Headaches 101: A Closer Look at a Common Problem
Everyone has had a headache at least once in their life. A headache definitely stops you in your tracks, but knowing about your headaches can help you map out a treatment plan. Find out what you need to know about headaches below so you can find lasting relief.
Headache Symptoms
Headache symptoms vary depending on the kind of headache you may be experiencing. Tension headaches may present with a dull ache, while migraines may be accompanied by pounding pain behind your eyes, vision changes and nausea. While head pain is the most common symptom of headaches, there are several different types of headaches with their own accompanying symptoms.
Headache Causes
There are just as many causes of headaches as there are headaches. The most common culprit for tension headaches is stress. Migraines have a variety of triggers which can cause a headache to begin. Some headaches are also commonly caused by dehydration. Other headaches may be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as TMJ or anemia. Keeping a headache journal can help you shed light on your headache's origins.
TMJ and Headaches
Tension headaches can easily be confused for headaches caused by Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. These headaches may be accompanied by jaws clicking during movement, facial pain, and difficulty chewing or eating. These headaches can be resolved by treating for TMJ, as they are a symptom of the disorder rather than a headache condition.
Headaches Upon Waking
Waking up with a headache can dampen your entire day. However, they are rarely cause for concern. Morning headaches may be the signs of another underlying condition, such as depression, sleep apnea or bruxism (grinding your teeth while you sleep.) Migraines and cluster headaches can also worsen upon waking, but the severity may diminish during the day.
How a Chiropractor Can Treat Your Headaches
Working with a chiropractor for your headaches can lead to a reduction in occurances. However, they may take a different approach from your general practitioner. A chiropractor will help you make safe and natural changes to your treatment regimen including spinal adjustments, recommending daily exercises and nutritional guidelines to avoid common headache triggers.
Headaches are as unique as the individuals they plague. No matter where your headaches come from you can find relief. Keeping a headache journal will help you know your headaches better, and allow you and your doctors to create a treatment plan that works best for you.
Sources:
https://www.sunshinedental.ca/tmj-a-body-part-you-didnt-know-about-until-it-hurt/
http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders
https://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine-specialist/headache-when-i-wake-up.aspx
https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Headaches-and-Chiropractic