Chiropractor based in Pretoria: Primary headaches can be classified as episodic (occurring up to 15 days per month lasting from 30 minutes to a couple of hours) or chronic (occurring more than 15 days per month) head pain in the absence of an underlying disease, allergy or injury. The most common type of primary headaches include migraine, tension-type headache, and the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias for example cluster headaches. The signs and symptoms of these headache types overlap and therefore effective diagnosis and treatment rely on a comprehensive understanding of each type.
Tension-Type Headache – Chiropractor Pretoria
Tension-type headaches are characterized by a dull, achy or tight, squeezing sensation wrapping around your head like a head band. It is also common to suffer from sensitivity or tenderness around the neck, scalp, forehead and shoulder muscles. A tension-type headache is usually present for 30 minutes to 7 days. It may occur due to any type of stress, insomnia or difficulty concentrating. There is no nausea, vomiting, photophobia or phonophobia involved. It is not throbbing in nature and also not aggravated by physical activity.
Tension-type headaches respond very well to chiropractic care including spinal manipulation, soft tissue (muscle) techniques, cold or hot packs depending on patient preference and response to therapy, stretching techniques, relaxation therapy. From a dietary perspective it is essential to increase electrolyte and fluid intake to promote muscle relaxation – this includes zinc, calcium and magnesium.
Cluster headache – Chiropractor
Cluster headaches are defined as a neurovascular disorder characterized by a short-lived deep-seated, burning and piercing pain with characteristic facial features. This pain is generally experienced around or behind one eye or on one side of the face at a time. The following symptoms are characteristic to cluster headaches:
• sweating and flushing of the face on the same side as the headache
• upper eyelid drooping over the eye, tearing of the eye and nasal congestion on the same side as the headache
• restlessness and agitation during a headache attack
Episodic headaches occur in clusters with a duration of 7 days to 1 year with the average lasting 2 weeks to 3 months. The clusters are separated by pain-free intervals lasting approximately 2 weeks. Chronic headaches last for more than 1 year with remissions lasting less than 2 weeks or no remission at all.
Cluster headaches may be triggered by extreme temperatures, stress, allergies, glare, alcohol and tobacco.
Cluster headaches may respond well to chiropractic care including spinal manipulation, soft tissue (muscle) techniques, stress management, stretching techniques and relaxation therapy. From a dietary perspective it is important to avoid known food triggers and do not skip meals. Increase intake of vitamin B2 and B6, vitamin D, electrolytes, magnesium and calcium.
Migraine – Chiropractor for Migraine Specialist Pretoria
Migraine headaches are defined as recurring head pain due to changes in the brain and surrounding blood vessels. Its character is an intense throb or pulse within the head. The duration of the pain is usually several hours to an entire day(s). Migraine headaches are commonly known to affect your ability to carry out activities of daily living.
There is usually a trigger factor leading to a migraine, including:
- sleep disruption
- dehydration
- the intake of vasoactive foods, including:
- tyramine rich foods: chocolate, nuts, red wine, cheese
- alcohol, coffee, tea, histamine (citrus juice), niacin
- MSG, preservatives, processed foods
- estrogen supplementation or nitroglycerine
- stress or when a stressful event is done and a tension-type headache develops into a migraine
- rapid blood sugar changes including heavy sugar intake, missed meals, hypoglycaemia or fasting
- rapid hormonal changes (potentially cyclical) including puberty, menstruation, menopause
There are two types of migraines – with (usually visual disturbances precede the headache) and without an aura. 1 out of 3 people suffering from migraines will experience an aura, including:
- shimmering or flashing lights
- zigzag lines
- stars
- blind spots
People suffering from migraine headaches are often sensitive to sound and light. Nausea occur in about 80% of migraine cases and vomiting in about 50% of cases. In 40% of cases numbness may be experienced in the hand, then migrates to the arm and may involve the tongue (which may result in trouble speaking) and one side of the face.
Migraine headaches have a genetic link and may be associated with conditions affecting the nervous system. Men are three times less likely to suffer from migraine than women. Patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also have an increased chance of developing migraine headaches.
Spinal manipulation is known to be extremely effective for the reduction of migraine symptoms, but also help to prevent the onset of migraines. Refrain from skipping meals and avoid known food triggers such as caffeine, chocolate, dairy products, alcohol (especially beer and red wine), as well as food preservatives that contain nitrites and nitrates, monosodium glutamate, and artificial sweeteners. Increase your intake of vitamin B2 and B6, vitamin D, electrolytes, magnesium and calcium.
Cervicogenic headache
Cervicogenic headaches originate from the cervical spine involving the neck and occipital region and is usually caused by repetitive neck or shoulder movement and/or sustained awkward head positioning (e.g. washing the floor or painting the ceiling). The pain often radiates to the forehead, eyes, ears and temples.
Risk factors and potential causes include previous trauma to the neck, cervical joint dysfunction, sustained neck postures or repetitive motions of the shoulders and/or neck.
Cervicogenic headaches respond extremely well to cervical (neck) manipulation and mobilization, stretching, cervical traction, as well as cold or hot packs depending on patient preference and response to therapy.
Can you prevent headaches?
Headaches can be managed with preventive measures, which may result in reduced headache intensity and/or frequency, or complete prevention of headaches. Ultimately, the preventative method(s) will depend on the type of headache experienced.
In general, many headaches can be prevented or improved with lifestyle changes including:
- correcting your car seat and work station setup
- getting adequate sleep, regularly
- eating enough and having balanced meals
- ensuring to stay hydrated
- performing exercise, regularly
- managing stress
Immediate Medical Attention Required
Sometimes a headache may require immediate medical attention. If any of the following symptoms present alongside your headache, seek medical care as soon as possible:
- headache due to trauma such as a motor vehicle accident
- a new, persistent or severe headache in a child or elderly patient
- cognitive changes such as confusion, or changes in thinking, reasoning or remembering
- rash
- the worst headache you have ever had
- vomiting without nausea
- seizures
- slurred speech
- fever of 38°C or higher
- paralysis in any part of your body
- visual loss
- alcohol or drug dependence
Located in: Swift Physio Centre
Address: 501 Jochemus St, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria, 0048
Hours: Open ⋅ Monday – Friday 8am-5pm
Phone: 079 091 9756