Monday, December 16, 2013

What Kind of Headache Do I Have? | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC


Headaches come in MANY different sizes, shapes, and colors. In fact, if you
search “headache classification,” you will find the IHS (International Headache
Society) 152 page manual (PDF) lists MANY different types of headaches! Last
month, we discussed migraine headaches. This month, we’ll talk about the other
headache types. So WHY is this important? Very simply, if we know the type of
headache you have, we will be able to provide you with the proper treatment.
Headaches are classified into two main groups: “primary” and “secondary”
headaches. The “Primary” headache list includes: 1) Migraine; 2) Tension-type;
3) Cluster; 4) “Other primary headaches,” of which eight are listed. One might
think that with this simple breakdown of the different types of headaches it
should be easy to diagnose a type of headache. Unfortunately, that’s NOT true!
In fact, a 2004 study published that 80% of people with a recent history of
either self or doctor diagnosed sinus headache had NO signs of sinus infection
and actually met the criteria for migraine headaches! So, the more we can learn
about the different types of headaches, the more likely that we will arrive at
an accurate diagnosis.
Tension-Type Headaches: This is the most common type affecting between 30-78% of
the general population. It is usually described as a constant ache or pressure
either around the head, in the temples, or the back of the head and/or neck.
There is typically NO nausea/vomiting, and tension-type headaches rarely stop
you from performing normal activities. These headaches usually respond well to
chiropractic adjustments and to over-the-counter medications like Advil,
aspirin, Aleve, and/or Tylenol, though we’d prefer you first reach for an
anti-inflammatory herb like ginger, turmeric, bioflavonoid, and the like as
these have less stomach, liver, and/or kidney related side-effects. These
headaches are typically caused by contraction of the neck and scalp muscles,
which can be result of stress, trauma, lack of sleep, eyestrain, and more.
Cluster Headaches: These are less common, typically affect men more than women,
and occur in groups or cycles. These are VERY DISABLING and usually arise
suddenly and create severe, debilitating pain usually on only one side of the
head. Other characteristics include: a watery eye, sinus congestion, or runny
nose on the same side of the face as the headache. An “attack” often includes
restlessness and difficulty finding a pain-reducing, comfortable position. There
is no known cause of cluster headaches, though a genetic or hereditary link has
been proposed. The good news is that chiropractic adjustments can reduce the
intensity, frequency, and duration of cluster headaches!
Sinus Headaches: Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses) can be due to allergies or an
infection that results in a headache. This may or may not include a fever, but
the main distinguishing feature here is pain over the infected sinus. There are
four sets of sinuses. Many people know about the frontal (above the eyes on the
forehead) and maxillary (under the eyes in our cheeks) but the two sinuses deep
in head (ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses) are much less known or talked about.
These two deep sinuses refer pain to the back of the head, and when infected, it
feels like the back of the head could explode. Lying flat is too painful so
sitting up is necessary. Chiropractic adjustments applied to the sinuses, upper
neck, and lymphatic drainage techniques work GREAT in these cases!
We will continue next month with the remaining types of headaches!

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for headaches, we would be
honored to render our services.  Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Reasons to Eat Less Sugar | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson, DC

You'll Eat Less
Think of sugar as a wave; it rushes into your bloodstream quickly, forcing your body (the pancreas, specifically) to react with a surge of insulin.   The result: a short burst of energy while the sugar's in your system, followed by a down phase once it's removed from the bloodstream.  In other words, you have lots of energy and then little or no energy in a short period of time.  No energy means your body needs to eat again - soon.  Limit your sugar intake in favor of nutrient-dense foods and your body provides sustained energy, meaning you eat less often.
Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com or http://www.burnfatyankton.com

Monday, December 2, 2013

Acupuncture | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson, DC


Acupuncture is a non-drug, non-invasive therapy that may produce a variety of benefits—from pain management to helping with nausea associated with chemotherapy. According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 8.2 million Americans have been to an acupuncturist, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults used acupuncture in the previous year. Since the use of acupuncture has spread widely in the U.S. in the past 20 years, researchers are studying the benefits of acupuncture for many conditions, including low-back pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis of the knee. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as being a viable treatment option for many conditions.
Acupuncture may be useful as an independent treatment for some conditions, but it can also be used as a complement to other healthcare therapies.

During your first office visit, the doctor may ask you for details related to your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. Be sure to tell the us about all treatments or medications you are taking and all conditions you have. While acupuncture as a treatment method may take on different styles, a typical visit includes an exam and assessment of your condition, insertion of needles, and advice on home care. Before the needles are placed, you will lie down on a comfortable surface face down, face up, or on your side, depending on where the needles will be inserted. Usually the procedure isn’t painful; however, you may feel a brief, sharp sensation when the needle is inserted and when it reaches the correct depth. Sometimes, the needles are gently moved or stimulated with electricity or heat. Each treatment may require the insertion of as many as 12 needles, which stay in place for 5 to 20 minutes.
Benefits
• Has few side effects
• Can be a useful complement to other therapies
• Beneficial for problems such as tobacco addiction or infertility
• Helps control certain types of pain

Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Acupuncture - Part 2 - How Does It Work? | Olson Chiropractic Center | Yankton, SD

Check out http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.