Headaches
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Headaches

WHY DO WE GET HEADACHES?

One of the most common causes of recurring migraine headaches is irritation and dysfunction within the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels of the head and neck. Migraines are more than just headaches. They are a neurological condition that can cause severe pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, dizziness, and visual disturbances.

The nervous system is responsible for sending signals throughout the body. When certain nerves become irritated or overstimulated, they can trigger a cascade of events that lead to migraine symptoms. This process can affect blood flow, muscle tension, and pain signaling pathways, resulting in debilitating headaches that can interfere with daily life.

Without addressing the underlying triggers and contributing factors, migraine episodes may continue to occur and become more frequent over time.

HOW ARE MIGRAINES TRIGGERED?

Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors. While every person is different, common triggers include stress, poor posture, muscle tension, lack of sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, dietary factors, and environmental stimuli such as bright lights or strong odors.

Repeated exposure to these triggers can make the nervous system increasingly sensitive. Over time, the threshold for triggering a migraine may become lower, causing headaches to occur more often and with greater intensity.

When these triggers are not properly identified and managed, the cycle of migraine pain can continue.

WHAT IS A MIGRAINE?

A migraine is a neurological condition that causes moderate to severe headaches, often accompanied by additional symptoms. Migraine pain is commonly described as throbbing or pulsating and may occur on one or both sides of the head.

Many migraine sufferers also experience sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, or visual disturbances known as aura. These symptoms can last for hours or even days and may significantly affect work, family activities, and overall quality of life.

During a migraine episode, the nervous system becomes highly activated, amplifying pain signals and creating the symptoms commonly associated with migraine attacks.

Once migraine patterns become established, they often continue to recur. While symptoms may vary from day to day, the underlying factors contributing to the migraines typically remain present until they are properly identified and addressed.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

  • Moderate to severe, often throbbing head pain
  • Pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, smell or touch
  • Aura in some people: temporary visual, sensory or speech symptoms

COMMON CAUSES

  • Neck injury or degeneration
  • Sleep changes, stress or skipped meals
  • Hormonal changes for some people
  • Bright lights, strong smells or weather changes
  • Genetic and neurologic factors

HOW IS IT EVALUATED?

Diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, medical history and examination. A headache
diary can help identify patterns and triggers. When examination indicated that Headaches may be
originating in the neck, imaging is usually employed to address the underlying problem.

TREATMENT OVERVIEW

The most effective migraine treatments involve an integrated approach, involving therapies to target the
underlying causes. Whether this is a situation where the migraines are triggered from problems in the
neck or  elsewhere we can customize a treatment protocol to get to the root of them.