Headache and Migraines

Headaches and migraines are common conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. They can be debilitating, affecting your ability to work, socialise and enjoy your daily activities.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost half of the adult population has experienced a headache at least once within the past year.

Migraines are less common than headaches but still affect a significant number of people. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines affect approximately 12% of the population, which translates to more than 1 billion people worldwide. Migraines are more prevalent in women than men, and they often start during adolescence or young adulthood.

Causes

Poor posture

Sitting at a desk for extended periods or looking down at a smartphone or tablet for long periods can cause increased stress on the neck and shoulders.

Tension and stress

Tension headaches are often caused by stress and tension in the neck, shoulder, and scalp muscles. This type of headache is typically mild to moderate in intensity and can feel like a tight band around the head.

Spinal misalignment

Misalignments or subluxations in the spine can cause tension in the muscles and nerves, leading to headaches and migraines.

Dietary triggers

Certain foods and drinks, such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and processed foods.

Hormonal changes

Changes in hormones, such as during menstruation or menopause, can trigger migraines in some women.

Medical condition

Such as a concussion, sinus infection, or brain tumour.

Symptoms

While both headache and migraine can cause pain and discomfort, there are some key differences in the symptoms of these two conditions.

Headache symptoms typically include:

Mild to moderate intensity
Usually affect both sides
Tension or pressure around the forehead, sides, or back of the head
Tightness in neck and shoulders
Difficulty concentrating

Migraine symptoms, on the other hand, can be more severe and include:

Moderate to severe intensity
Usually affect one side, but can switch side during an attack
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light, noise, or smells
Visual disturbances: Seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots, before or during an attack
Tingling or numbness in the face or limbs
Fatigue or weakness
Changes in mood, appetite or energy levels
Can last for days

How we can help

Step 1: Diagnosis

At Well-Balanced Family Chiropractic, our experienced chiropractors will review your medical history, lifestyle and conduct a thorough physical examination to determine the cause of your pain and whether chiropractic care is suitable for you. X-rays will be reviewed to identify the root cause and severity of your condition which is key to developing your personalised care plan.

Step 2: Personalised Care

Your care plan is tailored specifically to your condition, that may include the followings:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Soft Tissue Therapy

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy

Spinal Orthotics Therapy

Rehab Exercises

Lifestyle Modifications

Step 3: Wellness Care

After completing your initial care plan, you have the option to continue with wellness care to maintain your results and make sure your body is functioning at its best. Most patients visit us every 2-4 weeks depending on their lifestyles.