Nervous System Conditions / Headaches

submitted by Dr. Gary Farr Last Updated November, 23, 2001

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Page: 3

Headaches - Part 3

Anyone with recurring or persistent headaches should consult a physician. Diagnosis is made on the basis of history and physical exam, and, if necessary, assessment of other diseases that may cause headache. It is important to choose a doctor who is sensitive to the needs of headache sufferers and aware of the latest advances in treatment.

Medical and Personal History

For accurate diagnosis, the patient should describe the duration and frequency of headaches, recent changes in their character, the location of the pain, the type (e.g. throbbing or steady pressure), the intensity, and any associated symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. The patient should try to recall what seems to bring on the headache and anything that relieves it; a recent head injury, for instance, could cause posttraumatic headache. The patient should report recent taking or withdrawing from any medications. The physician will also need a general medical and family history. Migraine, in particular, tends to run in families.

Physical Examination

In order to diagnose a chronic headache, the physician will examine the head and neck and will usually perform a neurologic examination, which includes a series of simple exercises to test strength, reflexes, coordination, and sensation. The physician may ask questions to test short-term memory and related aspects of mental function.

Tests for Complications

If the results of the history and physical examination indicate any potentially serious complication, more extensive tests are performed. A neck x-ray can reveal arthritis or spinal problems. A CT (computed tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technique may be ordered to rule out brain disorders. Other tests include an EEG (electroencephalogram), lumbar puncture, ultrasound testing, and cerebral angiography. These tests are only done if there is reason to suspect an underlying disease.

Headache Reflex And Syndromes

The Master Headache Reflex is located up and behind the temple bone cavity on the right side of the head. Beginning on the left side of the patient's head, the doctor will scan with the palm side of his left hand, around the back of the head and over to the right side of the head ending at the Headache Reflex.

If the reflex is electrical, erase it by brushing downwardly on it and scan the reflexes in sequence. When you find an electrical reflex. follow the nutritional treatment listed under that reflex.

When patient has a severe headache, test this reflex. If it is electrical. it indicates the you must scan the body reflexes to find the cause. Most headaches are cause by an overactive heart and immune system. There are many causes for this overactivity. For example. allergies, infections, backup of poisons, chemicals, metals. or food wastes in the body can all cause the immune system and/or heart to become overactive.

The body should be tested for subluxations, especially the , atlas, 7th cervical, Towers Meridians and the pinkies/thumbs (all fingers).

The involved reflexes should be treated with the proper supplementation. You should take this preliminary free test or be examined by a licensed practitioner for testing. A liver/gallbladder flush and intestinal detoxification program may also be recommended.

• If food allergies are present these will need to be tested.
• Most persons feel better if they don't eat, unless the headache is from low blood sugar.
• Don't drink alcohol.
• Don't skip meals; don't overeat; don't smoke.
• Exercise regularly to improve circulation.
• Don't use mood-altering, mind-altering, stimulant or sedative drugs.
• Avoid foods that contain nitrites or other additives to which you are sensitive.

Foods that Trigger Migraine Headaches

Many people has asked what common foods can trigger off migraine attacks, since migraines are so common today. But, trigger foods are not the be all and end all of the matter, because there are stress links as well as emotional inputs, hormonal influences, and some medications as well. And, because migraine headaches also have a neurological component, all factors must be considered.

The commonest foods which can cause difficulty (but sometimes what affects one person is fine for another) include:

• peanuts and peanut butter
• caffeine in all products, not just coffee
• dairy products
• yeast
• some beans (which includes peanut), as well as broad, lima, Italian, lentil, soy, peas
• avocados
• dried meats
• sauerkraut
• pickled herrings
• canned soups and packet soup mixes
• chicken livers
• ripe banana
• soya products as well as the bean itself
• sodium nitrate, which is used to preserve hot dogs, bacon and cured meats
• the preservative benzoic acid and its associated compounds
• MSG, common name for monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer which is now in almost universal use in almost all processed foods
• nuts
• sourdough breads
• cheeses which have been aged, i.e. cheddar
• red wines, beer, champagne, vermouth
• chocolate
• anchovies

And if the list seems depressingly long, there are other food triggers as well, but the good news is that most of the list comes from the highly processed and manufactured food products so aren't too difficult to identify, test, and eliminate from the diet. For a complete reference of these offenders see the BecomeHealthy Eating Guide.

Depending on the cause of the headaches, there are many supplements that may be indicated. These are outlined above.

Any number of reflexes can be found to be active as the causes for headaches are so numerous. The CRA® Reflex System can easily locate the cause of headaches.

These reflexes should be tested and treated with the proper supplementation. You should take this preliminary free test or be examined by a licensed practitioner for testing. A liver/gallbladder flush and intestinal detoxification program may also be recommended.

Your Doctor of Chiropractic is skilled in providing expert care for your neck and back – which are often associated with certain types of headaches. Chiropractic has a very impressive record in treating headaches. The neck is very often involved. Go here for information regarding neck conditions.

This is most often accomplished through a chiropractic "adjustment." An adjustment is designed to achieve several objectives: to decrease muscle spasm (which causes pain) and to help restore normal mobility to the affected area. The increased mobility is believed to promote circulation. This in turn aids in the proper nutrition of the joints and spine, thereby decreasing irritation, inflammation and pain. Read more detailed infomration about the chiropractic adjustment here.

The adjustment may be done by your chiropractor’s hands and may be assisted by a specialized table and other aids. Your practitioner may also use a small, hand-held instrument, called an activator. Read all about this non-force technique {activator} here.

Adjustments are continued as prescribed by your chiropractor. Your Doctor of Chiropractic may also employ additional therapies, such as:

• Traction
• Physiotherapy
• Neck/Back Education and Exercises
• Proper Diet
• Rest
• Stress Education
• Additional Related Treatments to Maintain Your Progress

Take this preliminaryto see if your condition could respond to treatment.
Not sure on your treatment options? For a limited time you can schedule a to talk with a licensed doctor or clinician regarding your condition.

Use our ChiroLocator to find a doctor in your area.