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HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE SPECIALIST
Do you frequently experience headaches and migraines? Despite the fact that millions of people complain of headaches every year, many healthcare practitioners consider the symptoms as minor issues.
However, if you’ve had a severe headache or chronic migraine before, you know how frustrating and disabling the pain can be. Vitality Chiropractic Centres uses specialist techniques for migraine relief in Singapore to relieve tension that you feel around your head to get you feeling better.
Book our headache and migraine specialist today!
WHAT ARE HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES?
A headache is a common yet often disruptive type of pain that can occur in the front, back or sides of the head. These painful headaches may stem from a myriad of different causes, from physical issues such as injury or accident to daily lifestyle habits.
On the other hand, migraines are a form of headache but are much less common. There is usually a throbbing pain on one side of the head, and can be of severe intensity. With chronic migraines, medication can only provide short-term pain relief and may not solve nor prevent it in the long run.
HEADACHE SYMPTOMS
Headaches can be more one-sided, bilateral or be felt all over. Additionally, there may be associated symptoms in the neck, shoulders and arms, or even in the face, ears and eyes. Other symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Visual and concentration problems
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Neck ache
- Depression
There are also different types of headaches, such as cluster headaches, tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and sinus headaches. Typically, they can be managed with painkillers.
MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of a migraine include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Visual disturbances
- Sensitivity to light, sound or smell
- Migraine Auras (blind spots, flashing lights, dizziness and tingling in the hands or face)
FACT:
Many people may experience mild pain in their head at some point in their lives. But for others, they experience intense pain in the back of their heads due to many trigger factors such as stress, lifestyle, or even family history. This pain is normally associated with a headache. However, there is also another type of headache called ‘migraine’ where the intensity of pain is very different.
WHAT CAUSES HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES?
There can be a number of factors that trigger a headache or migraine attack. One common trigger is stress. Stress plays a big factor for most individuals affected by headache and migraine. When stressed, the brain needs to work harder to achieve mental and emotional tasks. With this reduced capacity, the brain loses the ability to maintain the body in a healthy balance, including regulation of the muscles and proper nerve function. Other than stress, headaches and migraines can be triggered by vastly different causes.
CARE OPTIONS FOR HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
Approaches for headaches on the back of the head, front, or sides primarily involve painkillers, muscle relaxants, counselling, pain management, and even electronic medical devices.
Similar to headaches, the current approach for migraines is medication. However, the form of medication has changed over the years.
Previously the appropriate medication was focused on vascular/blood vessels, such as blood pressure-lowering beta-blockers. Now medical practitioners prescribe medication to deal with the nerves and associated tight muscles, including:
- Pain relievers, such as triptans and opioids
- Anti-depressants
- Anti-seizure medication
- Anti-nausea medication
- Botox injections
- Antibody injections
Other approaches by holistic practitioners also suggest meditation, exercise, a regular sleep routine and drinking more water. These methods can be more helpful long term than medication, which may only numb the symptoms momentarily. However, the latest research shows that all these methods only provide short-term relief and don’t address the underlying cause. 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.
At Vitality Chiropractic Centres, we find that the Upper Cervical Chiropractic technique can be a useful pain management option for addressing chronic headaches. That’s because our care addresses the root problem rather than focusing on the symptoms. After our headache and migraine specialist performed our techniques, patients reported decreasing reliance on painkillers, allowing them to return to normal activities without any pain.
WHEN TO VISIT A HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE SPECIALIST
Visiting a specialist can be beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic or severe headaches and migraines. While occasional headaches can often be managed with over-the-counter medications, lifestyle changes, and rest, there are instances when seeking the expertise of a specialist becomes necessary.
One common indication for visiting a specialist is when headaches or migraines become frequent and significantly disrupt daily life. If a person experiences them more than twice a week, lasting for several hours or days, it could be a sign of a more complex condition that requires specialised attention. Headache and migraine specialists in Singapore can conduct a thorough evaluation, taking into account the individual’s medical history, symptoms, and potential triggers, to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate care plan.
DIAGNOSING HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
Diagnosis for headaches will first include a medical history and physical examination. This is to help triage the possible type of headache and exclude serious pathologies, such as tumours.
