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Headaches & Treatments

Back Clinic Headaches & Treatment Team. The most common cause of headaches can relate to neck complications. From spending excessive time looking down at a laptop, desktop, iPad, and even from constant texting, an incorrect posture for extended periods of time can begin to place pressure on the neck and upper back, leading to problems that could cause headaches. The majority of these types of headaches occur due to tightness between the shoulder blades, which in turn causes the muscles on the top of the shoulders to tighten and radiating pain into the head.

If the source of the headaches is related to a complication of the cervical spine or other regions of the spine and muscles, chiropractic care, such as chiropractic adjustments, manual manipulation, and physical therapy, can be a good treatment option. Also, a chiropractor may often follow up chiropractic treatment with a series of exercises to improve posture and offer advice for future lifestyle improvements to avoid further complications.


Say Goodbye to Headaches with Acupuncture

Say Goodbye to Headaches with Acupuncture

Can individuals dealing with headaches find the relief they are looking for from acupuncture to reduce pain-like symptoms?

Introduction

As part of the musculoskeletal system, the neck is part of the upper body portions and allows the head to be mobile through full rotations without pain and discomfort. The surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons help protect the cervical spinal region and have a fantastic relationship with the shoulders. However, the neck area can succumb to injuries, leading to pain-like symptoms that can cause pain and discomfort in the upper regions. One of the pain-like symptoms that correlates with neck pain is headaches. Headaches can vary in acute to chronic stages as they affect many individuals and the various factors that correlate with them. When headaches start to form, many individuals will look at multiple treatments to reduce the pain-like symptoms that correlate with headaches and have the relief they deserve. Today’s article looks at the various factors that correlate with headaches, how headaches cause overlapping risk profiles with neck pain, and how treatments like acupuncture can reduce headaches. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to provide treatments like acupuncture to minimize headaches. We also inform and guide patients on how acupuncture can benefit many individuals dealing with neck pain associated with headaches. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricated and important questions about their pain-like symptoms that correlate with headaches and neck pain. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

 

The Various Factors Correlating Headaches

 

Have you been experiencing tension around the back of your neck after a long day? Do you feel a dull ache after staring at the computer or phone screen? Or do you feel a pounding sensation that you must lie down for a few minutes? Many of these pain-like scenarios are associated with headaches that affect many individuals from time to time. Headaches are correlated with various biochemical and metabolic risk profiles or changes that cause central sensitization and neuronal dysfunction. (Walling, 2020) This causes many individuals to develop acute or chronic pain-like symptoms that affect their heads and various locations around the face and the neck area. Some of the multiple factors that can lead to the development of headaches include:

  • Stress
  • Allergies
  • Tension
  • Inability to sleep
  • Lack of water and food
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Bright strobing lights

Additionally, other factors like obesity can become a strong risk factor for secondary headaches like migraines to have symptoms of intracranial hypertension impact the body. (Fortini & Felsenfeld Junior, 2022) This could lead to the development of neck pain caused by headaches.

 

Headaches & Neck Pain

When it comes to headaches associated with neck pain, many individuals will experience tension and pain in the surrounding muscles and the ongoing symptoms. Neck pain can cause overlapping risk profiles to muscles, ligaments, facet joints, and visceral structures of the neck that can trigger the development of a headache or become a symptom that co-exists with a neck disorder. (Vicente et al., 2023) Additionally, neck pain and headaches are strongly associated as muscular pain plays a role in headache development as they provide negative consequences within their social lives. Headaches can hinder a person’s ability to concentrate, while neck pain causes limited mobility and stiffness. (Rodriguez-Almagro et al., 2020

 


Tension Headaches Overview- Video


Acupuncture Reducing Headaches

When individuals are dealing with headaches, many will incorporate home remedies to reduce the tension they are experiencing from the various factors. This can provide temporary relief to mitigate the effects of the pain-like symptoms associated with headaches. However, when the pain from headaches becomes unbearable with neck pain in the mix, that is where non-surgical treatments could be the answer. Non-surgical treatments are effective on pain caused by headaches and customized to the person’s pain. For example, acupuncture could help with headaches and neck pain. Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of non-surgical treatments; highly trained professionals use solid thin needles to be placed in various acupoints in the body to restore energy flow and reducing pain associated with headaches. (Turkistani et al., 2021)

 

 

Acupuncture can even help reduce the frequency and duration of headaches while disrupting the pain signals and help provide insight into the positive effects of pain reduction. (Li et al., 2020) When people start incorporating acupuncture as part of their health and wellness treatment plan, they will feel their headaches reduced and their neck mobility back to normal. Through consecutive treatment, they will feel much better and become more aware of the various factors pertaining to headache production while making small changes to reduce their chances of returning. 

