Mention of headaches extends back at least as far as recorded history! If you suffer from headaches, you are not alone!
Headache treatments have evolved over many centuries.
Originally it was thought to be a spiritual entity and treated with religious or magical rituals. 9000 years ago they put a hole in the skull so those evil spirits could leave. The ancient Egyptians tied a clay crocodile to the head with a list of gods who could cure the ailment in the crocs mouth. In the Middle Ages, a poultice of vinegar and opium was applied to the head. Mayans washed the head with an herbal solution. Luckily, we have expanded our knowledge and improved our treatments.
Countless studies have helped to classify and develop our insight of different types of headaches.
In 1672 the term “neurology” was introduced and many scientific advancements stemmed in the centuries thereafter. We now have an array of imaging techniques which have not only helped expand our knowledge but also narrow many diagnoses. Treatments have advanced to include several pharmaceutical interventions, however many people find relief with conservative options.
While there are well over 150 types of headaches, they all are divided into 2 main categories: primary and secondary.
- Primary headache. 90% of people fall into the primary headache category. These are defined as headaches that have no known underlying cause! How fun is that?!
- Secondary headache. These occur secondary to a diagnosable disorder such as trauma, tumor, substance withdrawal, or vascular condition.
Chiropractic can help patients with primary headaches!
Even though the underlying cause of a primary headache is technically unknown, there is still hope! Many patients find great relief of their symptoms with chiropractic care.
At Champion Wellness, we use a multi-step process to diagnose and evaluate headaches.
History
Exam
Consultation
Treatment
History
We start with a thorough history to gather details about the headaches and then collect information on lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and stress which are common triggers.
Exam
The exam process will be tailored to the individual, but may include various orthopedic and neurologic testing to rule out “red flags” and determine if chiropractic is an appropriate treatment.
Consultation
In some cases, patients may be referred to another provider for additional testing before moving forward with any therapies. With any condition, it’s important for all providers involved to collaborate.
Treatment
For many patients, muscle release and manual chiropractic therapy are enough to knock that headache out in a few visits. However, some patients may have lifestyle factors that cause those headaches to flare back up. In those cases, we discuss a plan of continued care and preventative maintenance.
If you suffer from headaches, it is important to get a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Headaches can vary from a nagging ache that shortens your patience to a debilitating pain that halts all activities. Every experience is unique. The staff at Champion Wellness in Hendersonville, TN can provide an assessment to help you better understand the cause of your discomfort.
