Springfield VA Chiropractor Discusses Different Types of Headaches

Headaches are one of those health issues that can be mild and irritating, severe and debilitating, or one of many degrees in between. They can build up slowly or come on suddenly, and no matter how bad it is, almost everyone wants a remedy as soon as possible. There are several different types of headaches that a Springfield VA chiropractor can treat, so it is important to make an appointment if you suffer from any of the following.

Tension Headaches In Springfield VA

A tension headache is probably the most common type people experience. Some of the common characteristics of a tension headache include; a pressing or tightening feeling, bilateral location, mild to moderate intensity, and pain lasting from 30 minutes to one week. Tension headaches don’t normally include nausea or vomiting, but they may include light or sound sensitivity.  The presence of tension headaches is not attributed to another health disorder.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches aren’t as common as tension headaches and they are often mistaken for something else. Quite often, a sufferer will attribute any bad headache pain to a migraine, but this isn’t always the case. Migraine is a condition that can be described as a recurrent headache that lasts up to 72 hours, featuring unilateral pulsating pain of moderate to severe intensity. Migraine pain includes nausea and/or sensitivity to light, and it is often made worse with normal physical activity.

Approximately 20% of migraine sufferers will experience a neurological symptom known as an aura before they get a migraine. Auras take the form of visual disturbances or other sensory disturbances. Sometimes, auras occur between migraine headache attacks. Migraines aren’t typically associated with any other health issue.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are quite different from both tension headaches and migraines, occurring in only about 1% of the population. While most migraine sufferers are women, men between 20 and 40 are the main recipients of cluster headaches. This type of headache produces severe pain around the eyes or along the side of the head. Attacks usually last from 15 minutes up to 3 hours and have been known to occur 8 times in a single day. Tearing, forehead sweating, and nasal congestion may accompany cluster headaches. The intense pain makes some sufferers restless or agitated during the attack.

If you suffer from any of the above types of headaches and want a natural, non-invasive approach to ease your pain, a Springfield VA chiropractor will take the time to assess every aspect of your lifestyle, medical history, and body to find a permanent solution.

Contact our team today at Family Chiropractic of Springfield to schedule an appointment or learn more.  We look forward to hearing from you.