What are headaches?
Headaches are one of the most common pain-related health problems, affecting millions of people on a daily basis. They can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Emotional factors, like stress, depression, or anxiety
- Medical problems, like migraines or high blood pressure
- Injuries
- Environmental factors, like weather changes or pollution
Almost everyone experiences a headache at one time or another, but if your symptoms persist or they don’t respond to conservative treatments like rest and over-the-counter painkillers, don’t wait to seek professional help.
What are migraines?
A migraine is a neurological condition that causes a throbbing sensation on one side of the head. Many people who suffer from migraines also experience nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and fatigue.
Migraines are much more powerful and longer-lasting than tension or cluster headaches. In some instances, they occur for days or even weeks at a time.
Are there different types of headaches?
Headaches fall into two separate categories:
Primary headaches
Primary headaches occur due to problems with your head or neck. Usually, they result from overactivity in specific areas of the brain, blood vessels, muscles, or nerves. Two of the most common types of primary headaches are tension headaches and cluster headaches.
Secondary headaches
Secondary headaches occur due to underlying health problems. Some of the most common causes of secondary headaches include pregnancy, hypothyroidism, brain tumors, or a stroke.
How are headaches diagnosed?
To diagnose headaches, Dr. Kotila conducts a physical and neurological exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your lifestyle and symptoms. If these measures don’t provide enough information, he might also order laboratory screenings like a blood test or urinalysis, or diagnostic imaging like an X-ray or MRI.
How are headaches treated?
Dr. Kotila uses conservative, holistic measures to treat headaches. Oftentimes, a series of chiropractic adjustments are enough to provide relief. However, if your symptoms persist or get worse, he might recommend:
- Ultrasound therapy
- Electrical muscle stimulation
- Vibration therapy
- Spinal decompression
- Massage therapy
You might also benefit from a combination of two or more of these treatments. Ultimately, Dr. Kotila’s goal is to ease pain and to improve your overall quality of life.
Don’t let headaches keep you from your favorite activities. To schedule an appointment at Kotila Chiropractic, call the office or book a consultation online today.
