Causes of Chronic Headaches and Ways to Alleviate Them

We all get a headache now and then. You have a long day at work and the stress builds up in your body. Or you have a few too many when you are out on the town. Or you don’t drink as much water as you should and you wind up with a throbbing head. But there are others of us that suffer more than the occasional headache tied to a specific cause. Many people have chronic headaches and can’t quite seem to figure out why.

There are some common causes of chronic headaches. Once you get to the bottom of the cause, you can figure out how to treat it, including chiropractic treatments for headaches. Here’s what you need to know:

Common Causes

Though they may all feel painful, there are actually different types of headaches, and they are caused by different things.
Tension headaches often feel like a tight band around your head, though they can present as a dull ache or pressure throughout your head, as well. Tension headaches are the most common type of Mesa chronic headache, and they can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a whole week. Tension headaches are typically caused by some kind of tension – stress, hunger (from missing a meal, not being late for lunch), lack of sleep, anxiety, depression, or neck strain. Any kind of emotional or physical stress can cause them.

Migraines are more serious headaches that can cause nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to noise and light, and severe pain. These intense headaches can affect one side of the head or the whole head. They can last for several days, and they can get worse with activity. It is unknown what causes migraines, though they are more common in women than men.

Hemicrania continua is a one-sided headache that can feel as painful as a migraine but that does not come with the other symptoms. New daily persistent headache in Mesa is a type of headache that happens daily to people who have not typically had headaches in the past. Hypnic headaches are daily headaches that happen to people age 50 and older and wake them from sleep. They are referred to as “alarm clock headaches.” Primary stabbing headaches only last a few seconds, but they keep coming back all day long.

Headache Relief

When you have a headache, you don’t really care what caused it. You just want it to go away. You’ll do just about anything to get headache relief. The first thing you likely reach for is aspirin, but it may not relieve all headaches. Some headaches need more specific treatment. For example, if you have a migraine, you likely need to lie down in a quiet, dark place to reduce the sensory onslaught and get relief from the pain. If you have chronic migraines, you may need to take antidepressants to control hormones that can contribute to them.

All types of headaches can respond to holistic treatments such as hot and cold compresses, improvements to diet, reduction in caffeine and alcohol, massage, meditation, or reflexology. Some people may find that mental health therapy is also helpful, especially when emotional stress or psychological issues that cause mood swings are contributing to the headaches.

Chiropractic treatments for headaches can also help. Spinal imbalance can put tension on muscles in the back and neck, which cause headaches. Muscular tension and spinal imbalance can also interfere with proper circulation, which can cause headaches. A chiropractor can provide headache relief in Mesa by adjusting the spine and reducing some of that tension. Chiropractic care can also encourage healthy circulation and the elimination of toxins that can contribute to headaches.

If you need headache relief, you might want to consider visiting a chiropractic clinic. BodyWorkz in Arizona offers chiropractic treatments for headaches and a variety of other ailments. A chiropractor will talk to you about the specific symptoms you are experiencing, evaluate your physical condition, and recommend a course of treatment. You may also get headache relief through our other services, including massage therapy and acupuncture. We’re much more than just a chiropractic clinic. We’re a body clinic that focuses on your overall health and well-being. Call us in Arizona today to talk to a chiropractor and start working toward the headache relief you need.