Are headaches and migraines adversely affecting your everyday life? Luckily, some options can help you deal with the pain. Dr. Michelle Oz at Momentum Chiropractic in Kennesaw, serving both Kennesaw and Acworth, takes a caring approach when providing her patients with treatments — such as cryotherapy or chiropractic adjustments — to cope with headaches and migraines. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
What is the difference between a headache and a migraine?
Being able to differentiate between a headache and a migraine is essential, as it can lead to proper treatment and quicker relief.
Headaches
Headache pain can range from mild to severe and typically occurs on both sides of your head, but it can manifest in your forehead, your temples, and the back of your neck.
There are several types of headaches, but the most common is a tension headache. Nearly 80% of US adults suffer from tension headaches at some point in their lives. A tension headache feels like a dull pain in your forehead and around the back of your head.
Other types of headaches include:
- Cluster
- Sinus
- Chiari
- Thunderclap
Migraines
Migraines cause intense and severe pain, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Migraines typically only affect one side of your head and are often accompanied by other symptoms, including:
- Pain in the temples
- Pain behind one eye or ear
- Seeing flashing lights and spots
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Temporary vision loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you’re a migraine sufferer, you might experience symptoms a few days before a migraine takes place.
What causes headaches and migraines?
Headaches can be caused by several issues and are categorized by the International Headache Society as primary or secondary.
Primary headaches are caused by overactivity and problems in your brain, including stress, anxiety, skipped meals, and alcohol intake.
Underlying conditions that stimulate pain-sensitive nerves in your head cause secondary headaches. Such conditions include diseases, brain tumors, and blood clots.
The causes of migraines are not fully understood, but genetics and environmental factors seem to play a role. For instance, an imbalance in brain chemicals may cause a migraine.
How are headaches and migraines treated?
After she has completed a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, Dr. Michelle determines which treatment option is best for you. Typical headache treatments include:
- Chiropractic care
- Cryotherapy
- Corrective exercises and stretching
Treatments for migraines focus on prevention. Avoiding migraine triggers and learning how to manage them can help lessen and prevent migraines. Other migraine treatments include:
- Hot and cold compresses on your head
- Small amounts of caffeine
If you have any questions about our services, call or schedule an appointment online today.