by Dr. Gary Farr on 23 November 2001
1
Headaches - Part 1
Headache pain occurs in the tissues covering the {brain_easy} brain, the attaching structures at the base of the brain, and the muscles and blood vessels around the scalp, face, and neck. The brain itself is insensitive to pain. Headache is defined as primary or secondary. Headache is considered primary when a disease or other medical condition does not cause it. The three most common primary headaches are tension or muscle contraction, migraine, and cluster. It is not uncommon for someone to experience a combination of these headaches. In fact, some experts believe that all headaches are derived from the same mechanisms that cause migraine, and they are simply variations on a single biologic theme. Secondary headaches are caused by other medical conditions, such as {sinusitis} sinusitis infection, neck injuries or abnormalities, and stroke.
Symptoms can be anywhere in the head with radiation into the eyes, ears, sinuses, jaws, neck, and teeth.
Although there are many kinds of headaches and reasons for them, one thing is clear: headaches can be troublesome, and at times, debilitating. More persons seek medical advice because of headaches more than any other complaint.
What has not been fully appreciated are the results that could be obtained through skillful chiropractic care in the treatment of headaches.
Other treatment options, however, have proven to be problematic. It has been documented that certain drugs used in the treatment of headaches can actually make them worse and cause complications. Furthermore, these very same painkillers can lead to drug dependency.
These dangers, and the fact that the source of the pain is not truly being addressed, have sent many people looking for another solution to their headache dilemma.
This is where your doctor of Chiropractic could be a welcome ally. Examining the vital information about headaches will help you to understand why.
Headaches can be mild or severe, occasional or continuous, and everything in between. Some are caused by serious underlying problems, others by simple tension. To be safe, sudden or severe headaches, headaches that differ from usual patterns, or headaches that worsen over days or weeks (especially in an isolated part of the head) should be evaluated promptly by a licensed doctor. So should any headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, speech problems, paralysis, double vision, imbalance, excruciating pain, or pain in the temple.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches have the following characteristics:
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Tension Headaches
Tension headaches have the following characteristics:
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Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches have the following characteristics:
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2
Headaches - Part 2
Primary Causes of Headaches
- By primary cause, we mean that the headache is not due to some other underlying health condition. The three types of primary headaches are migraine, tension and cluster headaches.
Secondary Causes of Headaches
About 90% of the people seeking help for headaches have one of the primary headache disorders discussed above. In secondary headaches, there is an underlying disorder that produces the headache as a symptom. Many conditions produce headache; some of the most common are listed below.
- Sleep disturbances; anxiety or depression.
There are many ways to treat these syndromes, both with chiropractic and nutrition (see below). - Excessive eating or drinking.
Too much food or the wrong foods can cause any number of organs to malfunction. This includes the liver, pancreas and the intestines. - Eye strain, including sun glare.
Because the nervous system is being bombarded with excessive light or because the eye muscles themselves have to work harder. - Use of drugs or alcohol; low blood sugar.
One of the most common causes for headaches, if you take drugs, either recreationally or by prescription. Low blood sugar can be corrected by diet and nutritional supplementation (see below). - Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle.
Excessive estrogen that can not be metabolized by the liver. - Allergic reactions.