 


References

Fortini, I., & Felsenfeld Junior, B. D. (2022). Headaches and obesity. Arq Neuropsiquiatr, 80(5 Suppl 1), 204-213. doi.org/10.1590/0004-282X-ANP-2022-S106

Li, Y. X., Xiao, X. L., Zhong, D. L., Luo, L. J., Yang, H., Zhou, J., He, M. X., Shi, L. H., Li, J., Zheng, H., & Jin, R. J. (2020). Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Migraine: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Pain Res Manag, 2020, 3825617. doi.org/10.1155/2020/3825617

Rodriguez-Almagro, D., Achalandabaso-Ochoa, A., Molina-Ortega, F. J., Obrero-Gaitan, E., Ibanez-Vera, A. J., & Lomas-Vega, R. (2020). Neck Pain- and Unsteadiness-Inducing Activities and their Relationship to the Presence, Intensity, Frequency, and Disability of Headaches. Brain Sci, 10(7). doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10070425

Turkistani, A., Shah, A., Jose, A. M., Melo, J. P., Luenam, K., Ananias, P., Yaqub, S., & Mohammed, L. (2021). Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Acupuncture in Tension-Type Headache: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 13(8), e17601. doi.org/10.7759/cureus.17601

Vicente, B. N., Oliveira, R., Martins, I. P., & Gil-Gouveia, R. (2023). Cranial Autonomic Symptoms and Neck Pain in Differential Diagnosis of Migraine. Diagnostics (Basel), 13(4). doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13040590

Walling, A. (2020). Frequent Headaches: Evaluation and Management. American Family Physician, 101(7), 419-428. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32227826

www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0401/p419.pdf

Disclaimer

Overcoming Chronic Tension Headaches with Effective Treatment

Overcoming Chronic Tension Headaches with Effective Treatment

For individuals affected by headaches that occur 15 or more days a month for more than three months, can knowing the signs and symptoms help healthcare providers help treat and prevent chronic tension headaches?

Overcoming Chronic Tension Headaches with Effective Treatment

Chronic Tension Headaches

Most individuals have experienced a tension-type headache. The pain is usually described as a dull tightening or pressure on both sides of the head, like having a tightening band around the head. Some individuals experience these headaches frequently, a condition known as chronic tension headaches. Chronic tension headaches are uncommon but can be debilitating, as they can interfere with a healthy quality of life and daily living.

  • Tension headaches are typically caused by stress, anxiety, dehydration, fasting, or lack of sleep and usually resolve with over-the-counter medications. (Cleveland Clinic. 2023)
  • This is a primary headache disorder that affects around 3% of the population.
  • Chronic tension headaches can occur daily and negatively impact the quality of life and daily functioning. (Cleveland Clinic. 2023)

Symptoms

  • Tension headaches can be referred to as stress headaches or muscle contraction headaches.
  • They can present with dull, aching pain and include tightness or pressure across the forehead, sides, or back of the head. (Cleveland Clinic. 2023)
  • Additionally, some individuals experience tenderness on the scalp, neck, and shoulders.
  • Chronic tension headaches materialize 15 or more days a month on average for more than three months.
  • The headache can last for several hours or be continuous for several days.

Causes

  • Tension headaches are typically caused by tight muscles in the shoulders, neck, jaw, and scalp.
  • Teeth grinding/bruxism and jaw clenching can also contribute to the condition.
  • Headaches can be brought on by stress, depression, or anxiety and are more common in individuals who:
  • Work long hours in stressful jobs.
  • Don’t get enough sleep.
  • Skip meals.
  • Frequently consume alcohol. (Cleveland Clinic. 2023)

Diagnosis

Individuals experiencing headaches that interfere with daily life or need to take medication more than twice a week are recommended to consult a healthcare provider. Before the appointment, it can be helpful to keep a headache diary:

  • Record the days
  • Times
  • Description of the pain, intensity, and other symptoms.

Some questions the healthcare provider may ask include:

  1. Is the pain pulsating, sharp, or stabbing, or is it constant and dull?
  2. Where is the pain most intense?
  3. Is it all over the head, on one side, on the forehead, or behind the eyes?
  4. Do the headaches interfere with sleep?
  5. Is working or doing tasks difficult or impossible?

A healthcare provider will likely be able to diagnose the condition based on symptoms alone. However, if the headache pattern is unique or different, the provider may order imaging tests, like MRI or CT scans, to rule out other diagnoses. Chronic tension headaches can be confused with other chronic daily headache disorders like chronic migraine, hemicrania continua, temporomandibular joint dysfunction/TMJ, or cluster headaches. (Fayyaz Ahmed. 2012)

Treatment

Pharmacological therapy for chronic tension headaches usually involves preventive medication.

  • Amitriptyline is one medication that has been found to be beneficial in chronic tension headache prevention.
  • A tricyclic antidepressant is a sedating medication and is usually taken before sleeping. (Jeffrey L. Jackson et al., 2017)
  • According to a meta-analysis of 22 published studies in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, these medications are superior to placebo in reducing headache frequency, with an average of 4.8 fewer headache days per month.

