Headache

What causes a headache?

Headaches have numerous causes, including:

Stress

One of the leading headache triggers is stress, which causes muscle tension in the neck and head. Stress also releases the fight-or-flight hormones adrenaline and cortisol, preparing you to defend yourself or escape danger. Repeated release of these hormones can result in headaches.

Head injuries

A blow on the head causes acute pain followed by a headache. Never dismiss head injuries because even if you feel alright, you might have sustained a concussion (a mild-to-moderate brain injury).

Acute illness

Infectious diseases like colds, the flu, and anything that gives you a fever could trigger a headache. Sinus infections can cause particularly intense head and facial pain. This can be due to soft tissue inflammation leading to a pressure buildup in your skull.

The environment

Exposure to pollution, chemicals, allergens, loud noise, bright lighting, and changes in barometric pressure that happen when the weather changes can all trigger headaches.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a frequent cause of headaches. Mild dehydration from insufficient fluids can cause persistent or recurring headaches and fatigue. 

Spinal misalignments

You might develop headaches if your vertebrae or other spinal tissues aren’t aligned properly. Headaches are a common problem after car accidents, sometimes from knocking the head, but often because of injuries like whiplash.

The causes of many severe and disabling conditions, like migraines and cluster headaches, aren’t clear.

How are headaches treated?

Many people use over-the-counter medications to treat frequent headaches, but these just mask pain and don’t address the headache’s cause.

If you know why you get headaches, you can take steps to prevent them. For example, drinking more water daily is a simple way to avoid dehydration headaches. Getting enough good quality sleep and tackling causes of stress can also reduce headache frequency.

Treatment at Premier Care Chiropractic can help if you have an injury, preventive measures aren’t helping, or you suffer from ongoing problems like migraines.

How does chiropractic care help with a headache?

Premier Care Chiropractic treats the root cause of your headache. For example, your chiropractor can use chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine if you have a back or neck problem.

You could also benefit from acupuncture and massage therapy for tension headaches. Regular treatment can even reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines and other recurring headaches.

Call Premier Care Chiropractic to arrange a headache evaluation or book an appointment online today.