Headaches Treatments

Headaches

There are many different types of Headaches. Below are some of the more common ones, I will explain each one.

1. Migraine Headaches

2. Cluster Headaches

3. Hormonal Headaches

4. Hangover Headaches

5. Sinus Headaches

6. Dehydration Headaches

Migraine Headaches

Symptoms are intense pains in the head (feels like a tumour in the head):

• you cannot tolerate light of any form, this is called “photophobia”
• nausea, usually with vomiting - these often last for a day, if there is no intervention

Treatment

Osteopathic & Chiropractic treatments are very successful, often reducing them 80-90% in 1-2 hours. I know because of migraines I became a practitioner!!! Preventive care is important for migraine sufferers, dealing with the causes and getting appropriate treatment can keep you MIGRAINE FREE. Make a plan to get well. Call now.

Drugs

If you cannot see an Osteopath/Chiropractor that day and need immediate help for the pain, the Chemist has products which you can obtain without a script: Nurofen, Panamax, Anagraine (nausea). If you can get to a Doctor you can get a script for Relpax.

Cluster Headaches

This type of headache is painful, but much less than a migraine.

• they are called cluster headaches because they come in clusters, maybe 3-5 days
• they are often associated with tension headaches and possibly stiff and sore necks.

Treatment

A relaxing massage with gentle Osteopathic/Chiropractic adjustments, massaging the neck and shoulders will help soothe the spinal nerves and relax the muscles. Patients have found the approach very effective for these daily headaches. You can be helped. Call now.

Hormonal Headaches

These usually appear just prior to the menstrual cycle, every 20-25 days. As Osteopaths we treat 2 regions in the spine.

1-Because of hormonal tension, neck and shoulder adjustments, with massage, has been helpful with these headaches.

2-The L3 lumbar vertebrae nerves (lower back) regulates the ovaries and uterus. Thus the “Backache” that comes with each cycle, helps the nerves at L3 with adjustments and a gentle massage can bring immediate relief. If you have tried everything else. Let an Osteopathic approach become one of your options. Talk with us. I have used this approach for years to help women.

Hangover Headaches (Alcohol)

These are created liver headaches, with nausea and vomiting. Alcohol does have its downsides. There is a great Homoeopathic remedy (you need to have it in advance) called Nux Vomica 6X or 12X. It will settle down most hangover headaches in an hour or two. It is much faster than coffee, Nux Vomica can be purchased from most good Health Food Shops. I carry it in stock all the time and can post it out to you. This remedy is the quickest way to help these headaches.

Sinus Headaches

Behind the nose and face are two bones, the Ethnoid and Sphenoid bones. Within these bones are many air sacs that filter clean air. They are susceptible to bacterial infections, with an infection, pus and mucus build up within these tiny sacs, congestion occurs, when this happens pressure builds up internally in the head that is different to outside air pressure and sinus pains begin (a headache develops) it manifests as Sinusitis, post nasal drip and stuffy nose. As an Osteopath/Chiropractor we do gentle stretches, they give immediate relief equalising the pressure. Patients love it. Sinus pains can go on for years with some patients.

Breathing steam

Vicks in hot water and a towel over the head is a common home remedy. Antibiotics may be necessary for sinus pains that persist. Dairy products: reducing or stopping them altogether has been useful for many sufferers.

Dehydration Headaches

Even with mild dehydration, headaches can occur. IF YOU HAVE A HEADACHE ALWAYS DRINK WATER FIRST. Dehydration often presents as fatigue and dizziness, as well as thirst. Drinking water is obviously the answer.

Products: electrolytic drinks, hydrolyte, powerade sports drinks and there are many others that are very effective and people respond quickly.

Children: Children can very quickly be at risk with dehydration, particularly if you do long road trips and they don’t drink enough water, they become lethargic, floppy, drowsy and confused and often with fast breathing.

HOSPITAL CARE IS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY

CONCLUSION As you can see there are many types of headaches. With a skilled Practitioner Osteopaths and Chiropractors are a good drug free alternative. Our profession is well known for fast relief of ‘Headaches’.