Additional preventive medications may include other antidepressants like:

  • Remeron – mirtazapine.
  • Anti-seizure medications – like Neurontin – gabapentin, or Topamax – topiramate.

A healthcare provider may also prescribe medication to treat headache episodes, which include:

  • Prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, including acetaminophen, naproxen, indomethacin, or ketorolac.
  • Opiates
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Benzodiazepines – Valium

Non-Medication Treatment

Behavioral therapies are sometimes used on their own or in combination with medication to prevent and manage chronic tension headaches. Examples include:

Acupuncture

  • An alternative therapy that involves using needles to stimulate specific points on the body believed to connect with certain pathways/meridians that carry vital energy/chi throughout the body.

Biofeedback

  • In Electromyography – EMG biofeedback, electrodes are placed on the scalp, neck, and upper body to detect muscle contraction.
  • The patient is trained to control muscle tension to prevent headaches. (William J. Mullally et al., 2009)
  • The process can be costly and time-consuming, and there is little evidence to support its effectiveness.

Physical Therapy

  • A physical therapist can work out stiff and tight muscles.
  • Train individuals on stretches and targeted exercises for loosening tight head and neck muscles.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/CBT

  • Involves learning how to identify headache triggers and cope in a less stressful and more adaptive way.
  • Headache specialists often recommend CBT in addition to medication when developing a treatment plan. (Katrin Probyn et al., 2017)
  • Teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching training/treatment can help when they are contributors.
  • Regular exercise, as well as practicing healthy sleep hygiene, can be beneficial in prevention.

Supplements

Some individuals with chronic tension headaches may find relief using supplements. The American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society report the following supplements can be effective: (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2021)

  • Butterbur
  • Feverfew
  • Magnesium
  • Riboflavin

If the headaches come on suddenly, cause waking up from sleep, or last for days, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying causes and develop a personalized treatment plan.


Tension Headaches


References

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Tension Headaches.

Ahmed F. (2012). Headache disorders: differentiating and managing the common subtypes. British journal of pain, 6(3), 124–132. doi.org/10.1177/2049463712459691

Jackson, J. L., Mancuso, J. M., Nickoloff, S., Bernstein, R., & Kay, C. (2017). Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Antidepressants for the Prevention of Frequent Episodic or Chronic Tension-Type Headache in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of general internal medicine, 32(12), 1351–1358. doi.org/10.1007/s11606-017-4121-z

Mullally, W. J., Hall, K., & Goldstein, R. (2009). Efficacy of biofeedback in the treatment of migraine and tension type headaches. Pain physician, 12(6), 1005–1011.

Probyn, K., Bowers, H., Mistry, D., Caldwell, F., Underwood, M., Patel, S., Sandhu, H. K., Matharu, M., Pincus, T., & CHESS team. (2017). Non-pharmacological self-management for people living with migraine or tension-type headache: a systematic review including analysis of intervention components. BMJ open, 7(8), e016670. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016670

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). Headaches: What You Need To Know.

Headache On Top Of The Head: Causes, Symptoms And Relief

Headache On Top Of The Head: Causes, Symptoms And Relief

Individuals experiencing headaches on top of the head could be caused by different factors. Can recognizing what triggers pain or pressure help prevent this type of headache, and healthcare providers develop effective treatment plans?

Headache On Top Of The Head: Causes, Symptoms And Relief

Headache On Top of The Head

Various factors could cause a headache on top of the head; common causes include:

  • Stress
  • Sleep problems
  • Eye strain
  • Caffeine withdrawal
  • Dental problems
  • Hormonal changes
  • Alcohol consumption

Causes

Many causes have to do with underlying issues happening in other parts of the body.

Stress

  • Stress is a common cause of headaches, including one on top of the head.
  • Researchers don’t know exactly how stress causes headaches, but they think it causes tightening of the muscles in the back of the head or neck, which
  • pulls the tissues down, resulting in pain or pressure in the scalp and/or forehead area.
  • These are also called tension headaches.
  • Headaches caused by stress generally feel like dull pressure rather than throbbing pain.

Sleep Problems

  • Not getting enough sleep can induce a headache on top of the head.
  • When the mind and body do not get proper sleep, it can interfere with body functions like temperature, hunger, and sleep-wake cycles, which can lead to headaches.
  • It is common to feel more stressed when sleep-deprived, which can cause or compound a headache and other symptoms.

Eye Strain

  • You may develop a headache on the top of your head after you’ve been reading, watching, or otherwise focusing on something for a while.
  • Over time, your eye muscles tire and have to work harder, causing them to contract.
  • These spasms can lead to headaches. Squinting can make the muscle contractions even worse.

Caffeine Withdrawl

  • Individuals may feel pain on the top of their heads if they skip their regular coffee.
  • Regular caffeine consumption can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms, which include headaches when intake is reduced or stopped.
  • This type of headache can be moderate to severe and can feel worse with activity.
  • Most individuals start to feel better from caffeine withdrawal after a week. (World Health Organization. 2016)

Dental Problems

  • Teeth issues like cracks, cavities, or impaction can irritate the trigeminal nerve, setting off head pain.
  • Teeth grinding can also lead to headaches.

