Headaches are a common occurrence. Yet, some experience chronic, reoccurring headaches, which easily disrupt one’s routine. While most headaches may only be nuisances, some may be symptomatic of a more serious condition that has yet to be identified. Dr. Kirk Henrichs of the Dodge City, KS–based Stout-Henrichs Chiropractic Clinic, offers various chiropractic and complementary treatments to help better manage headaches.
What are Common Triggers of Headaches?
A structural displacement or misalignment in your neck or upper back can lead to a painful headache. However, other typical headache triggers include the following -
- Life Transitions and Stressors
- Undiagnosed or unmanaged depression.
- Anxiety.
- Emotional exhaustion.
- Lifestyle Influences
- Improper posture.
- Poor sleep habits that lead to not enough sleep.
- Dietary choices can trigger a headache. These foods that contain excessive levels of certain amino acids can contribute to headaches –
- Cheese.
- Chocolate.
- Fermented/pickled foods.
- Excessive exercise.
- Exposure to Toxic Substances
- Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is often used as a flavor enhancer and additive in bought or prepared foods.
- Nicotine.
- Nitrates.
Types of Headaches
Headaches often present differently for each person, with varying symptoms and intensity. While many people experience similar symptoms, others find their symptoms and intensity vary from the norm.
The following are the two primary categories for headaches -
- Primary Headaches
- Tension Headaches – These feel like a dull ache behind your eyes. Approximately 3/4 of headaches are determined to be tension headaches, making the most common.
- Migraine Headaches –Migraines are neurological based and aggravated further by light and sound. They have the potential to cause nausea combined with debilitating pain that can last for multiple days.
- Cluster Headaches - usually affect people between the ages of 20 and 40. As their name suggests, cluster headaches are characterized by intense pain on one side of the head.
New Daily Persistent Headaches (NDPH) is a rare disorder that can present suddenly and unexpectedly for several months.
- Secondary Headaches Another issue or condition like dehydration causes secondary headache pain.
Chiropractic Techniques for Headache Relief
Chiropractic manipulations and related alternative or complementary therapies have been shown to help painful headaches. At Honest Spine Health in Dodge City, we offer the following treatments -
- Chiropractic adjustments.
- Spinal decompression.
- Electrical Stimulation Therapy.
In addition, Dr. Henrichs offers acupuncture for headache relief.
Contact a Leading Dodge City Chiropractor Near You for Headache Pain Relief
For more information regarding techniques to manage headache pain, contact Dr. Henrichs or a member of the Stout-Henrichs Chiropractic Clinic staff at 620-227-7082 or online.