At Sykes Family Chiropractic, we have years of experience providing residents of Durham with headache and migraine relief. Headaches and migraines can be debilitating, and our chiropractor can help you reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches or migraines.
The Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine
Many factors contribute to headaches, including low or high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, TMJ, stress, fatigue, a drug reaction, and tightness in the neck muscles. Most recurring headaches or either tension headaches or migraine headaches. While both are painful there are significant differences in how they are experienced and how they are treated.
Migraines are characterized as a constant achy, dull pain on one or both sides of the head that patients describe as the sense of a tight band or dull ache around the head or behind the eyes. Migraines tend to begin in the afternoon, and they may occur following an “aura” that signals an imminent migraine. Migraines are sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision.
Chronic stress headaches can persist for months. While they are generally not accompanied by other symptoms, their duration makes them debilitating. We will work with you to determine the type of headache you are suffering from and offer treatment accordingly.
Migraine Headaches
Women make up 75% of migraine sufferers. Some of our patients experience an attack numerous times per month while others may only suffer from one migraine per year. Characteristics of migraines include:
- Intense pulsating pain
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Nausea
- Visual symptoms known as "aura"
Cluster Headaches
Clusters are severe “blinding” headaches that are usually brief and felt on one side of the head and behind the eyes. Distinct from migraines, cluster headaches are far more likely to be observed in men.
Common Causes of Chronic Headaches and Migraines
Stress can be a trigger. Changes in the weather, foods, odors, and menstrual periods are also potential headache triggers. Depression, frustration, and anxiety are often associated with headaches. Nitrite can be found in everything from sodium nitrate used to preserve meat such as hot dogs to heart medicine. Nitrates dilate blood vessels, sometimes resulting in headaches.
Chiropractor in Durham
Our chiropractic procedures enhance your body's natural healing capabilities to help alleviate chronic pain from conditions such as tension and migraine headaches. For more information on chiropractic care for headache and migraine relief or to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor, call Sykes Family Chiropractic at (860) 349-0639.
