living withHeadache or Migraines?
take the first step towards relief
living withHeadaches or Migraines?
overview
common causes
risk factors
WHEN TO TREAT
TIPS TO PREVENT
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get fast-acting, Long-Lasting Relief from headaches & migraines
Overview
Nearly 45 million Americans experience headache pain each year, with more than 4% suffering from chronic headaches for 15 days or more each month. At Shorewood Elite Integrated Healthcare, we recognize the debilitating nature of these conditions and are dedicated to providing solutions that not only alleviate pain but also reduce its occurrence.
is your pain chronic?
Doctors categorize pain in these three ways:
- Acute Neck Pain: Sudden, lasting a few days to weeks.
- Subacute Neck Pain: Persistent, lasting up to 12 weeks.
- Chronic Neck Pain: : Ongoing, altering daily life, lasting beyond 12 weeks.
types of headaches & migraines
The nature of headaches and migraines can vary greatly. Identifying the type is crucial for effective treatment.
- Tension Headaches: The most common form, characterized by a dull, aching sensation across the forehead or back of the head and neck.
- Migraines: Often severe and debilitating, migraines can cause throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.
- Cluster Headaches:: Extremely painful headaches that occur in groups or cycles. They are marked by intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one eye.
- Sinus Headaches: Often confused with migraines, these are caused by sinus infection and include pressure around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead.
- Medication Overuse Headaches: Caused by frequent use of headache medication, which can lead to rebound headaches.
Common Causes of headaches and migraines
Dr. Jesse can identify the source of your headache pain and determine a course of treatment to provide lasting relief. Chiropractic care is effective for treating pain at all stages – acute, subacute, and even chronic pain. Here are some of the most common culprits:
lifestyle triggers
- Stress and Emotional Strain: Both acute stress and chronic emotional stress are significant triggers for headaches and can exacerbate migraine symptoms.
- Dietary Factors: Certain foods and drinks, including those containing caffeine, alcohol, nitrates, and aged cheeses, can initiate headaches. Irregular eating patterns and dehydration also play a critical role.
- Sleep Patterns: Both lack of sleep and, occasionally, excessive sleep can provoke migraine attacks and lead to tension headaches.
- Physical Exertion: Sudden, strenuous exercise, especially if the body is not accustomed to it, can trigger headaches in some individuals.
muscular and joint issues
Problems involving the muscles or joints of the neck or jaw are frequent causes of tension headaches. Misalignments or tension in these areas can lead to persistent pain.
blood flow and nerve activity
Changes in the brain’s blood flow and nerve cell activity are often implicated in triggering migraine pain. These changes can result in the classic throbbing pain associated with migraines.
environmental factors
- Weather Changes: Shifts in weather, such as changes in barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity, are known to trigger headaches in susceptible individuals.
- Sensory Stimuli: Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong odors (such as perfumes or strong food smells) can lead to episodes of migraine.
medical conditions
- Hormonal Changes: In women, fluctuations in estrogen levels, such as those occurring with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, are recognized triggers for migraines.
- Medication Overuse: Taking headache medications too frequently can lead to rebound headaches, which are harder to treat and resolve.
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symptoms signaling a need for help:
Experiencing the following symptoms can indicate that it’s time to seek professional help:
- Localized or General Pain: Pain on one or both sides of your head, or a sensation like a band tightening around your head, can be a sign of headache. Severe pain that impedes daily activities and worsens in bright lights or during stress requires immediate attention.
- Recurring Symptoms: Frequent headaches that disrupt your daily routine or migraines that come with nausea, blurred vision, or throbbing pain.
- Sensory Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to sounds, lights, or smells often accompanies severe headaches or migraines, indicating a need for medical evaluation.
- Physical Debilitation: If headaches or migraines leave you feeling physically weak, unable to move without discomfort, or affect your ability to sleep or concentrate, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing severe headaches or migraines:
biological sex
genetic predisposition
high-stress lifestyle
poor ergonomic setups
inconsistent sleep patterns
dehydration & poor diet
At Shorewood Elite Integrated Healthcare, We Believe People Deserve to Be Healthy & Live Their Best Life
When to Take Action for headache & migraine relief
While all pain warrants attention, certain symptoms of headaches and migraines may indicate a more serious condition and require immediate medical consultation:
- Age of Onset: Headaches that first develop after age 50 can be a sign of a more serious health issue.
- Change in Pattern: A major or sudden change in the pattern of your headaches is a red flag.
- Severity of Pain: Unusually severe headaches or pain that escalates quickly.
- Physical Symptoms Accompanying Pain: Pain accompanied by nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances, or sensitivity to light and sound.
- Symptoms Triggered by Actions: Pain that increases with routine activities like coughing or bending.
- Neurological Changes: Any associated symptoms such as changes in personality, mental function, fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased alertness, memory issues, visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures.
- Physical Signs: Redness or pain in the eye, tenderness near the temples, or pain resulting from a head injury.