This can be from food or other noxious environmental substances. - Headache Due to Neck Problems
Some headaches may be caused by abnormalities of the neck muscles resulting from prolonged bad posture (such as sitting in front of a computer keyboard or daily driving for long periods), arthritis, injuries of the upper spine, or abnormalities in the cervical spine (the spinal bones in the neck). Nerves in the neck converge in the trigeminal nerve in the face and can generate pain signals that the brain may interpret as headache. Pain is usually on one side; even if it effects both sides of the head it is usually more severe on one side. The quality of the headache may be similar to an aching tension headache or a mild migraine without auras. Detailed information on the neck can be found {neck_pain} here. - Sinus Headache
Fever, runny nose, congestion, and general debilitation accompany headaches produced by sinus infection. Sinus headaches are usually around the eyes, across the cheeks, or over the forehead. They are usually mild in the morning and increase during the day. Many primary headaches are misdiagnosed as sinus headache when, in fact, there is no infection; a true sinus headache lasts until the infection is treated. Go here to read about {sinusitis} sinusitis. - Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
TMJ is caused by clenching the jaws or grinding the teeth (usually during sleep), or by abnormalities in the jaw joints themselves. This is known as bruxism. The cause of bruxism must be addressed whether stemming from a physical or psycholgical cause. Physical causes include structual neck and {tmj} jaw joint problems. Psycholgical causes can be any unresolved situation the person cannot find a solution to. This includes personal, marriage and work situations. The diagnosis is easy if chewing produces pain or if jaw motion is restricted or noisy. TMJ pain can occur in the ear, the cheek, temples, or neck and shoulders. For more information go {tmj} here. - Glaucoma
Acute {glaucoma} glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eye and requires immediate medical attention. Throbbing pain may be felt around or behind the eyes or in the forehead. Patients have redness in the eye and may see halos or rings around lights. Pain may be referred to other areas. - Brain Tumor
Fear of brain tumor is common among people with headaches, but headache is almost never the first or only sign of a tumor. Changes in personality and mental functioning, vomiting, seizures, and other symptoms are more likely to appear first. When the headache does develop, it is often worse early in the morning or may awaken sufferers during the night. - Hypertension
Although many people attribute headaches to high blood pressure, the two are rarely associated. An exception is malignant hypertension, an uncommon medical emergency, in which the blood pressure abruptly rises to extreme levels, causing damage to blood vessels in the brain, heart, and kidneys. For more information on high blood pressure go {hypertension1} here. - Strokes Caused by Blood Clots or Hemorrhages
A blood clot or hemorrhage in the brain leading to a {stroke} stroke can cause a severe headache, sometimes referred to as a thunderclap headache when it is very sudden and severe. The onset of such a headache, particularly if it is associated with confusion, stupor, or other neurologic symptoms, mandates prompt medical attention. It is important to determine if a clot or bleeding is causing the stroke, since treatments are very different. For information regarding strokes, go {stroke} here. - Head Injuries
It is obvious that a significant blow to the head will cause pain. Post-injury headaches, however, can reflect serious damage, ranging from skull fractures to internal bleeding. - Disorders of the Meninges
The meninges are the membranes covering the brain and the {nervous_spinal_cord_easy} spinal cord. In very rare instances, ordinary physical strain may injure or weaken the meninges, causing a leakage of cerebrovascular fluid. This can cause severe headache and nausea, which are relieved by lying flat. The condition is very treatable. Meningitis, which is an infection or irritation of these membranes, is an uncommon but potentially serious cause of severe headache. Other symptoms include nausea and stiffness or pain in the neck. Detailed information regarding the spinal cord can be found {nervous_spinal_cord_easy} here. - Gynecologic Problems
Many clinicians have anecdotally linked gynecologic problems, such as ovarian cysts and menstrual disorders, to chronic headaches, and new data are emerging to support this association.
Symptoms can be any of the following:
- Dull, aching feeling on both sides of the head.
- Tight muscles in the neck or scalp.
- Not preceded by warnings (aura, prodrome).
- Feelings of fatigue, weakness.
- If severe, nausea, light and sound sensitivity.
Headaches indicating a serious underlying problem, such as cerebrovascular disorder or malignant hypertension, are uncommon. (It should be emphasized again that a headache is not a common symptom of a brain tumor.) People with existing chronic headaches might miss a more serious condition believing it to be one of their usual headaches. Such patients should call a physician promptly if the quality of a headache or accompanying symptoms has changed. Everyone should call a physician for any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden, very severe headache, worse than any headache ever experienced (possible indication of hemorrhage or a ruptured {aneurism} aneurysm);
- Sudden, severe headaches that persist or increase in intensity over 24 hours;
- Chronic or severe headaches that begin after age fifty;
- Headaches accompanied by memory loss, confusion, loss of balance, changes in speech or vision, or loss of strength in or numbness or tingling in arms or legs;
- Headaches after head injury, especially if drowsiness or nausea are present (possibility of hemorrhage);
- Headaches accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting (possibility of spinal meningitis);
- Headaches that increase with coughing or straining (possibility of brain swelling).
- A throbbing pain around or behind the eyes or in the forehead accompanied by redness in the eye and perceptions of halos or rings around lights (possibility of acute glaucoma).
- A one-sided headache in the temple in elderly people; the artery in the temple is firm and knotty and has no pulse; scalp is tender (possibility of temporal arteritis, which can cause blindness or even stroke if not treated)
- Sudden onset and then persistent, throbbing pain around the eye possibly spreading to the ear or neck unrelieved by pain medication (possibility of blood clot in one of the sinus veins of the brain)
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.
{cra_dx}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 {chiro_subl} subluxations, especially the {spine_cervical}, atlas, 7th cervical, {towers_meridian} 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} 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 {eating_guide} 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} 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 {neck_pain} 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 {chiro_principles} 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
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