subject: Healing Headaches Holistically [print this page] What is a Headache? What is a Headache?
Pain in the head and neck region is one of the most common reasons for a trip to a doctor. This is because there are many different reasons for the presenting head pain. Some of the causes of headaches are fairly benign, harmless and self-limiting, however, occasionally there are more serious reasons behind the symptoms and it is the role of a health professional to determine the severity and cause of pain.
What Causes them?
The cranium is a complex piece of anatomy. Within its bony structure is the brain, an entangled mass of neurological cells and vital blood supply from major veins and arteries; the hormone-releasing endocrine organs, the Pineal, Pituitary and Hypothalamus are also situated within the cranial cavity; the facial bones and nerves connect to the head, as well as the sinuses, which drain into the Eustachian tube. This narrow tube connects the ear, nose and throat and can cause problems if blocked. The total weight of the head is approximately 8% of our body weight and this rests on a very intricate piece of cervical skeletal anatomy. The Atlanto-axial joint in the neck is the protruding spinal process that the head rests on. There can be severely painful consequences when things go wrong in the neck:
* Blood supply problem to head- stroke, hemorrhage etc * Epilepsy & Seizures * Brain tumors * Meningitis
If you have persistent headaches for more than a few weeks that do not improve, or if you have a sudden onset of an explosive headache that worsens when you cough, sneeze or stoop, especially if you are not prone to headaches you should see your doctor. You should also consult someone if your headache is causing visual disturbance.
Chiropractic Treatment of Headaches
The majority of headaches are not serious and usually a doctor will offer no solution other than painkillers. This, however does not treat the underlying problem and can mean headaches reoccur frequently. Chiropractic is a non-invasive, natural and drug-free alternative treatment for headaches, that aims to treat the root cause of headaches, not only the symptoms. Since many headaches are due structural problems in the cranium and neck, Chiropractic has a successful history of relieving pain by use of gentle manipulation technique. By treating the source of the problem, symptoms are more likely to disappear, leaving long-lasting relief.
