HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES

Headaches are one of the most prevalent neurological disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide across all age groups. They can range from occasional mild discomfort to chronic, debilitating conditions that interfere with daily activities, work productivity, and overall well-being. In severe cases, headaches can lead to significant physical and emotional distress, ultimately contributing to a reduced quality of life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders are among the most common disorders of the nervous system, affecting people of all races, income levels, and geographical areas.

Common Symptoms of Headaches and Migraines

Symptoms of Headaches

  • Mild to moderate pain

  • Pressure or tightness (band-like pattern across the head)

  • Pain and tension on both sides of the head

Symptoms of Migraines

  • Throbbing or pulsating pain

  • Usually one-sided pain

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Sensitivity to light, smell, and noise

  • Can be triggered by hormonal changes, certain foods, or stress

  • Light sensitivity

  • Aura (flashes of light or blind spots)

Different types of headaches   

Cluster Headaches

  • Intense, burning pain around one eye, often described as the worst type of headache.

  • Sharp, very severe pain that occurs in bouts over days or weeks.

  • Typically one-sided.

Tension Headaches

  • The most common type of headache, often caused by stress or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

  • Mild to moderate pain with a sensation of pressure or tightness around the head, often described as a "band" or "helmet" feeling.

  • Typically affects both sides of the head.

Cervicogenic headaches

  • Pain on the side of the neck and goes up toward the head.

  • Once sided headache.

  • Restricted neck movement.

  • Tightness and tenderness in the neck and upper back.

  • Pain is worse when moving the neck in certain directions.

  • Sometimes there is arm and shoulder pain .

Migraines

  • A neurological disorder, often hereditary, causing intense, throbbing headaches,

  • Usually one-sided pain, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell.

  • Some people experience visual disturbances (auras) before the headache starts.

Sinus Headaches

  • Caused by inflammation in the sinuses, often due to a cold, infection, or allergies.

  • May include pain in the upper teeth and a feeling of swelling or fullness in the face.

  • Deep, constant pain in the forehead, cheeks, and nose area, usually with pressure or tenderness around the sinuses.

  • Often accompanied by a stuffy nose.

Benefits of Chiropractic care for headaches and migraines

At Wholehealth Chiropractic, we don’t just treat your headaches or migraines—we focus on getting to the root cause! We take the time to truly understand what’s going on by looking at you asf a whole person. We also explore your habits, lifestyle, and overall health to create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you.

Chiropractic care has worked wonders for many of our patients, especially those suffering from tension headaches. Plus, some patients have reported a reduction in the frequency and severity of migraines after receiving chiropractic care.

Research shows that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, can be highly effective in treating cervicogenic headaches (headaches caused by neck pain) (Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics).

Since every patient is different, we personalise each adjustment to suit your unique needs. We use a variety of techniques to ensure you're receiving the best care possible. Some of the treatments we offer include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments

  • Gentle chiropractic mobilisation

  • Soft tissue therapy to release tight muscles

  • Tips to improve your lifestyle and habits

  • Easy-to-follow rehabilitation exercises