Headaches / Migraine Specialist
Headache is a common problem reported frequently in almost all age groups. It is worthy to note that not all headaches are migraines. There are various types of headaches. Some are benign, caused by factors like stress or medication overuse. Others may result from a more serious underlying condition, such as brain hemorrhage or arteritis.
A headache chiropractor can help you get relief from tension headaches, migraine headaches, and even sinus headaches. If you’re experiencing regular headaches, it’s recommended to visit your local chiropractor to see if they can help.
At our chiropractic practice in Tacoma, WA, we focus on identifying exactly where the problem originates. On your first visit, Dr. Bradley Eyford, D.C., will check how your neck muscles respond and evaluate whether certain movements reproduce your headache. This will help us determine if the upper cervical joints are contributing to your symptoms.
Call (253) 396-1000 to book an appointment.
Symptoms Of Headaches
Headache sometimes causes mild, endurable pain, while at other times, the pain is severe and excruciating. Depending on the underlying pathology, a headache can be associated with the following symptoms:
- Depression and nausea
- Pain behind one eye or ear and in the temporal region
- Seeing spots or flashing lights
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Temporary vision loss
- Vomiting, diplopia and irritation
- Hallucinations (rare) and loss of consciousness
- Neck pain and stiffness
Causes Of Headaches
The causes of headache are broadly classified into two subtypes:
Benign or Primary headache:
This type of headache is a primary condition that does not need emergency management. These headaches may have severe effects on the quality of life, but usually do not cause any complications. The possible causes for benign headaches are:
- Migraine
- Tension
- Menstruation
- Hypnic
- Cluster headache
Benign headaches can also occur because of underlying conditions like lack of sleep, an incorrect eyeglass prescription, stress, loud noise exposure, or tight headwear.
Malignant or Secondary headache:
Secondary headaches arise because of another disease or condition. They indicate a severe illness and, according to antimicrobe, should be managed promptly to reduce the risk of morbidity.
The possible conditions that can cause secondary headaches are:
- Brain hemorrhages causing thunderclap headache
- Structural or traumatic abnormalities of the head, neck, or spine, like a tumor
- Giant cell arteritis
- Meningitis
Long-Term Problems Due To Untreated Headaches
Most of the time, primary headaches, such as migraines, are benign. However, some headaches can become problematic, especially those that increase in intensity and frequency with time. They can lead to the following complications:
- Chronic pain
- Migraine-triggered seizures
- Stroke with migraine
- Morbidity and mortality due to secondary headache
Seeking immediate medical treatment is instrumental in avoiding these complications.
Temporary Pain Relief From Headaches
There are a few options to get temporary pain relief from headaches such as:
- OTC medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and other analgesics
- Rest
- Migraine headaches tend to resolve with rest in a dark and quiet room
- A hot Epsom salt bath also helps reduce the pain
Headaches Treatment
Headaches, including migraines, are treated by various medical and non-medical modalities. Non-medical interventions for headache management include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Hypnosis
- Herbal and nutritional health products
- Meditation and acupuncture
Chiropractic Treatment For Headaches
The best therapy for migraine treatment is chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic spinal manipulative treatment treats the root cause while providing pain relief.
Chiropractic care includes spinal adjustments, soft tissue massage, physical therapy, and other modalities like electrical stimulation and acupuncture.
Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection clinic effectively treats headaches. We use our experience and knowledge to provide the highest quality of care to our patients.
We also educate and provide our patients with nutritional advice for a holistic treatment plan. We may even advise rehabilitation therapy to minimize recurrence risk or refer to a specialist if a serious condition is suspected.
Book an Appointment For Headache & Migraine Treatment
Request an appointment online by calling us at (253) 396-1000
Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches
Are Tacoma Chiropractors good for a headache?
Chiropractors diagnose and treat various headaches and their causes. Chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways of managing both cervicogenic and tension headaches.
With the help of a chiropractor in Tacoma, the frequency of migraines and the severity of pain also decrease.
Can headaches turn into migraines?
Migraine is one of the most common causes of headache, but not every headache is a migraine. Migraine pain is throbbing and intense, lasting for a few hours to many days. It typically affects one side of the head but can be bilateral too. The particular feature of migraine headache is photophobia and phonophobia.
How long should a headache last?
Headache duration varies by type. Migraines typically last 4 to 72 hours, while tension headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days.
When should you worry about a headache?
Most of the time, the headache is benign and resolves with painkillers and rest. If the headache increases in severity and lasts for more than two days, it is better to consult a doctor for migraine treatment. Headache associated with any of the following symptoms can also be a sign of a serious condition:
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- The blurring of vision
- The weakness of limbs
Does Medical Insurance Cover Treatment For Headaches?
Medical insurance does cover headache treatment. Every healthcare company has its own policy regarding insurance for different aspects of the treatment.
