Ann Arbor Chiropractor and Ypsilanti Chiropractor Breaks Down Headaches

They are one of those health problems that are almost universal. Headaches can range from annoying to debilitating and everywhere in between. Sometimes you know you’re going to have headaches because of the weather or the stress of the day. Sometimes headaches come out of nowhere! Luckily your Ann Arbor chiropractor and Ypsilanti chiropractor is here to help. Some headache types can be treated with chiropractic care. However, it is always important to seek out immediate medical attention if you are experiencing a new headache or the worst headache of your life. This can be a sign of an underlying medical issue that needs urgent attention. 

TENSION TYPE HEADACHES

Tension type headaches are one of the most common kinds of headaches that mostly everyone has experienced. These are the kind of headaches you get from a long day at work. They can range from subtle to intense. They often feel like a tight band around your head. Your neck and upper back can often feel tight. Normally you experience these headaches on both sides at the same time. These headaches can be frequent, even daily for those that suffer from them. You may or may not experience nausea, sensitivity to light, and fatigue. 

MIGRAINE HEADACHES

Migraine headaches are less common than tension type headaches, however they are still fairly common in the general population. Women more than men are more likely to experience migraine headaches. Migraine headaches are often felt on one side versus the other. They can feel like a hot poker through your temple and the base of your skull. They can switch from side to side. Sometimes migraines can last for several days. 

These headaches often interfere with your daily activities. You’re most likely going to experience multiple of the following symptoms including sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, sensitivity to smells, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and visual disturbances. 

Some people can experience something called an aura which is a visual disturbance that lets you know a migraine is on its way. These can appear as light bursts or other fissures of light. Not everyone who has migraines also experiences an aura. 

CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES

Cervicogenic headaches often share the same characteristics as migraines. However, a major difference is you always experience them on the same side. Migraine headaches can switch from side to side. This kind of headache is often caused by a traumatic event like a car accident or blunt force trauma. 

Through a series of exams and a detailed history, your team at Collective Culture Health and Chiropractic can narrow down the kind of headache you are experiencing. From there, you can receive safe and effective care. Give us a call today!