Understanding Headaches & Migraines
The term headache may refer to any pain in your head. Several types of headaches exist, each with distinct symptoms, with migraines being one of the most commonly discussed.
Migraines are recurring headaches, meaning people get them frequently and repeatedly. How frequently depends on a person's triggers and susceptibility. About 12% of the population experience migraines, and there does appear to be a heredity component in whether you have them. Women also have a higher risk of migraine headaches than men.
Other types of headaches include tension headaches, which develop as a result of tension in the muscles of the shoulders and neck, and cluster headaches, which typically occur over a period of several days and are more common in men than women.
What Causes Migraines and Headaches?
The exact cause of a migraine or other headache isn't always known. When people have migraines, they often have triggers that seem to set off the pain. Triggers vary and can include:
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Noises
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Smells
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Lack of sleep
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Hormone changes
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Certain foods, such as chocolate or cheese
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Changes in the weather
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Caffeine use or withdrawal
Tension headaches can be caused by high levels of stress, lack of sleep, clenching of the jaw or skipped meals. Cluster headaches can be triggered by smoking or alcohol consumption.
There appears to be a genetic connection between migraines and cluster headaches.
What Are the Symptoms of Headaches?
Each type of headache has specific symptoms. For example, cluster headaches typically occur on one side of the head. Migraines are also usually one-sided and are associated with throbbing or pulsing pain. You may have other symptoms with a migraine as well, including nausea, sensitivity to light, sound or smells, and pain that gets worse with movement.
Tension headaches often feel like a dull, squeezing pain on both sides of the head.
QSM3 Care for Migraines and Headaches
Often, migraines and headaches can be associated with problems in the upper neck. QSM3 Chiropractic care can help alleviate the symptoms of various types of headaches without the use of medication or invasive procedures.
Ann Arbor QSM3 Chiropractic Care for Migraines
Looking for a chiropractor for migraines near you? Wonder if QSM3 care might help relieve your migraines or other types of headaches? Complete our self-assessment to see how you could benefit from QSM3 chiropractic care at Lazar Spinal Care.