Hormonal Changes

  • Individuals who have a low level of thyroid hormone may experience headaches.
  • This could be from having too little thyroid or a symptom of the condition.
  • Like stress-induced headaches, this type is generally dull and not throbbing.
  • Some women may feel pain on the top of their heads before menstruation triggered by estrogen levels dropping.

Alcohol

  • Some individuals develop a headache on the top of their head or elsewhere within a few hours after drinking alcohol.
  • This is known as a cocktail headache.
  • Alcohol-induced headaches usually resolve within 72 hours.
  • The mechanism behind this headache is not fully researched, but it’s been thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain/vasodilation when consuming alcohol may trigger head pain.
  • This type of headache is different than a hangover headache that comes from overconsumption and is based on dehydration and the toxic effects of alcohol. (J G Wiese, M. G. Shlipak, W. S. Browner. 2000)

Rare Causes

Top-of-the-head pain can also result from more serious and rare causes:

Brain Tumor

  • Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of brain tumors.
  • A headache on the top of the head depends on the location and size of the tumor. (MedlinePlus. 2021)

Brain Aneurysm

  • This is a weak or thin area in a brain artery that bulges and fills with blood, which can cause a life-threatening rupture.
  • Headaches are the most common symptom. (Brigham and Women’s Hospital. 2023)

Brain Bleed

  • Also known as a brain hemorrhage, this condition can cause intensely painful and quick headaches.
  • Brain bleeds can be caused by head trauma, high blood pressure, an aneurysm, a bleeding disorder, or liver disease. (New York-Presbyterian. 2023)

Treatment

Treatment for reducing a headache on top of the head includes:

  • Putting an ice bag over the area to reduce inflammation.
  • Getting an eye examination.
  • Making healthy lifestyle adjustments like drinking more water throughout the day.
  • Less caffeine intake.
  • Changing sleep patterns for a healthier, rested mind and body.
  • Taking a therapeutic bath to relax the body.
  • Gentle exercises like walking, pilates, or yoga.
  • Practicing deep breathing.
  • Mindfulness exercises like meditation.
  • Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or NSAIDs like aspirin, Advil/ibuprofen), or Aleve/naproxen.

Depending on the cause and symptoms, a doctor may suggest specialist treatment options like:

  • Physical therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Chiropractic therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Prescription medication

A medical professional will be able to help identify the type of headache being experienced, offer treatment options, and advise on how to manage triggers.


Neck Injuries, El Paso, Texas


References

World Health Organization. (2016) Headache disorders.

Wiese, J. G., Shlipak, M. G., & Browner, W. S. (2000). The alcohol hangover. Annals of internal medicine, 132(11), 897–902. doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-132-11-200006060-00008

MedlinePlus. (2021) Brain tumor.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital. (2023) Brain aneurysm.

New York-Presbyterian. (2023) Brain hemorrhage.

Head Pressure

Head Pressure

Can chiropractic treatment protocols diagnose what’s causing head pressure in individuals, and provide effective treatment?

Head Pressure

Head Pressure

Head pressure can have various causes and symptoms that affect different areas depending on whether the cause is a headache, allergies, injury, illness, or disease. The location of the pressure or pain can help a doctor of chiropractic determine the cause.

  • The underlying factor is usually not life-threatening, but the pressure that has built can be the result of serious conditions like a head injury or brain tumor.
  • Chiropractic ​care, which includes a combination of spinal manipulation, active and passive exercises, and massage, is often used for headache management and prevention. (Moore Craig, et al., 2018)
  • Chiropractic therapy is often sought out for tension and cervicogenic headaches, migraines, and each responds differently to the treatment.

The Head

  • The head is made up of a complex system of lobes, sinuses/channels, blood vessels, nerves, and ventricles. (Thau L, et al., 2022)
  • The pressure of these systems is regulated and any disruption to this balance can be noticeable.
  • Diagnosis can be difficult to figure out what is causing discomfort or head pressure.
  • Pain, pressure, irritability, and nausea are all symptoms that can occur with headaches. (Rizzoli P, Mullally W. 2017)

Location

  • Head pressure in more than one spot is possible with a migraine or a severe cold. (American Migraine Foundation 2023)
  • Pain can present in more than one area if there has been a head injury.
  • If the pressure is more specific in a certain region, it can help provide clues about the cause of the symptoms.
  • Medical issues can cause pressure in different areas. (Rizzoli P, Mullally W. 2017)
  • An example is a sinus infection which can cause pressure under the eyes and around the nose.
  • A migraine or tension headache can present as: (MedlinePlus. Migraine 2021)
  • A tight band around the head.
  • Pain or pressure behind the eyes.
  • Stiffness and pressure in the back of the head and/or neck.

