Things you need to know about headaches.
Headache is common complaint. However, there are many different kinds of headaches, and many different causes. Some headaches are postural and tension related. Other headaches may be migraines, and others might be related to sinus or TMJ issues. Some headaches are related to trauma or concussion. Complicating matters further is that there can be more than one kind of headache at work (mixed headaches), or one kind of headache spilling over into another, such as is the case of headaches that start out as tension and evolve into migraine. One common kind of headache is called “cervicogenic,” or coming from the neck. In many headaches, such as tension, mixed, and cervicogenic, medications rarely address the underlying cause. Of greater concern, too, is that longer-term medication use can lead to “rebound headaches” where once the medication is discontinued, the headaches rebound up and become worse that before.
Other problems related to the headaches.
Sometimes the cause of the headaches is not where the headache is felt. This is true for headaches like tension headaches, trigger point headache referral, cervicogenic headaches, mixed headaches, and sometimes TMJ headaches. Some headaches signal a much more serious problem. If you are having new or unusual headaches you have not had before, headaches associated with neurological symptoms (such as dizziness, nausea/vomiting, visual changes, numbness), or headaches associated with recent trauma (2-3 weeks or less), or if you are having severe and sustained headaches, you should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
We are your headache chiropractor in Tacoma.
Our patients that come to us for help with headaches are happy to find out that Dr. McMillin is highly qualified for headache management. He was a contributing care provider in Tacoma Headway Program, which focused on multidisciplinary care for chronic and disabling headaches. It turns out that chiropractic and manual therapies, coupled with functional reconditioning significantly helps a range of headache disorders, including myofascial, TMJ, tension, postural cervicogenic, and migraine.
Tension/Cervical Headache
Tension and cervicogenic (coming from the neck) headaches are common, and typically respond quite well to chiropractic care, manual therapies, postural retraining, ergonomic modifications, and reconditioning of the neck and upper back areas. A qualified exam and targeted treatment help find the right pathway forward to help.
Migraine Headache
Migraines can be complicated, with many different triggers. However, one of the triggers is commonly related to problems with stress and tension form the neck and posture. Also, many patients with more severe headaches think they are having migraines, when they are not. A qualified exam and targeted treatment are helpful.
TMJ Headaches
TMJ headaches can be complicated, and some people try using a might appliance to help, which saves the teeth from clenching strain and unload the joint, but does not directly address or retrain muscle or joint problems associated with TMJ abnormalities. It is important to get TMJ problems under control to prevent more severe problems.
Common types of headaches we treat.
There are several types of headaches. The most common include:
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are often caused by stress, poor posture, or tight muscles in the neck and shoulders. They may feel like a tight band around your head.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines can cause intense, throbbing pain. Some people also have nausea, light sensitivity, or vision changes.
Cervicogenic Headaches
These headaches start in the neck and move up into the head. They are often linked to spinal joint problems or poor posture.
If you are unsure what type of headache you have, we can help identify the cause.
What causes headaches?
Headaches can be triggered by many factors, including:
- Poor posture
- Long hours at a computer
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Lack of sleep
- Auto accidents or whiplash
- Neck injuries
When the joints in your neck are not moving properly, they can irritate nearby nerves and muscles. This may lead to head pain.
How chiropractic care helps headaches?
Chiropractic care focuses on the spine and nervous system. If your headaches are linked to neck tension or spinal misalignment, chiropractic adjustments may help.
Our Tacoma chiropractor uses gentle and effective techniques to:
- Improve spinal alignment and mobility
- Reduce joint pain and irritation
- Reduce muscle tension and referred pain
- Improve posture
- Decrease nerve irritation and entrapment
- Support natural healing
Chiropractic care offers a drug-free option for headache relief in Tacoma. We specialize in headache care are ProaActive Spine Care.
Headaches after a car accident in Tacoma?
It is possible that even a minor car accident can cause neck injuries that lead to headaches. Whiplash can strain muscles and ligaments, leading to pain that may not appear right away. Headaches might also be related to other issues, such s TMJ and concussion.
If you have been in an auto accident in Tacoma and are experiencing headaches, early evaluation and care are important to prevent long-term problems.
Benefits of chiropractic care for headaches
Patients often report:
- Fewer headaches
- Reduced pain intensity
- Improved neck movement
- Better posture
- Less stress and muscle tension
- Improved quality of life
We focus on long-term results so you can enjoy life without constant head pain.
Why choose our Tacoma headache chiropractor?
- Experienced and caring team, with years of experience managing headaches and coordinating headache care.
- Customized treatment plans
- Modern chiropractic techniques
- Convenient Tacoma, WA location
- Patient-focused care
We are proud to serve the Tacoma community and help patients find lasting relief.