Depending on whether suspected to be primary or secondary, the tests will vary. The headache specialist may advise the following tests prior to migraine management in Singapore:
- X-rays
- MRIs
- CT scans
- Blood work
- Nerve scans
On the other hand, while migraines are a well-established condition, there are no definitive tests for a proper diagnosis of migraines in medicine. As such, headache and migraine specialists may include CT or MRI scans instead to exclude a serious underlying problem, like a stroke or a tumour.
At Vitality Chiropractic Centre, our team of headache and migraine specialists will perform X-ray and nerve scans during an initial consultation. This allows us to assess the condition of your upper neck to check for any presence of Subluxation. The tests also help our specialists to detect any undiscovered nerve problems which may be contributing to your frequent attacks and constant pain.
Based on our findings, we devise a comprehensive care plan dedicated to your specific case. With our specialist’s assistance in managing headaches, you can finally address long-term pain and regain more control over your symptoms, with no medications prescribed. We can help you take your life back.
HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE CHIROPRACTIC APPROACH
General chiropractors tend to focus on the nervous system while chiropractors that are Upper Cervical specialists tend to look at the bones at 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.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care focuses on the top part of the neck where the brainstem is positioned (C1 and C2). Our aim in performing chiropractic care is to assist with headache or migraine pain relief without the use of medication. Our specialists can perform chiropractic techniques that help reduce and eliminate the re-occurrence of headaches and migraines, including hemiplegic migraines.
FOLLOW-UP STEPS
After receiving chiropractic care for headaches and migraines, you must adhere to your follow-up sessions and the recommendations given by the specialist. That way, you can optimise your overall well-being and maintain its benefits.
Follow-up appointments allow your chiropractor to monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments to your care plan, and address any new concerns or symptoms that may arise. Make sure to be honest and communicate with your chiropractor. If you experience any changes in your headaches or migraines, inform your chiropractor during your follow-up visits. They can provide guidance and make appropriate modifications to ensure continued effectiveness.
In addition to chiropractic care, lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing headaches and migraines. Your chiropractor may recommend specific changes such as improving your posture, incorporating regular exercise, practising stress management techniques, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. Following these recommendations can complement the effects of your chiropractic interventions.
RISK OF NOT TREATING HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
When you neglect to see a migraine and headache specialist when symptoms consistently occur, it can have significant consequences for your health and overall quality of life. Here are some risks associated with not seeking proper treatment:
- Increased Pain and Discomfort: Headaches and migraines can cause intense pain and discomfort, which may become more frequent and severe if left untreated. This can lead to a decrease in productivity, hinder daily activities, and negatively impact your overall well-being.
- Impaired Functioning: It may significantly impair your ability to function optimally. The pain, associated symptoms, and fatigue may affect concentration, memory, and cognitive abilities, making it difficult to perform at work or school and hindering overall productivity.
- Emotional Impact: When it becomes frequent, headaches and migraines can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Living with chronic pain may lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. These conditions, in turn, may exacerbate the frequency and intensity of headaches, creating a negative cycle.
- Reduced Quality of Life: When left unmanaged, it may limit your participation in activities you enjoy, disrupt social interactions, and interfere with personal relationships. The constant fear and anticipation of a headache or migraine can lead to a restricted lifestyle, preventing you from fully engaging in life’s experiences.
- Underlying Health Issues: When the pain becomes persistent, it may indicate symptoms of an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. Ignoring these symptoms could delay the diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious conditions, such as migraines with aura, tension-type headaches, or cluster headaches.
CHIROPRACTOR FOR HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES RATES
discovery call
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Phone call with the headache and migraine specialist to talk about your case and determine if we are the right fit for you.
Consultation
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The headache and migraine specialist will get your full history, as well as run a physical examination, postural assessment, and nerve system tests.
Test Results
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The specialist will explain the findings and X-rays from the consultation. They will then create a customised care plan.
Single Session
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They will perform a nerve scan and adjustment as needed. You will go through re-examinations and rehab exercises.
