Headaches are a very common condition that most people will experience many times during their lives. Headaches vary greatly in terms of the location and intensity of the pain, and how often the headaches occur. Different types of headaches include: tension headaches, miagrain, cluster headaches,
Is my headache serious?
If you have any of these headache symptoms, get medical care right away:
- A sudden, new and severe headache.
- Headache with a fever, shortness of breath, stiff neck or rash.
- Headaches that occur after a head injury or accident.
- Getting a new type of headache after age 55.
Also seek medical care right away if your headache is associated with neurological symptoms, such as:
- Weakness.
- Dizziness.
- Sudden loss of balance or falling.
- Numbness or tingling.
- Paralysis.
- Speech difficulties.
- Mental confusion.
- Seizures.
- Personality changes/inappropriate behavior.
- Vision changes (blurry vision, double vision or blind spots).
How are headaches evaluated and diagnosed?
It’s important to diagnose headaches correctly so your provider can prescribe specific therapy to help you feel better.
- Your provider will talk to you about your headache symptoms and discuss your medical history. This conversation is part of a headache evaluation.
- After completing the medical history part of the evaluation, your provider may perform physical and neurological examinations.
- After evaluating the results of your headache history, physical examination and neurological examination, your physician should be able to determine what type of headache you have, whether or not a serious problem is present and whether additional images (such as a CT scan or MRI which can help to determine if your headaches are connected to an issue with your central nervous system) are needed.
How do we treat headaches?
A holistic apporach is taken in Guke Clinic to treat headaches including miagrains, tension headaches and cluster headaches. We treat you as a whole person who suffers the headache.
- Identifying triggers to headaches: One of the most crucial aspects of treating primary headaches is figuring out your triggers. Common triggers include alcohol, smoking, certain foods, lack of sleep, poor posture and so on. Learning what those are — typically by keeping a headache log — can reduce the number of headaches you have.
- Chiropratic care: Chiropractic care can be effective in treating cervicogenic and tension headaches. Studies have also shown that chiropractic care can help decrease the intensity and frequency of migraines. The treatment options may include manual therapy, soft tissue therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and rehabilitation.
- Nutrational support: viatmins and minerals play a important role in headaches. For example, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) can contribute to migraines when it’s missing from your diet in sufficient quantities. Supplementation of Vit B2 is found to reduce the pain of migraines. Also, research on magnesium has found it to be effective as an acute treatment option for headaches including migraines, tension- type headaches and cluster headaches.
- Acupuncture: clinical studies have consistently demonstrated that acupuncture provided better pain relief compared with usual care. Acupuncture is at least as effective as prophylactic drug therapy for migraine and it is safe, long-lasting and cost-effective.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathy is an alternative medicine based on the theory of treating ‘like with like’. Homeopathic medicines can be helpful in treating many types of headaches and migraines, especially tension headaches. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account the individual’s constitutional type i.e. his or her physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup in order to determine the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.
- Stress management: stress management teaches you ways to cope with stressful situations. Relaxation techniques help manage stress. You use deep breathing, muscle relaxation, mental images and music to ease your tension.