Causes of Pressure

The root cause of the problem is not always clear. There can be a number of potential causes.

Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common that feels like pressure squeezing the head. They usually develop because of tightening scalp muscles caused by:

  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Head injuries
  • Unusual positioning of the head or illness can cause tension headaches.

Other than muscle tension, tension headaches can develop from: (MedlinePlus. Tension headache.)

  • Physical stress
  • Emotional stress
  • Eye strain
  • Fatigue
  • Overexertion
  • Overuse of caffeine
  • Caffeine withdrawal
  • Over alcohol use
  • Sinus infections
  • A cold or flu
  • Smoking
  • Tension headaches can also run in families. (MedlinePlus. Tension headache.)

Sinus Headache

  • A sinus headache – rhinosinusitis – is caused by a viral or bacterial infection in the sinus cavities. (American Migraine Foundation 2023)
  • There are sinus cavities on each side of the nose, between the eyes, in the cheeks, and on the forehead.
  • The location of where these headaches cause pressure varies, depending on which sinuses are infected. (Cedars Sinai. Sinus Conditions and Treatments)
  • Sinus infection headaches are obvious from the discolored nasal drainage.
  • Individuals can have facial pain and pressure, lose their sense of smell, or have a fever. (American Migraine Foundation 2023)

Ear Conditions

  • The ears help the body sense movement and balance.
  • A problem in the inner ear that helps control balance can cause a type of migraine known as a vestibular migraine. (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
  • This type of migraine doesn’t always present with pain symptoms.
  • Problems with balance and feelings of vertigo/sense of spinning are common with these types of migraines. (American Migraine Foundation)
  • An ear infection can also cause feelings of head pressure and/or pain.
  • Infections can cause pressure to build on the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear.
  • These infections are usually caused by viral illness or bacteria. (FamilyDoctor.org)

Neurological Causes

  • Neurological diseases and conditions can lead to increased pressure in the head.
  • The pain symptoms depend on the specific cause.
  • For example, a stroke can affect the whole head, while decreased brain fluid levels may affect just the base of the skull.
  • The latter condition is known as intracranial hypertension which means increased pressure in the brain. (Schizodimos, T et al., 2020)
  • For some individuals, there is no clear cause, this is known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension. (Wall, Michael. 2017) (National Health Service 2023)

Other causes of increased intracranial pressure include:

Other

  • Head pressure can also occur only at times when standing up, bending down to pick up an object, or otherwise changing posture in some way that blood pressure is affected.

Chiropractic Treatment

The Injury Medical team will develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve pressure symptoms through a multidisciplinary approach that can include. (Moore Craig, et al., 2018)

  • Spinal manipulation
  • Low-load craniocervical mobilization
  • Joint mobilization
  • Decompression
  • Deep neck flexion exercises
  • Neuromuscular massage
  • Physical therapy exercises
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Stress management
  • Nutritional recommendations

Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Treatment


References

Moore, C., Leaver, A., Sibbritt, D., & Adams, J. (2018). The management of common recurrent headaches by chiropractors: a descriptive analysis of a nationally representative survey. BMC neurology, 18(1), 171. doi.org/10.1186/s12883-018-1173-6

Thau, L., Reddy, V., & Singh, P. (2022). Anatomy, Central Nervous System. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

Rizzoli, P., & Mullally, W. J. (2018). Headache. The American journal of medicine, 131(1), 17–24. doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.09.005

American Migraine Foundation. Is it a migraine or a sinus headache?

MedlinePlus. Migraine.

MedlinePlus. Tension headache.

Cedars Sinai. Sinus conditions and treatments.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dizziness and balance.

American Migraine Foundation. What to know about vestibular migraine.

FamilyDoctor.org. Ear infection.

Schizodimos, T., Soulountsi, V., Iasonidou, C., & Kapravelos, N. (2020). An overview of the management of intracranial hypertension in the intensive care unit. Journal of Anesthesia, 34(5), 741–757. doi.org/10.1007/s00540-020-02795-7

Wall M. (2017). Update on Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. Neurologic Clinics, 35(1), 45–57. doi.org/10.1016/j.ncl.2016.08.004

National Health Service. Intracranial hypertension.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Hydrocephalus. www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/hydrocephalus

Heat Induced Headaches: El Paso Back Clinic

Heat Induced Headaches: El Paso Back Clinic

When temperatures are elevated in summer, heat-induced and severe headaches like migraines are common during the hot months. However, a migraine caused by heat is not the same as a headache caused by heat, as the two have different symptoms. What they have in common is that they’re both triggered by the way hot weather affects the body. Understanding the causes and the warning signs of a heat headache can help prevent and treat potentially dangerous heat-related conditions. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic use various techniques and therapies customized to the individual to relieve pain and improve function.

Heat Induced Headaches: EP's Chiropractic Clinic

Heat-Induced Headaches

Headaches and migraines are common, affecting 20 percent of women and nearly 10 percent of men. An increase in frequency can be caused by

  • Dehydration.
  • Environmental factors.
  • Heat exhaustion.
  • Heat stroke.