OUR HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE SPECIALISTS
Our chiropractors for headaches and migraines in Singapore have years of experience in helping patients to manage symptoms. At Vitality Chiropractic, you’ll receive dedicated and compassionate care to help improve your overall well-being and help you gain control over your life.
Aside from providing chiropractic care for headaches and migraines, our chiropractors can also perform evidence-based techniques that may help with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms and meniere’s disease.
Shaan is a GCC registered Chiropractor from London (UK) who graduated from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK). He has been serving patients in Singapore since 2015 and started Vitality Chiropractic Centre to open the first Upper Cervical clinic in Singapore.
He has completed extensive post-graduate studies in the USA, Australia, the UK and the Philippines, after which he introduced this technique in South-East Asia.
He is the Alliance of Chiropractic (AoC) Chairman for Outreach, organising events within Singapore with People’s Association and other charities. Shaan has served thousands of patients, with experience in patients with headaches, migraines, vertigo, Meniere’s, IBS and other chronic nerve system problems.
“You are always better off with a healthy nerve system than an unhealthy nerve system, regardless of symptoms” – Shaan
Jessey is a GCC registered Chiropractor from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) who graduated from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK). She has experience serving patients from 2 weeks old to 96 years old prior to moving to Singapore and joining Vitality Chiropractic.
She has completed extensive post-graduate studies and is among the few female Upper Cervical Chiropractors in Singapore and South-East Asia!
Jessey is active in outreach, participating in charitable trips to Cambodia and within Singapore. In her years as a chiropractic specialist, she has helped patients with headaches, migraines, vertigo, Meniere’s, slipped disc, anxiety, fibrillations, IBS and other chronic nervous system problems. She also has a special interest in providing care to children and younger patients.
“I am passionate about helping people kick-start their healing process and have a second chance at life” – Jessey
HEAR OUR PATIENT SUCCESS STORIES
Ready to give yourself relief from those migraine and headache disorders you’ve been suffering from? Contact us now and let our specialists restore your health and life back.
Call 8438 9550, email help@vitalitychiropracticcentres.com or fill in your information below to book your appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
What are some common triggers for headaches?
Headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Head Movements
- Moving the head quickly can irritate the nerves, especially if there’s a misalignment (subluxation) present.
- This strains the neck and may lead to dizziness and vertigo. This can also cause neck stiffness, which in turn, triggers a headache.
- Dehydration
- A lack of water and high consumption of alcohol can cause headaches.
- Known as a secondary headache, the true source of the headache is the brain pulling away from the skull from a lack of liquid.
- Lack of sleep
- Inadequate rest can weaken the immune system, thus affecting the body’s function to heal efficiently.
- Posture
- Spending extended amounts of time sitting, standing or hunched forward can affect the neck and head.
- Poor posture causes the head to move forward, increasing the strain and irritating the nerves and muscles of the neck.
What are some common triggers for migraines?
Common triggers for the onset of a migraine include:
- Food & drink
- Chocolate, cheese and other processed foods have been known to trigger migraine attacks.
- Alcohol and caffeinated drinks can also trigger an attack.
- Medications
- Side effects from oral contraceptives and vasodilators (heart disease) can trigger a migraine.
- This can be worsened for those on other hormonal medications, such as HRT (hormone replacement therapy).
- Hormonal Changes
- A change in hormone level can trigger a menstrual migraine (characterised by a lack of aura and extreme pain that can start on one side of the forehead and travel to the other)
- This can develop any time during a menstrual cycle.
- Physical injuries
- Head and neck injuries can especially injure the nerves in the central nervous system
- Can be the trigger or source of a migraine attack.
What is the difference between headaches and migraines?
People can get confused between a headache and migraine because the symptoms appear similar. To understand the differences, we must first look at the two types of headaches that occur.
- Primary: Not caused by another underlying disease or condition. Their causes can be linked to pressure on the nerves, blood vessels or muscles in the head and neck.
- Secondary: Linked to another disease or condition, where headaches are a symptom or by-product of that condition. These could be caused by the flu, alcohol, sinusitis, tumours, blood clots, concussion, glaucoma or medications.
