TRIGGERS FOR HEADACHES

While the causes are usually an accumulation of factors, there are some more recognised risk factors for headache attacks:

1. Stress

Stress plays a big factor for most headache patients. When stressed the brain is working harder on mental and emotional tasks. With this reduced capacity, there is less focus on maintaining the body in its healthy balance, including regulation of the muscles and proper nerve function.

2. Head Movements

When moving the head quickly it can irritate the muscles, especially if there is a misalignment (known as a Subluxation) present. When moving too fast it may strain the neck and even incur dizziness and vertigo. 

This can also occur due to movements of the neck. The nerves in the neck supply information to the head, neck and down the shoulders to the arms. If the neck movement pinches the nerves it may irritate them, triggering a headache. This is particularly likely if there has been a head or neck injury in the medical history.

3. Dehydration

If the patient has not drank enough water, or has had too much alcohol, this can cause a headache. This is a secondary headache. It is due to the brain pulling away from the skull, because of the reduced liquid.

4. Lack of sleep

If the body doesn’t get adequate rest, the immune system will be weakened and the body will not be able to heal itself efficiently.

5. Posture

If more time is spent sitting, standing or hunched forward, all movements will affect the neck and head. With poor posture the head will move forward, increasing the strain on the nerves and muscles of the neck. This will irritate the nerves which supply the head, causing headaches. For every 2cm the head moves forward from neutral, the neck has an increased 5kg of work. 

How are headaches diagnosed?

Diagnosis will first include a medical history and physical examination. This is to help triage the possible types of headaches and exclude serious pathologies, such as tumours. Depending whether suspected to be primary or secondary, the tests will vary. These may include: 

• X-rays
• MRIs
• CT scans
• Blood work
• Nerve scans

An x-ray and nerve scans should be taken for all headaches cases to assess the upper neck for its condition and for the presence of Subluxation. 

Current treatment for headaches

Treatment for headaches on the back of head, front or sides is primarily pain medications and muscle relaxants, counselling, pain management and even electronic medical devices.

However, the latest research shows that medication is only a short-term relief and doesn’t address the underlying cause. In fact, research shows that people chronically using pain killers experience more painful headaches in the future. Analysis has revealed that the cause is often problems in the upper neck, irritating the nerves that supply information to the head, neck and face. 

Upper cervical Chiropractic has especially good success with frequent or chronic headaches by focusing on the cause rather than the symptoms. After care, patients are able to decrease, or stop, pain medications; allowing them to return to normal activities and go months without symptoms.

How can chiropractic help headaches?

Chiropractors focus on the nerve system. Upper Cervical specific Chiropractors specialise in the bones in the top part of the neck, known as the Occiput, Atlas and Axis. This is the location of the Atlanto Occipital Articulation, as mentioned above, where Subluxation takes place. 

Studies show that over 90% of headache and migraine sufferers find a solution with Chiropractic. Upper Cervical Chiropractic is especially effective.

At Vitality Chiropractic we specialise in Upper Cervical care. We are the first to bring this technique to South East Asia and the only clinic in Singapore. Our unique NeuroPro method combines computed infrared thermography nerves scans and biomechanical x-rays to accurately assess the problem and help to manage headaches at the back or head, front or sides.

Our Singapore headache specialist have undergone post-graduate work, years of experience and have a history of helping patients to manage headaches. Click Here to Read Reviews or Hear Testimonials from our patients.

Call 8438 9550, email help@vitalitychiropracticcentres.com or fill in your information below to book your appointment.