There are more than 300 types of headaches, but only about 10% of headaches have a known cause. The others are called primary headaches. Your Pickering Chiropractors can help with headaches generally categorized as tension-type headaches or migraine type headaches.

Occurring in about three of every four adults, tension-type are the most common of all headaches. In most cases, they are mild to moderate in severity and occur infrequently. But a few people get severe tension headaches, and some are troubled by them for three or four times a week.

The typical tension headache produces a dull, squeezing pain like a band of pressure on both sides of the head. People with strong tension headaches may feel like their head is in a vise. The shoulders and neck can also ache. Some tension headaches are triggered by fatigue, emotional stress, or problems involving the muscles or joints of the neck or jaw. Most last for 20 minutes to two hours.

If you get frequent tension-type headaches, Your Pickering Chiropractors will help you identify triggers so you can avoid them.

Migraines occur less often than tension headaches, but they are usually much more severe. They are two to three times more common in women than men, but that’s small consolation if you are among the 6% to 8% of all men who have migraines. 

Neurologists believe that migraines are caused by changes in the brain’s blood flow and nerve cell activity. Genetics play a role since 70% of migraine victims have at least one close relative with the problem.

Some people can prevent migraines simply by avoiding triggers. Others do well with prompt therapy for occasional attacks. But patients who suffer frequent migraine attacks often benefit from preventive medications under the guidance of their healthcare team.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation as performed by Drs. Finn, Camilleri and Monaco has also been shown to help manage migraine.