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When Are Simple Headaches Not
So Simple?
Headaches are big
business. For the drug companies, that is.
Approximately 10
million Americans suffer daily headaches,
and 50 million have headaches often enough
to seek medical care. Approximately 23
million Americans suffer from migraines.
Billions of dollars are spent each year on
Aleve and Motrin for tension headaches and
Imitrex for migraines.
But all that money
might just as well be poured down a hole in
the ground, because the statistics haven’t
changed in almost 20 years. Approximately
one out of every six Americans suffers from
headaches.
Tension headaches are
most common, caused by muscle spasm in the
neck and shoulders, stress, and even eye
strain. The dull, pounding pain may be
severe, and there may be nausea. Migraines
are even more debilitating, and may be
preceded by an “aura” - visual symptoms such
as flashing lights or loss of portions of a
visual field.
Headaches, although
common, should never be taken for granted.
People suffering headaches should, at some
point, have a physical examination to rule
out underlying problems such as high blood
pressure.
Importantly, an
unusual headache, accompanied by brand-new
symptoms, should be evaluated by a physician
immediately. A sudden, severe headache,
“like nothing I ever had before”, needs
immediate attention. If you’ve never thrown
up as a result of a headache, and suddenly
you are, you need to see a physician. An
unusual, unexpected level in the increase of
headache pain needs immediate attention. Any
of these situations could be caused by a
serious underlying problem, and an MRI is
usually necessary.
Chiropractic treatment
may be of benefit for many people suffering
with tension headaches and even migraines. A
chiropractic physician will perform a
complete physical examination, which may
include x-rays. Underlying causes of
headaches are ruled out. If a medical
condition is suspected, the patient may be
referred to the appropriate specialist.
A chiropractic spinal
adjustment is a gentle procedure that
reduces muscle tension and increases spinal
mobility. Neck and shoulder muscles are
freed from being held in fixed positions,
resulting in increased circulation, improved
nutrition, and more efficient muscle
activity. The frequency and intensity of
tension headaches may improve noticeably.
Migraine headaches may improve as well.
Regular exercise and a
balanced diet are very important in the
treatment of headaches. Exercise improves
all aspects of muscle function and improves
circulation. Improved cardiovascular
function means more blood is flowing to neck
and shoulder muscles, bringing oxygen and
nutrients and removing irritants such as
lactic acid.
A balanced diet
ensures that neck and shoulder muscles are
getting the energy sources, vitamins, and
minerals they need to work properly. A
balanced diet in combination with regular
exercise also results in weight loss,
removing unnecessary mechanical stress in
the form of excess pounds.
Headaches are usually
a symptom of being out-of-balance. Exercise,
balanced nutrition, and chiropractic care
can help restore balance to our highly
stressed lives.
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