A heat-induced headache can feel like a dull pulsing ache around the temples or in the back of the head. Depending on the cause, a heat-induced headache may escalate to a more intensely felt internal pain.

Causes

A heat-induced headache may not be caused by the hot weather but by how the body responds to heat. Weather-related triggers of headaches and migraine include:

  • Sun glare
  • Bright light
  • High humidity
  • Sudden drops in barometric pressure
  • Weather conditions can also cause changes in serotonin levels.
  • Hormonal fluctuations are common migraine triggers that can also cause headaches.
  • Dehydration – can trigger both headaches and migraine.

When exposed to higher temperatures, the body needs more water to compensate for the lost water as it uses and sweats it out. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures puts the body at risk for heat exhaustion, one of the stages of heat stroke, with headaches as a symptom of heat exhaustion. Any time the body is exposed to high temperatures or spends a long time outside in the hot sun, and a headache occurs afterward, a heat stroke is possible.

Heat Headache Symptoms

Symptoms of a heat-induced headache can vary according to the situation. If the headache is triggered by heat exhaustion, the body will have heat exhaustion symptoms and head pain. Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

  • Dizziness.
  • Muscle cramps or tightness.
  • Nausea.
  • Fainting.
  • An extreme thirst that does not go away.

If the headache or migraine is related to heat exposure but not connected to heat exhaustion, the symptoms may include the following:

  • A throbbing, dull sensation in the head.
  • Dehydration.
  • Fatigue.
  • Sensitivity to light.

Relief

Individuals can be proactive about prevention.

  • If possible, limit time outside, protect the eyes with sunglasses, and wear a hat with a brim when staying outdoors.
  • Exercise indoors in an air-conditioned environment if able.
  • Increase water consumption as temperatures rise, and utilize healthy sports drinks to replenish electrolytes.

Home remedies can include:

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic treatment can include:

  • Craniocervical mobilization involves gentle chiropractic pressure on the neck to adjust the joints.
  • Spinal manipulation involves applying more force and pressure at certain points along the spine.
  • Neuromuscular massage includes kneading joints and muscles and relieves pain by releasing pressure from compressed nerves.
  • Myofascial release massage is aimed at the tissues that connect and support muscles and focuses on trigger points in the back and neck or head to relax muscles and improve blood circulation.
  • Trigger point therapies target tense areas to help relax muscles while improving blood flow and relieving stress.
  • Traction therapy.
  • Decompression therapy.
  • Exercises designed specifically to reduce pain.

From Inflammation to Healing


References

Bryans, Roland, et al. “Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.” Journal of Manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008

Demont, Anthony, et al. “Efficacy of physiotherapy interventions for the management of adults with cervicogenic headache: A systematic review and meta-analyses.” PM & R: the journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation vol. 15,5 (2023): 613-628. doi:10.1002/pmrj.12856

Di Lorenzo, C et al. “Heat stress disorders and headache: a case of new daily persistent headache secondary to heat stroke.” BMJ case reports vol. 2009 (2009): bcr08.2008.0700. doi:10.1136/bcr.08.2008.0700

Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, César, and María L Cuadrado. “Physical therapy for headaches.” Cephalalgia: an international journal of Headache vol. 36,12 (2016): 1134-1142. doi:10.1177/0333102415596445

Swanson JW. (2018). Migraines: Are they triggered by weather changes? mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/expert-answers/migraine-headache/faq-20058505

Victoria Espí-López, Gemma, et al. “Effectiveness of Physical Therapy in Patients with Tension-type Headache: Literature Review.” Journal of the Japanese Physical Therapy Association = Rigaku ryoho vol. 17,1 (2014): 31-38. doi:10.1298/jjpta.Vol17_005

Whalen, John, et al. “A Short Review of the Treatment of Headaches Using Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment.” Current pain and headache reports vol. 22,12 82. 5 Oct. 2018, doi:10.1007/s11916-018-0736-y

Supplements To Ease Headaches: El Paso Back Clinic

Supplements To Ease Headaches: El Paso Back Clinic

Supplements To Ease Headaches: Individuals dealing with headaches or migraines should consider incorporating supplements to ease headaches’ severity and frequency. Nutrition and food habits affect all systems in the body. Although slower to take effect than medications, if a diet is used correctly to heal the body and maintain health, other treatments may not be necessary or require less. Many health providers understand that food is a medicine that can assist healing therapies like massage and chiropractic care, which makes the treatment more effective when used with dietary adjustments.

Supplements To Ease Headaches: EP Chiropractic Clinic

Supplements To Ease Headaches

An unhealthy lifestyle and diet are not the only contributing factor to headaches. Others include:

  • Stress.
  • Job occupation.
  • Sleeping problems.
  • Muscular tension.
  • Vision problems.
  • Certain medication usage.
  • Dental conditions.
  • Hormonal influences.
  • Infections.

