Cody B. Doyle DC, DIANM | Chiropractor Roanoke Tx 76262 | Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist

Board Certified Chiropractor Serving Patients in Roanoke, Keller, and Fort Worth Texas

What can a chiropractor do for headaches?

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What Can a Chiropractor Do For Headaches

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.

5 Migraine Triggers to Be Aware Of

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Woman with headache in need of migraine relief treatment

Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, they seem to be triggered by several different factors, such as genetics, the environment, foods, and medications. Knowing in advance what triggers your migraines can help you reduce their frequency and improve your quality of life. When migraines occur, they can cause debilitating pain and severe side effects that last anywhere from a few hours up to several days. Because many migraine sufferers are unaware of what triggers their migraines, it can catch them off guard and inhibit their social life and productivity at work.

Dr. Cody Doyle provides Roanoke migraine relief via a variety of treatments, including lifestyle adjustments, diet, and chiropractic care. If you are interested in learning more, please continue reading, or contact Doyle Chiropractic today online or by calling 817-767-5430 to schedule your consultation.

1. Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones seem to trigger migraines in women. Many women with a history of migraines have been able to notice a frequency in headaches before or during their menstrual cycle. This may be due to a plunge in progesterone and estrogen levels. Fluctuating hormone levels can also occur during pregnancy, menopause, or as a result of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement, worsening migraines.

2. Your Diet

Certain foods, additives, and drinks have been known to trigger migraines in individuals. Although each person is effected differently, research has shown that the below foods seem to be a trigger for migraines:

  • Additives, such as MSG and yeast extract
  • Aged cheeses
  • Processed meats
  • Salty foods
  • Aspartame
  • Alcohol
  • Highly caffeinated beverages
  • Chocolate

By keeping a journal of what you eat for meals, you may be able to narrow down even more specifically what is causing your migraines. Poor nutrition and skipping meals can also trigger attacks, which is why it’s important to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet for each meal.

3. Stress

Stress is a normal part of daily life, and our bodies are designed to help filter the side effects. However, when stress levels remain consistently high, the body is not equipped to flush out the high levels of cortisol fast enough. When stress persists, it can cause migraines and other illnesses. Certain individuals respond to stress differently. Common causes of stress include:

  • Traffic
  • Marriage
  • Moving
  • Death of a loved one
  • Divorce
  • Legal problems
  • Job loss
  • Deadlines
  • Financial difficulties
  • Confrontational environments
  • Illness

People who drive to work in high amounts of traffic, only to walk into a stressful environment, may find that migraines occur more frequently. Managing your stress can help reduce migraines.

4. Smells and Sounds

Certain sensory stimuli can induce migraines. While the sun or bright lights may trigger migraines in some individuals, others may be affected by strong odors, such as fragrances, secondhand smoke, and paint. When a migraine occurs, observe your surroundings to get a better idea of what triggered your migraine. Were you at a loud concert? Did you sit outside a restaurant near smokers? Did walking into the perfume section of a retail store immediately cause a headache?

5. Weather Changes

Some individuals find that dramatic shifts in the weather, such as high winds, a drop in temperature, or a shift in barometric pressure can prompt a migraine. Being aware of incoming cool fronts or rains ahead of time can help you be better prepared, in addition to undergoing migraine relief treatments.

Have Chronic Migraines?

If you are currently experiencing chronic headaches and migraines, Dr. Doyle can offer migraine relief at our Roanoke practice to help alleviate your discomfort. You may find that by making a few lifestyle adjustments and implementing acupuncture and chiropractic care can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. To schedule your consultation, contact our office online or give us a call at (817) 767-5430.