Often, migraines are confused with tension-type headaches. A tension headache can be due to nerve irritation or muscle tightness, particularly around the neck and shoulders. Tension headaches typically stem from psychological triggers, such as stress or anxiety, and a lack of sleep or other causes for increased fatigue.
The symptoms of migraines and cervicogenic headaches are also particularly similar as they both have proven neurological origins. Both can be unilateral (one-sided) and have nausea, vomiting and effects on eyesight.
However, do note the symptoms of hemiplegic migraines. If these symptoms are present, please see a doctor immediately:
- Mimics the symptoms of a stroke
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Loss of the use of one half of the body
Once a stroke has been ruled out, it can be treated like other forms of migraines. You can consult a specialist to know more about the difference between headaches and migraines.
Are there any potential risks associated with the headache and migraine approach at Vitality Chiropractic Centres?
While chiropractic care is generally considered safe and effective for many individuals, some may experience temporary soreness, stiffness, or discomfort after a session. This is typically mild and subsides within a short period. Your chiropractor will discuss any potential discomfort you may experience and address any concerns you have.
Before deciding to receive chiropractic care in Singapore, you should choose a qualified and experienced chiropractor who follows proper protocols, performs thorough assessments, and tailors the care plan to your specific needs. Open communication with your head and migraine specialist about your medical history, concerns, and any changes in your symptoms is crucial to ensure better outcomes.
How does Chiropractic care specifically address the underlying causes of headaches and migraines?
Chiropractors believe that misalignments or dysfunctions in the spine, known as vertebral subluxations, can interfere with proper nervous system function, potentially contributing to headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care for headaches and migraines aims to address these subluxations through manual adjustments.
By applying controlled and precise force to the spine, chiropractors work to restore proper alignment and mobility, reducing pressure on the nerves and facilitating better nervous system function. This can help with pain relief, reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines, and potentially address their underlying causes.
Additional techniques may also be performed by the specialist, such as soft tissue therapy, exercises, lifestyle recommendations, and ergonomic advice to complement the adjustments and optimise the effects of chiropractic care.
How long does it typically take to see improvements in headache and migraine symptoms with chiropractic care?
You may see improvements in your headache and migraine symptoms depending on several factors, such as the severity and frequency of your condition, as well as your response to the chiropractic techniques. Some individuals may experience relief after just a few sessions, while others may require more extensive care over a more extended period. It is common to notice some improvements early on, such as reduced pain or less headache occurrences. However, each individual will have their own unique reaction, even over a long time.
Your chiropractor will typically develop a personalised care based on a thorough assessment of your condition. Regular and consistent visits, along with following any additional recommendations provided, will increase the likelihood of experiencing long-term improvements in headache and migraine symptoms.
Are there any self-care practices that patients can follow to alleviate headaches and migraines?
There are several self-care practices that can complement chiropractic care and help alleviate headaches and migraines. The main practices include proper stress management, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and staying hydrated. Engaging in physical activities, such as low-impact exercise, can also reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraines and headaches.
Are there any dietary recommendations that may help reduce the frequency or intensity of headaches and migraines?
Certain dietary factors may influence the occurrence and severity of headaches and migraines in some individuals. While triggers can vary from person to person, there are several dietary recommendations that may help reduce the frequency or intensity of headaches and migraines. This includes staying hydrated as dehydration can contribute to headaches.
Furthermore, make sure to identify and avoid your trigger food. Potential trigger foods are typically chocolate, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and even processed meats. Instead, consider a well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Can chiropractic care be used as a standalone care for migraines, or is it more effective when combined with other medical interventions?
Chiropractic care can be a standalone approach for managing migraines for many individuals. However, the response to chiropractic care can vary depending on the individual’s specific condition. In some cases, combining chiropractic care with other medical interventions, such as medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications, may provide more comprehensive and optimal results. A multidisciplinary approach that addresses various aspects of migraine management can be beneficial, especially for individuals with complex or severe migraine cases.
It is important to have open communication between your chiropractic migraine specialist and other healthcare providers involved in your care to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach. They can work together to develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to your individual needs, considering both chiropractic care and other medical interventions as necessary.
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