Chronic Headaches

Medically known as cephalalgia, headaches consist of a continuous pain in the head. The pain can take place anywhere in the head or neck. As the brain has no pain receptors, headaches are not actually felt in the brain, but rather in the pain sensitive areas surrounding it.

There are three main categories that nearly all headaches are classified:

Tension Headaches

Tension headache sufferers have experienced pain lasting for several days each month, often occurring later in the day, leading to sleep deprivation. Pressures on the sides, top and front of the head are typical locations for these debilitating pains. Due to lost sleep and overall fatigue, sufferers also tend to have trouble with concentration, leading to missed work and decreased quality time.

Cluster Headaches

Those suffering from Cluster Headaches have claimed the pain associated with outbreaks as being nearly unbearable. These attacks radiate waves of pain through the jaw, face, eyes and cranium. Outbreaks can last up to three hours, leaving the afflicted completely incapacitated, unable to perform even the simplest of tasks.

Migraine Headaches

Ranging from severe to moderate, migraines often result from a chronic neurological disorder. The length of these headaches can last for several days, going into remission only to return with a vengeance. Migraines can lead to an intense pulsing sensation, with constant throbbing in one isolated area of the head.

Learn about other conditions chiropractors treat.

What Causes Headaches

Several common conditions have been known to result in chronic headaches for a vast majority of sufferers.

    Diet

    Consuming certain foods such as sugars, carbohydrates and caffeine have been known to result in a variety of headaches in many test subjects.

  • Stress

    Emotional stress, excessive worrying and mental fatigue have long been leading reasons for headache outbreaks. Constant worry and mental stress have long been leading reasons for frequent headache outbreaks.

  • Genetics

    A family history of headaches has lead to studies showing a link in genetics. Parents who have suffered from chronic headaches are likely to have children who predisposed to more frequent attacks.

  • Changes In Blood Sugar

    Blood sugar levels that fluctuate can cause chemical changes resulting in severe headaches.

  • Bright Lights / Loud Noises

    Several headache sufferers have stated an aversion to bright lights and loud noises, as this sensory overload can trigger immediate headaches.

  • Lifestyle

    Certain lifestyle habits have resulted in frequent headaches including smoking, alcohol consumption, posture, sleep patterns and working environment.

Treatments For Headaches

In order to properly treat your headache, your physician will perform a thorough examination. A combination of treatment may be implemented intended to produce the best results. Some methods that have proven successful included:

  • Chiropractic Treatments

    Combinations of ergonomics and relaxation techniques have proven to provide relief from chronic headaches.

    Learn more about our chiropractic care.

  • SPG Nerve Block

    A nasal spray that reaches the source of the headache: the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) nerve bundle.

  • Learn more about SPG Block.

  • Spinal Adjustments

    A series of adjustments can produce positive results in limiting the frequency of headache attacks.

  • Injections

    A variety of injections may be utilized to limit pain signals from specific nerves to the brain.

    Learn more about our pain management injections.

  • Nutritional & Lifestyle Direction

    Detailed nutritional advice and changes to lifestyle choices to help relieve headache pain and limit outbreaks.

    Learn more about our weight loss support.

If you have any questions regarding Chronic Headaches that have not been addressed on this page, please Ask The Doctor by submitting your question on the form located on the right.