Headaches are a common problem that everyone has at least once in a while, but they become a problem for people who suffer from chronic or severe headaches. Not all headaches are the same, however. One of the first steps in getting the right treatment is to determine what kind of headache you have.
An upper cervical specialist is best suited to assess your headache symptoms and devise a treatment plan to bring relief.
Types of Headaches
Cervicogenic Headaches are among the most common type of headaches that people will experience. They are caused by stress or poor posture. These types of headaches usually involve one-sided pain that often begins in or radiates up from the neck.
Tension Headaches are another very common type of headache brought on by stress. They are generally felt across the forehead, in the temples, or the back of the head. Sufferers will usually feel an aching or throbbing pain that is mild to moderate.
Migraines are moderate to severe headaches that are caused by inflamed blood vessels. Sufferers usually feel a migraine coming hours or even days before it begins. They may experience visual or auditory disturbances or have sensitivity to light. At its height, a migraine is extremely painful and often accompanied by nausea.
Cluster Headaches are not that common, but they are the most severe type of headache one might experience. The cause of cluster headaches is still unclear but researchers suspect it may involve damaged or misfiring nerves. These are usually felt in the region behind the eye; they are brief but extremely severe. They come in clusters striking several times per day for a few weeks. After that, sufferers may go into remission for a few months or years only for another cluster to strike unsuspectingly.
Organic Headaches are very rare, but they have the most serious health consequences. They are due to abnormalities in the brain such as high blood pressure, tumors, or aneurysms. The pain is usually sudden and sharp and may lead to confusion, loss of coordination, or a seizure. If you believe you have an organic headache, seek emergency medical care immediately.
How Chiropractors Help You Figure Out Your Type of Headache
When you go to a chiropractor for headaches, your doctor will ask you a series of questions to help figure out what type of headache it is. Knowing the type of headache helps the doctor determine the best treatment.
Information the doctor will need includes:
- When you get the headache and how often
- Where the pain is
- What type of pain is associated with the headache
- Any activities or actions that preceded the headache
- How long does the headache last
- What, if anything, helps the headache
- What, if anything, makes the headache worse
How We Treat Headaches
Dr. Noah Kaplan of Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Walnut Creek is among Northern California’s elite upper cervical care specialists. The doctor is a practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a modern technique that utilizes state-of-the-art technology in treating subluxations of the upper cervical spine.
Many headaches can be traced back to misalignments of the upper cervical spine. This part of the spine is in close proximity to the brain stem and is surrounded by clusters of nerves and blood vessels, as well as soft tissue. When the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine are misaligned it causes inflammation and swelling that may compress or pinch nerves and vessels, impeding them from doing their jobs and resulting in a headache. It can also cause muscle strain in the head, neck, and shoulders, resulting in stress and tension.
Dr. Kaplan’s office is equipped with Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT). Using 3D diagnostic imaging, he can pinpoint areas of concern and apply precise corrections to alleviate headache pain. Proper alignment of the upper cervical spine also jumpstarts the body’s natural healing processes, which can decrease the frequency and severity of some headaches.
If headaches have you down, contact Dr. Kaplan to see if he can help. Located in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Kaplan also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.
Schedule an Appointment or a Free Consultation
Call us at (925) 357-3080 or click on the button below to schedule an appointment or a free consultation.
