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.

Headaches... What Is The Spinal Link?

Headaches are so common that we rarely question what the cause is. In the case of headache, it can be something as simple as jet lag to something truly ominous, such as a brain tumor. If you suffer form headaches, it is important that you get the diagnosis right. Remember that head pain is the symptom-it is not the actual problem. It is a way that your body gives a signal that you have a problem. So it does require some investigation. Despite what the commercials say on TV, just diagnosing headache as a problem and driving to the drug store for a bottle of pills is not the solution. Yet many of us suffer from daily headaches for years and years and never think…is my headache being caused by a lack of these pills in my diet? In chiropractic, we look at this problem differently from what you see in a drug ad. First, you need to have a diagnosis and determine the cause for your head pain. Once the cause is determined, then truly corrective action can take place. We pay special attention to how your spine moves and its posture, especially the neck region. Many different research studies have shown that spinal sprains and injuries can produce head pain. And randomized clinical trials have shown that when these spinal problems are addressed with adjustments, the headaches largely disappear…and without the side effects commonly seen with prescription medications. But, every case is different. It’s impossible to know without an examination if you have a spinal problem and whether this is the cause for your headache. Our clinic always offers complimentary in-clinic and phone consultations with a Doctor of Chiropractic. If you are not getting your headaches under control and seemingly endless consumption of pills is not doing the trick, then why not take a different and more natural approach to your health. There is no headache bone in your spine or a button the chiropractor can push to make the headache go away. We generally find that once the spinal posture and motion is improved, the headaches go away on their own. It can take one visit or several, but we generally see improvements in a short period time. Visit www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.