By Dr. Vince Sferra
Those dealing with chronic headaches know too well the draining effects they place on one’s lifestyle and ability to function with even routine daily tasks and responsibilities. Additionally, even when one is getting relief from their headaches with over-the-counter medication, as their headaches continue, they realize that the underlying cause has not been dealt with and the medication may trigger adverse side effects thus creating additional problems. So, finding and addressing the root causes of one’s headaches is always of the utmost importance.
What causes your headaches? Quite fortunately, the vast majority of causes are not life-threatening. Headache triggers are detected by centers within the brain. These centers control many vital body processes: sleep/wake cycle, hunger, hormone, and involuntary nervous system regulation. Chemical messengers are released in response to your personal triggers. These chemicals produce a number of body responses. The most significant body response to a headache is the dramatic effect on the blood vessels in the head, face, and neck and on the neuronal activity in the brain. These vascular changes appear to be instrumental in the altered brain activity of those with migraine-type of headaches. Depending on which vessels and areas of the head and brain are most affected, symptoms such as pain and nausea, as well as visual and vestibular symptoms can occur.
A quick-fix medication can be effective and certainly very welcoming when a bad headache may be brewing. However, when frequently used, a phenomenon called ‘rebound headache’ can occur-prompting an even worse headache once the medication’s effects wear off. This can prompt and perpetuate a vicious cycle of increased intensity and frequency.
Chronic sinus problems, allergies, poor posture, neck problems, a lack of exercise, un-tempered stress, an unhealthy diet, and a variety of trigger foods can all contribute to your threshold to headaches. The more triggers one is exposed to, the greater the headache.
Headaches are one of the most common complaints that bring a person to a healthcare provider. Non-pharmacological treatment options can include chiropractic adjustments-which are very effective for tension headaches that originate in the neck; biofeedback therapy-which can reduce or eliminate the need for medications or may be an option when medications haven’t worked well; a functional medicine evaluation and care can determine any toxin exposures, nutritional habits or other triggers that may be contributing to your pain experience; and lastly, acupuncture-which can provide drug-free relief with virtually no side-effects, to help prevent, reduce and stop headaches.
Dr. Sferra, Founder and Clinic Director, is board certified in Chiropractic Medicine and Chiropractic Neurology, is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and is a Strength and Conditioning Specialist certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