Healthy Diet Foundation

The goal of functional medicine is to help individuals reach their health and wellness goals that, include:

  • Regularly active lifestyle.
  • Optimal breathing patterns.
  • Quality sleep patterns.
  • Thorough hydration.
  • Healthy nutrition.
  • Improved digestive health.
  • Improved mental health.
  • Improved musculoskeletal health.

Pain Receptors – Headache

Pain and discomfort symptoms present when various head structures become inflamed or irritated. These structures include:

  • Nerves of the head and neck.
  • Muscles of the neck and head.
  • The skin of the head.
  • Arteries that lead to the brain.
  • Membranes of the ear, nose, and throat.
  • Sinuses that form part of the respiratory system.

The pain can also be referred, meaning that pain in one area can spread to nearby areas. An example is headache pain developed from neck stiffness and tightness.

Causes

Foods

Determining whether food sensitivities cause or contribute to headaches or migraines can be challenging. Nutritionists and dieticians recommend keeping a food journal to keep track of foods, snacks, drinks, alcohol intake, how the body reacts, and how the individual feels.

  • This process can help recognize foods or eating patterns that may contribute to headaches.
  • An integrative health practitioner can support this process and help identify sensitivities.
  • By eliminating and avoiding processed foods, headaches may be alleviated. This includes limited exposure to artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, and other unnatural additives.

Histamine

  • Histamines can also be triggers for headaches.
  • Histamine is a vasoactive amine that induces mucus production, blood vessel dilation, and bronchoconstriction.
  • Histamine is in most body tissues, like the nose, sinuses, skin, blood cells, and lungs. But pollen, dander, dust mites, etc., can release histamine.

Dehydration

  • Dehydration can affect all of the body and cognitive functions.
  • Hydrating regularly can prevent headaches and relieve pain.
  • An easy way to test the cause of headaches is to consider drinking plenty of water/hydrating before any other relief option.
  • Drinking pure water with no additives is the quickest and easiest way to hydrate your body.
  • Eat foods with high water content for enhanced hydration, including citrus fruits, cucumbers, melons, zucchini, celery, spinach, and kale.

Toxic Chemicals

  • Toxic chemicals are found in all kinds of products.
  • Cleaning products, make-up, shampoo, and other products have been found to contain chemicals that can worsen headaches and even cause migraines.
  • Consider using natural products and educating on toxic chemicals to know what to look for in everyday products.

Natural Options

Consider a few natural supplements to ease headaches.

Magnesium

  • Magnesium deficiency has been linked to headaches.
  • Foods naturally high in magnesium include legumes, almonds, broccoli, spinach, avocados, dried figs, and bananas.

Ginger Root

  • Ginger root is a natural remedy for nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, and indigestion.
  • Ginger root extract can be taken in supplement form or fresh ginger added to meals and teas.

Coriander Seeds

  • Coriander syrup is effective against migraine pain.
  • A method to relieve a headache is to pour hot water over fresh seeds and inhale the steam.
  • To increase the effectiveness, place a towel over your head.

Celery or Celery Seed Oil

  • Celery can reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.
  • However, pregnant women or individuals with kidney conditions, low blood pressure, taking thyroid medication, blood thinners, lithium, or diuretics should not use celery seed.

Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils

  • Both have a natural numbing and cooling effect that helps relieve headache pain.
  • Peppermint oil has also been found to be a natural antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and pain reliever.
  • Lavender oil can eliminate nervous tension, enhance blood circulation, and relieve pain.
  • Both are effective pain relief tools for headache and migraine sufferers.

Butterbur

  • This shrub grows in Europe, some parts of Asia, and North America.
  • A study found that individuals who consumed 75 mg of the extract twice daily reduced migraine attacks’ frequency.

Feverfew

  • A herb plant whose dried leaves have been found to relieve symptoms associated with headaches, migraines, menstrual cramps, asthma, dizziness, and arthritis.
  • Feverfew can be found in supplements.
  • It can alter the effects of certain prescription and non-prescription medications.

There is plenty of evidence to support the benefits of healthy nutrition. Combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, these supplements can help relieve headaches. As with any supplement, talk to a doctor before starting a supplement regimen.


