Headaches & Migraines

Migraine Headache Treatments in Williamsville, NY

It is important to make clear distinctions between the basic types of headaches. There are said to be 10 different types of headaches. Migraines, clusters and tensions are the three basic categories we diagnose by.

Migraine Headaches

As the most common neurological cause for disability and the fourth most common reason patients head to the emergency room, migraines are truly debilitating. The brain stem, located at the base of the brain, has shown the ability to release inflammatory factors called calcitonin gene related peptide. More commonly known as CGRP, it triggers electrical activity deep in the lower back side of the brain, causing the migraine headache.

Migraines can be triggered by lack of sleep or stress. Many times, these can be tempered or cured by removing inflammatory foods, such as gluten, from your diet. Another remedy can be to apply high pressure over the base of the skull with the skilled hands of a chiropractor, repositioning and enhancing the motion of the upper cervical vertebra. Most headaches are related to the cervical spine, so this treatment may be the best option.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are commonly caused by, you guessed it, tension. The stress of everyday life can cause the muscles in your upper neck to contract. Over time, this constant contraction causes the muscles to become pathological, build up lactic acid and enter a state of low oxygen.

One suggestion for relaxing the muscles is breath work. A breath of 4 seconds in and 8 seconds out completed 10 times every hour can be extremely helpful.

Cluster Headaches

With this type of headache, there is often pain around one side of the head and into the eye. The pain can be so severe that it is commonly referred to as the “suicide headache”. Cluster headaches often occur at the same time every day, with evenings being the most common time of day. These have also show to be more common from January to July.

Suggested treatment for these headaches includes going to bed at 9pm and waking at 5am, as well as taking melatonin. We naturally produce this hormone in our pineal gland. It helps our day to night cycle and is cued by light.

When should you see a doctor for a headache?

If you suffer from headaches but you feel your current headache is different than normal, you should seek medical attention. To learn more about your treatment options, please contact Christopher Chiropractic Center LLP today! Our office is conveniently located in Williamsville, NY.

Treatment for Headaches & Migraine Headaches

The natural treatment for headaches includes the following:

  • Water intake of nearly a half-gallon per day
  • Sleep 8 hours; go to bed at 9pm and wake at 5am
  • Stretch the upper cervical spine (yoga is one method)
  • Chiropractic care (specifically, treatment to the upper cervical spine)
  • Magnesium supplements
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
  • Acupuncture
  • Feverfew herbal supplements
  • Essential oils including lavender and peppermint
  • Melatonin
  • Breathing deeply
  • Heat or ice on the base of the neck

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