Did you know that roughly 52% of the global population has experienced a headache in the past year? Headaches are widespread, but this doesn’t mean that they are normal. We often hear it when someone is experiencing headaches; it can commonly be viewed as a normal thing, no big deal, as everyone experiences them. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Headaches can often be a sign that something else is going on.
Also, there isn’t just one type of headache. There are cluster headaches, migraines, tension headaches, and cervicogenic headaches, to name a few. There could also be hypertension-induced headaches, sinus headaches, alcohol induced headaches, and rebound headaches, to name a few. All have different factors involved that can contribute to why the headache occurs in the first place. Many times, headaches are treated with OTC Advil or Tylenol, which can often help alleviate the pain momentarily. However, if the headache recurs frequently, it may be time to investigate the underlying cause more thoroughly, especially if you have tried everything else except chiropractic.
$49 New Patient Special
Includes Consultation With Your Doctor, Thorough Chiropractic Examination, Doctors Report of Findings, X-Rays If Necessary, First Treatment & MRI Review.
How Our Care Plan Works
1. See Exactly What Is Causing Your Pain
Step one is to better understand each and every patient through our thorough consultation process. This leads to a comprehensive spinal examination and any needed digital x-rays to better understand the problem at hand.
2. Get a Customized Gameplan To Fix Your Problem For Good
After the consultation, spinal examination and any needed spinal x-rays, a specific game plan to fix the problem is recommended which may include spinal adjustments, non-surgical decompression therapy, Softwave tissue regenerative therapy, orthotics, home exercises, or even possibly a referral to an appropriate provider if it is not a condition Dr. O’Keefe feels he can help.
3. Get Back To Everything You Love With The People You Love The Most
Enjoy the benefits of following your specific game plan that you have been seeking. Find joy in playing pickle ball again, bask in the excitement to get outside and garden, or perhaps feel the energy of sleeping well once again.
How We Treat Headaches In Clear Lake, WI
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
At Northern Roots Family Spinal Care, we begin the journey of uncovering the potential cause for headaches through a thorough consultation and spinal examination. We want to understand better when they started, how often they occur, the intensity at which they commonly appear, when they seem to be their best or worst, any previous falls, slips, traumas through life, eating habits, hydration habits, any known triggers, stressors in life, and work/life history, to name a few. After we have collected the necessary information, we move through a spinal examination. As a chiropractor, we recognize that various factors can cause headaches and want to determine if spinal subluxations are present, which may be a contributing factor.
Digital X-rays
After completing the spinal examination, we often find digital spinal x-rays to be an essential tool in helping us provide the best care for our patients. When we can see the position and condition of the spinal system, we are better able to evaluate whether spinal subluxations are contributing to the headache problem. Due to the low dosage of radiation used, this test is both safe and effective in assessing the spine, particularly the neck, and its potential contribution to headaches. When we can see the position and condition of the spine, this information also provides us with details and expectations for an effective treatment plan. We combine all the data from the consultation, spinal examination, and imaging to determine if chiropractic care is suitable and to establish the necessary strategy to achieve the best possible results.
Specific Chiropractic Care in Clear Lake, WI
If we find spinal subluxations that may be contributing to the headache problem, we will recommend a series of chiropractic adjustments. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to how those adjustments happen. We are well-trained in various techniques, including hands-on, instrument-assisted, and drop-table techniques. We prioritize patient comfort as our top priority. A spinal subluxation occurs when a vertebra in the spine isn’t functioning as it should or is not moving correctly in relation to the other vertebrae. This stuck vertebra can cause significant damage to the surrounding tissues, including ligaments, tendons, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. This restricted movement can irritate the surrounding nerves, potentially causing the muscles to spasm. The restricted vertebra can also cause an inflammatory response from the blood vessels. These various changes can collectively contribute to the development of headache symptoms.
Cervical Spinal Decompression
Another tool that we use to help alleviate headaches is through Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy on the neck. Gravity constantly compresses our bodies throughout our lives. We are moving beings that undergo stress, slips, falls, and wear and tear on our bodies. With the use of technology, we are putting more and more strain on our necks. All of these factors can start to compress the cervical spine, also known as the neck. The spinal discs begin to shrink and compress, the facet joints begin to compress, and muscles start to hold the spine in certain positions. If we are getting compressed day in and day out, we should have something that decompresses our spinal system. When we apply rhythmic decompression and traction to the neck, it helps restore motion to those segments and slows the degenerative process.
Common Types of Headaches in Clear Lake, WI
Tension Headache
Tension headaches often feel like a dull, constant ache or pressure on both sides of the head. This can be described as a tight band or vice versa. They are most commonly caused by stress, fatigue, and poor posture. These types of headaches often respond well to reducing stress, getting sufficient rest, staying hydrated, improving sleep quality, and making adjustments to posture. Chiropractic care can be highly beneficial in addressing postural issues and reducing stress on the spine.
Migraine
Migraine headaches are characterized by a throbbing or pulsating pain, typically located on one side of the head. Someone experiencing a migraine may also feel nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. Commonly, there are triggers for migraines, including stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, and certain foods. By avoiding these triggers, it is the number one way to help, but also chiropractic care has been found to help because migraines are often categorized as a neurological issue, the body’s nervous system isn’t adapting as well as it should be, and chiropractic care has an effect on the nervous system.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia, aka the suicide disease, feels like an intense, sudden, shock-like, or electric shock pain, commonly on one side of the face. This can be triggered by touch, chewing, or talking. Most commonly caused by blood vessel compression pressing on the trigeminal nerve. Currently, there isn’t excellent medical treatment; however, chiropractic care focused on the upper neck has shown positive outcomes. We have helped many individuals with trigeminal neuralgia through chiropractic care, as there is a connection between the upper neck and the trigeminal nerve.
Whiplash Headache
Whiplash headaches can be described as a throbbing or dull ache at the back of the head with possible radiation forward. They are caused by the sudden, back-and-forth movement of the neck that strains muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Often, we think of motor vehicle collisions, but whiplash can also occur from slips, falls, and sports injuries. Common treatments include rest, hot/cold therapy, and chiropractic treatment to improve the biomechanics of the injured spine.
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headaches often feel like a dull, aching sensation. This commonly starts in the neck and spreads to one side of the head or behind the eyes. It will often be aggravated by neck movement. These are usually caused by neck injuries, poor posture, and spinal arthritis, to name a few. Chiropractic has been shown to help with these issues because we aim to improve posture and the mechanics of the neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a chiropractor in Clear Lake, WI, good for headaches?
We have helped many patients in our community dealing with headaches. Each headache is unique, so the first visit is crucial in helping us determine if we can assist you.
When should you see a chiropractor for headaches?
Sooner the better. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat conditions of this nature.
How can I relieve my headaches?
If you have changed your eating habits, removed triggers, stayed hydrated, and tried all the various self-help methods and still suffer, it may be time to try chiropractic care.
Can getting your neck adjusted help with headaches?
It can, yes. We see patients daily who have suffered from headaches and have found tremendous relief with our care. Each patient is unique, so the initial consultation is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of each individual’s specific issue.
$49 New Patient Special
Includes Consultation With Your Doctor, Thorough Chiropractic Examination, Doctors Report of Findings, X-Rays If Necessary, First Treatment & MRI Review.