Having a headache once in a while is normal. Suffering from persistent bad headaches or migraines is not. The Migraine Foundation estimates that over eight million Americans have head pain so bad they need a doctor.
Prime Injury & Wellness Clinic in Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas, looks at the common causes of headaches and migraines.
Stress and Bad Posture
Tension headaches are the most common kind of chronic headache. Pain can extend from the head down to the back of the neck. Tension headaches are often caused by stress and poor posture. Getting enough sleep and avoiding smoking or drinking to excess can help relieve stress in the long run. Getting regular chiropractic adjustments helps the body relax, helps the nerves function more efficiently, and encourages better sleep. Chiropractors can also help improve your posture and thus reduce tension headaches.
Whiplash
Have you been in an auto accident recently? You may have whiplash if you suffer from headaches, muscle spasms, neck pain, blurry vision, and problems moving. Neck pain can come about weeks after having an accident, but chronic headaches tend to come soon after the accident.
Migraines
Just why people get migraines remains a medical mystery, but some foods, medicines, drinks, or smells can trigger migraine attacks. Keeping a migraine journal and sharing it with your doctor or chiropractor helps you identify your triggers and learn to avoid them. Chiropractors also help look at your diet to see what foods or beverages may be causing migraine attacks.
Medication Overuse
When you have chronic pain, it’s easy to reach for a painkiller. However, when you stop taking so much, you can get a bad headache. Taking more medication to stop the headache will actually make you more prone to getting headaches. Trying to cut back on caffeine can also cause migraines. Work with your doctor or chiropractor to try and identify what medication is causing the headaches. Alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic adjustment can help the body as it transitions to life without so much caffeine or medication.
Getting a Second Opinion
The first step to treating your headaches is to get a firm diagnosis as to what kind of headache you have. As you can see, chronic headaches can be caused by many problems. Getting a proper diagnosis can be difficult. If the treatment from your doctor is not working, get a second opinion from another doctor, neurologist, or chiropractor.
Let a Chiropractor Help Today
If you suffer from headaches or migraines and live in the Fort Worth or Arlington, Texas, areas, contact Prime Injury & Wellness Clinic at (817) 460-9000 to make an appointment today. We have locations in Arlington, North Fort Worth, and South Fort Worth. We offer chiropractic treatments customized to suit your unique needs.