Do you suffer from frequent headaches?
While headaches are a common complaint, there are many different types. They can also be complex to diagnose.
Fortunately, Dr. Cody Doyle has over two decades of successfully treating patients with headaches. Thanks to his insatiable curiosity and intense love of research, he has discovered treatment protocols that work, no matter what type you have.
In this article, we will discuss the common causes of headaches, different types of headaches, and treatment options to help rid you of your pain.
What causes headaches?
While there are several types of headaches, the causes can be quite varied. Fortunately, very few headaches indicate a serious illness.
Often, problems with or overactivity of pain-sensitive structures can cause them. Usually, the many structures surrounding your neck and skull, such as muscles, nerves, and joints, play a role.
Some patients have triggers that bring them on.
Common triggers include:
- Certain foods, such as chocolate and processed meat
- Alcohol, especially red wine
- Poor posture
- Excessive stress or tension
- Sinus infection or allergies
- Lack of sleep
- Missed meals
- Menstruation or hormones
In addition, pain in the head can be referred pain. For instance, a cervicogenic headache is actually referred pain from soft tissues or bony structures of the neck. This can include muscles, nerves, or cervical spine joints.
In fact, spinal misalignment in the neck and even the upper back is very often the cause. Spinal adjustments can offer effective help.
How can a chiropractor help?
While something serious is rarely the cause of headaches, you should seek evaluation if you experience them frequently.
Dr. Doyle will perform a thorough examination, including medical history and x-rays. If there is anything to suggest something that requires immediate attention, he will let you know. If he has any concerns, he will refer you for additional testing.
During the examination, Dr. Doyle will discuss your symptoms with you and work to figure out where the pain is coming from.
After examination, Dr. Doyle will answer any questions and discuss your treatment options. Together, you will create an individualized treatment plan that is best for your unique needs, symptoms, and desires.
What type of headaches do you suffer from?
Patients use the term headache to describe any type of pain experienced in the head. However, there are several different types, and they can range in severity and frequency. Understanding which type of headache you suffer from is helpful.
Tension Headache
Usually the least severe, a tension headache is the most common type. Often it is a pain that is “just there,” nagging at you, but you can still perform daily activities. Mostly dull in nature, tension headaches can reside on one or both sides of the head.
Improving your posture, getting your rest, eating well, managing stress, and regular spinal adjustments should take care of your nagging pain.
Sinus Headache
Allergies and infection in the sinus cavities can cause pressure to build behind your cheeks, nose, forehead, and throughout your face. If you experience congestion, a runny nose, facial swelling, or increased pain when you lean forward, you likely have a sinus headache.
Dr. Doyle offers his patients excellent relief from sinus headaches with acupuncture. This alternative treatment effectively reduces pressure and inflammation.
Cluster Headache
If you experience short bursts of pain on one side of the head, you may be having cluster headaches. These bursts of pain are often followed by nasal congestion and watery eyes. The pain can be as severe as a migraine, but they are not as debilitating since they are short in duration.
While the cause of cluster headaches is unknown, Dr. Doyle has brought relief to many patients suffering from them through routine acupuncture and spinal manipulations.
Migraine Headache
Migraines can be very debilitating and interfere with your quality of life and daily activities. The pain is intense and can be on one or both sides of the head. Typically described as throbbing, it can last from several hours to days. Migraines typically come with the added symptoms of sensitivity to sound and light and nausea and vomiting.
Some patients with migraines also experience what is known as an aura. Often, this includes flashes of light that occur in the peripheral vision before the migraine begins.
Since many patients suffer from migraines due to triggers, you will want to keep notes about lifestyle habits and diet. Avoidance of any potential triggers is highly advisable.
In addition, Dr. Doyle can help prevent future migraines with routine acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments.
Isn’t it time to get rid of your headaches?
Don’t let headaches get in the way of your life.
If you are ready to be in control and enjoy life to its fullest, contact Dr. Doyle today at (817) 767-5430 to schedule your initial consultation.
Dr. Doyle sees patients in the Grapevine, Southlake, Roanoke, Trophy Club, Keller, and North Fort Worth areas.