not over or under sleep. Do not skip meals. Get tested for food allergies. Avoid foods with tyramine or other foods that seem to trigger headaches. Developing stress management techniques is also very helpful.
Tension headaches are more difficult to manage because external factors are not under the patient’s control. Patients with tension headaches should correct postural imbalances with spinal adjustments. Get proper advice on home and work station ergonomics. Myofascial and trigger point therapy helps a great deal.
Cluster headaches are also quite common. Just as the name implies, they occur in clusters. You may have several headaches in a brief period of time then be headache free for a while. Then another cluster of headaches followed by the headache free period, etc. To help prevent cluster headaches, avoid alcohol and smoking. Ask your healthcare provider about oxygen use. Some headaches are cervicogenic . If your headaches are caused by problems in the neck, a chiropractor may be able to help a great deal.
Some conditions that may result from pressure on or interference with the nerves
C1: Headaches, nervousness, insomnia, head colds, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, mental conditions, nervous breakdowns, amnesia, epilepsy, chronic tiredness, and dizziness. C2: Sinus trouble, allergies, crossed eyes, deafness, eye troubles, earache, fainting spells, and certain cases of blindness. C3: Neuralgia, neuritis, acne or pimples, and eczema. C4: Hay fever, rose fever, etc., hard of hearing, adenoid infections, and post nasal drip. C5: Laryngitis, hoarseness, and throat conditions like sore throat.
There are nutritional approaches. Feverfew, 5-HTP, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Calcium Citrate or Calcium Lactate, Magnesium Lactate, and some B vitamins are helpful nutritional support to improve a patient with headaches. Our office recommends the use of Antronex, Phosfood Liquid, Symplex F or M (Female or male), Calcium Lactate, Boswellia, ChelaCo, and white Peony , and Cataplex B.
Headaches can be serious and even life threatening. There is no substitute for a thorough history and exam from a licensed healthcare provider. In our office, we often refer to medical doctors and other licensed professionals when appropriate to the patients needs. We will also work in conjunction with other healthcare providers to help patients.