- Lifestyle Impact: Headaches or migraines that disrupt daily activities, especially if the pain wakes you from sleep.
- Persistent Pain: Pain that doesn’t improve after using over-the-counter medications.
- Special Conditions: Patients with a history of cancer or compromised immune systems experiencing new or worsening headaches.
- Cardiovascular Risks in Men: A Harvard study involving 20,084 men aged 40 to 84 revealed that having migraines boosts the risk of heart attacks by 42%. If you are a man experiencing migraine headaches, it’s crucial to discuss your condition with your doctor to manage your risk effectively.
It’s essential to consult healthcare professionals if you experience any of these symptoms. Early and accurate diagnosis can lead to effective management and can prevent potential complications. Early engagement with healthcare providers is particularly crucial for men with migraines due to the increased cardiovascular risks identified.
What to Expect during your visit
During your first appointment, Dr. Jesse will discuss your health, lifestyle, and personal wellness goals. He will also perform a detailed examination to determine the underlying causes of your pain and any related symptoms. Interested in how we ensure the best outcomes? Learn more about our thorough assessment process.
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$500
$99*
ultimate wellness package
Live your best life. Receive a Complete Health Assessment, Motion X-rays (as needed), Chiropractic Adjustments, one StemWave Therapy or Red-Light Therapy Session, an Energizing B12 Injection, plus more!
*Disclaimer: Although welcome for treatment, these patients are excluded from special offers: Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and other government healthcare program participants, personal injury, and worker’s compensation claimants.
see what happens during your first visit — from meeting dr. jesse to receiving your tailored treatments
tips to Prevent headaches & migraines
An ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure
tip 1: develop a robust stress-relief routine
Regular engagement in relaxation techniques such as meditation, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation can greatly reduce the occurrence of stress-induced headaches.
- Daily Practice: Dedicate a set time each day for deep breathing exercises or yoga to help maintain a calm mental state.
- Mindfulness Training: Integrate mindfulness into your daily activities to enhance awareness and reduce overall stress.
tip 2: create safe-zones
Adjust your environment to minimize headache and migraine triggers.
- Lighting: Use natural light when possible, and opt for anti-glare screens and soft white bulbs to reduce eye strain.
- Sound: Keep the noise level down by using carpets and curtains that absorb sound, and consider noise-canceling headphones if you are in a noisy area.
- Air Quality: Ensure good ventilation and consider using an air purifier to remove allergens and odors that might trigger headaches.
tip 3: control dietary triggers
Be mindful of what you eat and drink as certain substances can trigger headaches.
- Food Diary: Maintain a diary to track what you eat and note how it affects your headache patterns.
- Hydration: Drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, a common headache trigger.
- Avoid Common Triggers: Steer clear of foods high in histamines, nitrates, and aged cheeses. Reduce consumption of processed foods and caffeine, which can exacerbate headache symptoms.
tip 4: regular exercise
Incorporate a balanced routine of aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises to improve overall health and reduce headache frequency.
- Consistency is Key: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, as recommended by health guidelines.
- Post-Exercise Care: Cool down properly and stay hydrated during workouts to prevent exercise-induced headaches.
tip 5: establish a restorative sleep routine
Sleep plays a crucial role in preventing headaches.
- Consistency: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body’s clock.
- Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleeping, with a comfortable mattress and pillows, blackout curtains, and a cool temperature.
- Pre-Sleep Routine: Develop a relaxing bedtime routine that may include reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
tip 6: simplify your life
Reducing mental clutter and physical triggers can help manage stress levels and decrease the likelihood of headaches.
- Declutter: Organize your living and work spaces to reduce chaos and create a serene environment.
- Time Management: Prioritize tasks and break them into manageable steps to avoid overwhelm.
- Leisure and Hobbies: Regularly engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, which can inherently reduce stress and prevent stress-related headaches.
tip 7: nourish your body intelligently
Mindful Eating: Focus on a balanced diet that supports your overall health and helps manage headaches.
- Balanced Diet: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients.
- Monitor Reactions: Pay close attention to how your body responds to certain foods and adjust your diet accordingly to avoid those that trigger headaches.
the shorewood eliteDifference
Our integrated healthcare model is designed to enhance patient outcomes and provide longer lasting results. Here’s how:
- Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments to improve joint motion and biomechanical function.
- StemWave Therapy to ‘trick’ the body into perceiving injury, kickstarting a cascade of natural healing responses including the migration of your own stem cells.
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy to address hormonal imbalances that often occur later in life.
- Medical Weight-Loss to become leaner and fit with science-backed semaglutide.
- Red-Light Therapy to alleviate muscle and joint pain while enhancing recovery and increasing energy.
- IV Therapy to infuse a cocktail of essential nutrients directly into your system for instant impact.
- Active Therapies to support your treatments by enhancing balance, flexibility, and stability. These in-office therapies aim to correct and retrain posture, boost muscle strength and mobility, and help prevent future injuries. Additionally, they promote long-term muscle memory to ensure lasting wellness and relief from pain.
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