Headache Treatment
Pinewood Chiropractic provides thorough and specific Chiropractic care for headache sufferers in Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Mulgrave, Notting Hill, Vermont South, Clayton, Oakleigh, Burwood, Blackburn and Springvale. We often have patients visit from all across Melbourne after they were recommended to us by a friend or family member to investigate the cause of their headache.
Headaches are a common condition affecting many people. However, headaches are not normal, they are a sign of something wrong; either with function and the resulting impact this causes to pain sensitive structures or the presence of pathology. It is the job of a primary health practitioner such as a Chiropractor to discern the nature and origin of your headache in order to support the patient to resolve either from Chiropractic care or referral to another provider where indicated. Headaches in the elderly or child with no prior history of headache should be investigated without delay as more sinister causes may be evolving. It is important to have your headache properly assessed to determine the best course of action or care.
Common Headaches We See In Practice
Cervicogenic Headache
The most common headache we see in practice is known as cervicogenic headache. This is a headache caused by dysfunction of the joints and associated musculature comprising the cervical spine. This is basically neck induced headache and the two most common cervicogenic type headaches are the frontal and suboccipital headache. The frontal typically causes pain from the temples to the forehead and behind the eyes. The suboccipital headache generally has pain in the base of the skull extending over the head. Joints and intrinsic muscles of the upper neck can influence nerves travelling to pain sensitive structures and blood vessels of the head.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are a referred pain phenomena arising mostly from musculature attaching to the cervical spine or neck. The part of the brain receiving pain stimuli from irritated joints and muscle structures may become confused in where to send pain signals and redirect pain information to parts of the head instead. This is known as referred pain. Trigger points and taught muscles can generate referred type pain to the head and often create a band around the head from the temples to the base of the skull. Muscular tension is almost always secondary to joint dysfunction and can be present concomitantly. The most common tension type headache involves trapezius and suboccipital muscle tightness or trigger point activity. Our experience has found the most involved region of the spine causing this muscular tension activity is the upper and lower cervical spine.
Migraines
Migraines are a debilitating syndrome involving severe headache as one of its symptoms. A migraine is usually confined to one side mainly in the orbital or temporal region and follows symptoms indicating vasoconstriction or reduced blood flow to the brain. These symptoms may involve visual disturbances such as photophobia (sensitivity to light), tunnel vision, blurred vision, scintillating scotoma (squiggly lines in the visual path), nausea, and vomiting. Migraines can be metabolic or hormonally driven, are usually related to toxicity and chemistry changes in the body and are often associated with lower neck and upper thoracic spine dysfunction. Migraines may have various triggers including but not limited to alcohol, exposure to certain chemicals such as perfumes, preservatives and food additives, medications and certain foods such as cheeses. In our clinical experience, many migraine sufferers have benefited from a reduced frequency and intensity to their migraines under Chiropractic care.
How Gonstead Chiropractic Can Help Fix Headaches
The Gonstead chiropractic method focuses on precise spinal adjustments to correct misalignments that may contribute to headaches. By evaluating the spine's structure and function through detailed examination, our experienced Gonstead chiropractors identify areas of dysfunction, particularly in the cervical spine. Adjustments are carefully applied to restore normal alignment and movement, which can alleviate tension in the muscles and nerves that often lead to headache symptoms. This holistic approach not only targets the headache itself but also addresses underlying issues, promoting overall spinal health, reducing stress, and improving well-being. In our experience, patients report a significant reduction in headache frequency and intensity following our Gonstead chiropractic care, enhancing their quality of life.
Our Headache Healing Process
A thorough assessment commences with a complete history to determine the type of headache and whether Chiropractic care is suitable. We conduct a thorough consultation and examination to assess the specific triggers and areas of tension.
Other investigations such as X-Ray or MRI may also be necessary. Examination can then isolate the likely cause before a specific correction via a controlled vertebral adjustment is made to eliminate the particular dysfunction identified.
Through precise adjustments, we aim to restore proper alignment, alleviate nerve pressure, and promote overall spinal health. By addressing the root cause rather than merely treating the symptoms, our process facilitates long-lasting relief, enhances mobility, and improves overall well-being for our patients suffering from headaches.
If you are experiencing frequent headaches, please contact us and we will be happy to schedule an appointment for you with one of our experienced doctors.