Possible Causes for Headaches

 As there are many different types of headaches, it would seem plausible that there are many different triggers for headaches. It is important to differentiate a trigger and a cause. Many of us suffer occasional headaches due to our lifestyle choices. Others, have regular, intense bouts of pain which is not due to a trigger. There is a relationship between upper cervical (neck) trauma and headaches. Some known triggers are listed below.

Trigger Factors

• Emotional Stress
• Injury to the head/neck
• Heat or weather conditions
• Diet
• Hormone changes
• Sleep deprivation
• Many more…

The cause and exact reason why certain people suffer chronic headache pain has been difficult to pinpoint. However, research is beginning to point toward head and neck injury as an underlying cause for many types of head pain, especially migraine, cluster and tension headaches. This is becoming increasingly apparent for researches and patients who have had the injury addressed and corrected by upper cervical chiropractors. This may be the solution for natural headache relief. 

Natural Headache Relief

When there is stress on the nervous system the body responds to that stress. In the upper part of the neck, there is a vertebra that is commonly found to be in an improper position, causing stress and nerve interference to the nervous system. With the stress and interference, muscles can tighten and pull on one or both sides of the neck and head causing constant pain and impaired body function to develop. Using multiple therapies or taking medication just may temporally relieve the pain, but it does not take care of the main cause.

A specific upper cervical correction unlocks the misaligned vertebra, relieves interference on the spinal cord and nerves, removes tension from the head and neck muscles and restores postural balance to the body. This is also how many people find natural relief from their headaches. But the primary objective of upper cervical care is to remove true consistent nerve pressure and by doing that allows the nervous system to become healthy once again.

When it is advisable

• For constant, chronic headaches, tension headaches, cluster headaches and migraines
• Looking to find natural headache relief
• Suspected head or neck injury – Whiplash, concussion, fall, accident, etc.

Learn More About Upper Cervical Care

Lifestyle Adjustments For Headaches

Making a few minor changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference with headaches and migraines.

Reduce Stress – One of the most common causes of headache and migraine is emotional and mental stress. A vacation every year seems like a great way to de-stress, but a more frequent reprieve from stress may prove more beneficial. Take advantage of the weekends and holidays to relax. Find a productive outlet to vent your stress.

Avoid Food Triggers – Avoiding foods that trigger headaches is an important preventive measure. Common food triggers include monosodium glutamate (MSG), processed lunch meats that contain nitrates, dried fruits that contain sulfites, aged cheese, alcohol and red wine, chocolate, and caffeine. Keeping a headache diary that tracks diet and headache onset can help identify individual food triggers.

Eat Regularly – Eating regularly is important to prevent low blood sugar.

Stay Physically Active – Exercise is certainly helpful for relieving stress. An analysis of several studies reported that aerobic exercise in particular might help prevent headaches.

Sleep – Improving sleep habits is important for everyone, and especially those with headaches.

Headache Causing Medications – Medications may trigger headaches or make them worse. Talk to your doctor about whether you should stop taking these types of medications or reduce the dosage.