Chiropractic Care For Migraines


References

Ariyanfar, Shadi, et al. “Review on Headache Related to Dietary Supplements.” Current Pain and headache report vol. 26,3 (2022): 193-218. doi:10.1007/s11916-022-01019-9

Bryans, Roland, et al. “Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.” Journal of Manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008

Diener, H C et al. “The first placebo-controlled trial of a special butterbur root extract for the prevention of migraine: reanalysis of efficacy criteria.” European Neurology vol. 51,2 (2004): 89-97. doi:10.1159/000076535

Kajjari, Shweta, et al. “The Effects of Lavender Essential Oil and its Clinical Implications in Dentistry: A Review.” International Journal of clinical pediatric dentistry vol. 15,3 (2022): 385-388. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2378

Maier, Jeanette A et al. “Headaches and Magnesium: Mechanisms, Bioavailability, Therapeutic Efficacy and Potential Advantage of Magnesium Pidolate.” Nutrients vol. 12,9 2660. 31 Aug. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12092660

Mansouri, Samaneh, et al. “Evaluating the effect of Coriandrum sativum syrup on being migraine-free using mixture models.” Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran vol. 34 44. 6 May. 2020, doi:10.34171/mjiri.34.44

Pareek, Anil, et al. “Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review.” Pharmacognosy Reviews vol. 5,9 (2011): 103-10. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79105

Skypala, Isabel J et al. “Sensitivity to food additives, vaso-active amines and salicylates: a review of the evidence.” Clinical and translational allergy vol. 5 34. 13 Oct. 2015, doi:10.1186/s13601-015-0078-3

Vision Problems Could Be Cause of Neck Pain and Headaches

Vision Problems Could Be Cause of Neck Pain and Headaches

Shoulder and neck discomfort, pain, and headaches could be caused by vision problems and eye strain that require corrective glasses, contact lenses, or an updated prescription. Spending long periods of activity involving eye usage, like driving, reading/writing reports, studying plans, instructions, reviewing charts, orders, etc., on mobile devices and computer screens fatigues the eyes. Individuals with tired eyes try to reduce eye strain by tilting their head or neck and hunching forward, which results in an unhealthy posture. And for individuals that need glasses squinting and straining the eyes also leads to unhealthy postures, directly contributing to neck and shoulder pain and headaches. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can repair and heal musculoskeletal injuries and refer patients to the proper specialist, in this case, an eye care professional.

Vision Problems Could Be Cause of Neck Pain and Headaches

Vision Problems

Like any muscle, the eyes can be overworked, causing unconscious tensing of the neck, upper back, and shoulder muscles, leading to muscle tension in the back of the skull. The tense muscles can cause blood flow and circulation restriction. Individuals compensate by tilting the head towards one shoulder, craning the neck, or leaning/hunching. This can help for a little while but does not relieve muscle soreness, headaches, or migraines, as well as the throbbing around the temples or the fact that it will keep happening. Individuals learn to live with the pain and push through it. This is unhealthy and can lead to serious, chronic musculoskeletal conditions that can cascade into other health problems. For individuals, the symptoms they are experiencing are common in conditions they may have been previously or currently diagnosed with, including:

Neck Strain

  • The risk of neck strain or injury comes with the overuse of the neck muscles and tendons.
  • This results in neck pain, tenderness, and a decreased range of motion.
  • With vision problems, individuals have additional stress on their neck muscles as they tilt their heads to relieve the discomfort.

Neck Muscle Spasms

  • When the muscles in the neck involuntarily tighten, it can cause sharp or sudden pain; this is referred to as a muscle spasm.
  • Individuals can experience muscle spasms for minutes, hours, or even days.
  • Constantly tilting the head to one side to realign vision can cause overuse and strain on the neck muscles, resulting in muscle spasms.

Torticollis/Wry Neck

  • With torticollis, individuals will likely have a head tilt and experience neck muscle tenderness, stiffness, and pain.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractors are experts in relieving discomfort symptoms and restoring the neuromusculoskeletal system to optimal function. They help reduce inflammation and muscle spasms through heat, cold, stretches and exercises, and electrical stimulation to expedite healing. They also retrain individuals on posture training eliminating the need to tilt the head and being more aware of body positioning.

  • As primary care doctors, chiropractors can refer their patients to specialists.
  • Chiropractors work with a wide range of medical professionals, depending on the needs of their patients.
  • When neck and shoulder discomfort and headaches become chronic and do not heal or improve, they could be vision problems.
  • By treating the vision misalignment, pressure can be relieved in the neck and shoulders, reducing and eliminating spasms.

Beyond Medicine


References

Bryans, Roland, et al. “Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008

Gowrisankaran, Sowjanya, and James E Sheedy. “Computer vision syndrome: A review.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 52,2 (2015): 303-14. doi:10.3233/WOR-152162

Kaur, Kirandeep, et al. “Digital Eye Strain- A Comprehensive Review.” Ophthalmology and therapy vol. 11,5 (2022): 1655-1680. doi:10.1007/s40123-022-00540-9

Lodin, Camilla, et al. “Eye- and neck/shoulder-discomfort during visually demanding experimental near work.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 41 Suppl 1 (2012): 3388-92. doi:10.3233/WOR-2012-0613-3388

Richter, Hans O. “Neck pain brought into focus.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 47,3 (2014): 413-8. doi:10.3233/WOR-131776

Zetterberg, Camilla et al. “Neck/shoulder discomfort due to visually demanding experimental near work is influenced by previous neck pain, task duration, astigmatism, internal eye discomfort, and accommodation.” PloS one vol. 12,8 e0182439. 23 Aug. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0182439