Dr Davis' Back & Wrist Pain Blog

Migraine Headaches Health Update

Although most headaches are not life threatening, they can negatively affect your quality of life.  In severe cases, a headache is debilitating. Headaches have a wide range of causes, including infection, hangovers from alcohol consumption, fasting, and even serious conditions, such as brain tumors and strokes.

            The most common headaches include tension and migraine, which are associated with nervous system disorders. More than 90% of the U.S. population will experience some type of headache. 28 million Americans, including 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men, experience migraine headaches. In a migraine headache, the artery on the outside of the skull under the skin of the temple (temporal artery) enlarges. As this process occurs, nerves that surround the artery stretch and release chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. The larger the artery gets, the greater the pain. 

            Most people know Chiropractic care can be beneficial for tension/cervicogenic headaches. But, can Chiropractic care help migraines too? Here’s what research dating all the way back to 1998 says… The study, published in the Journal Of Manipulative And Physiological Therapeutics, compared amitriptyline (a medication), spinal manipulation, and the combination of both therapies.  There was a 4 week baseline period, followed by 8 weeks of treatment and then 4 weeks of follow-up on a total of 218 patients diagnosed with migraine headaches.

            RESULTS: “Clinically important improvement was observed in both primary and secondary outcomes in all three study groups over time. The reduction in headache index scores during treatment compared with baseline was 49% for amitriptyline, 40% for spinal manipulation, and 41% for the combined group.  During the post-treatment follow-up period, the reduction from baseline was 24% for amitriptyline, 42% for spinal manipulation, and 25% for the combined group.” 

            CONCLUSION: “There was no advantage to combining amitriptyline and spinal manipulation for the treatment of migraine headaches. Spinal manipulation seemed to be as effective as a well-established and efficacious treatment (amitriptyline). And on the basis of a benign side effects profile, it should be considered a treatment option for patients with frequent migraine headaches.”

To schedule a complimentary consultation for migraine headaches treatment in San Francisco, call 415-392-2225 and mention this blog post.

Do Chronic Sinus Problems Cause Headaches?

We have been providing treatment for headaches in San Francisco for 20 years now. During this time many of our patients have had sinus related headaches.  You know, these are the headaches that hurt over the sinuses (above the eyes or in the cheek bones next to your nose) and, when you blow your nose, it’s not pretty!  Sinus infections often lead to sinus headaches – wouldn’t you say that’s a true statement?

            A recent November 2011 study begs to differ. Researchers took 58 patients with a diagnosis of “sinus headache” made by their primary care physician and asked them the following questions:

1. Have you had a previous diagnosis of migraine or tension-type headache?
2. Is their clinical evidence of a sinus infection during the past 6 months?
3. Is there the presence of  “mucopurulent secretions” (that’s the “not so pretty stuff” when we blow our nose)?

            All 58 patients clearly seemed to have chronic sinusitis with an acute flair up and were given complete thorough examinations by a neurologist and an ears, nose, throat specialist (otolaryngologist) on a monthly basis for 6 months during treatment. The surprising results showed that final diagnosis in these 58 cases were 68%, 27% and 5% of the patients really had migraine, tension-type headache and chronic sinusitis with recurrent acute episodes, respectively. Treatment during the 6 months included antibiotic therapy in 73% of the patients with tension-type headache and 66% with migraine. Sinus endoscopy (taking a look up the sinuses with a scope – ouch!) was performed in 26% of the patients, and therapeutic nasal septoplasty (surgery!) was performed in 16% of the migraine patients and 13% of patients with tension-type headache (a pretty BIG mistake, wouldn’t you say?).  The conclusion was that many patients with self-described or primary care physician diagnosed “sinus headaches” have no sinonasal abnormalities, but instead, met the criteria for migraine or tension-type headache.

            So, what does this mean?  Well, for one thing, too many antibiotics are prescribed for tension-type or migraine headaches and have no place in the treatment process of these two common headache categories.  Side effects of antibiotics include (but are not limited to):  stomach and intestinal irritation, nausea, and if one is allergic to the antibiotic, a potentially life-threatening condition call anaphylactic shock.  Let’s not forget to mention that sinus surgery was performed in 29% of the cases where the sinuses were NOT causing the headaches and we all know the risks of undergoing anesthesia and surgery can include death and infections, among other problems.

            Chiropractic was reported to be a wise choice in the treatment of headaches by several publications, one of which provided a large review of the literature on the “Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report,” released in 2010 (http://chiromt.com/content/18/1/3). In this report, both migraine and cervicogenic-type (headaches that start in the neck) headaches were found to have strong research support for manipulation or, chiropractic adjustments. In this day and age, you can be very confident that choosing chiropractic services for headache treatment is a wise, safe, and very cost-effective approach for a very disabling condition.

            We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your health-care services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for headaches, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

To schedule an appointment with a San Francisco Headache Doctor, call 415-392-2225. Mention this blog post and receive a complimentary consultation and headache assessment.

The Neck and Headache Connection

When we hear the term headache, we don’t usually think about the neck. Rather, we focus on the head, more specifically, “…what part of the head hurts?” But, upon careful questioning of patients, our San Francisco Headache Doctors usually find some connection or correlation between neck pain and headaches.

The key to this connection can be found in looking at the anatomy of the neck. There are 7 vertebrae that make up the cervical spine and 8 sets of nerves that exit this part of the spine and innervate (connect to and control) various parts of the head, neck, shoulders and arms, all the way to the fingers. Think of the nerves as electric wires that stretch between a switch and a light bulb. When you flip on the switch, the light illuminates. Each nerve, as it exits the spine, is like a switch and the target it travels to represents the light bulb. So, if one were to stimulate each of the nerves as they exit the spine, we could “map” exactly where each nerve travels (of course, this has been done). 
When we look specifically at the upper 3 sets of nerves that exit the spine (C1, C2, and C3), we see that as soon as they exit the spine, they immediately travel upwards into the head (the scalp). Like any nerve, if enough pressure is applied to the nerve, some alteration in nerve function occurs and usually a sensory change is noted (numbness, tingling, pain, burning, etc.). If the pressure continues, these symptoms can last for a long time. These types of headaches are often called “cervicogenic headaches” (literally meaning headaches that are caused by the neck). These can be caused by the nerves getting pinched by tight muscles through which they travel as they make their way to the scalp.

These muscles are usually tight in people that spend the majority of their day in front of a computer...especially if they have developed Forward Head Posture.

Another connection between the neck and headaches includes the relationship between 2 of the 12 cranial nerves and the first three nerves in the neck described above. These types of headaches usually only affect one half of the head – the left or right side. One of the cranial nerves is called the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). Because the trigeminal nerve innervates parts of the face and head, pain can also involve the face. Another cranial nerve (spinal accessory, cranial nerve IX) can also interact with the upper 3 cervical nerve roots, resulting in cervicogenic headaches. People with cervicogenic headaches will often present with an altered neck posture, restricted neck movement, and pain when pressure is applied to the base of the skull or to the upper vertebrae. Other than a possible numbness, there are no clinical tests that we can run to “show” this condition, though some patients may report scalp numbness or, it may be found during examination.

Though medication, injections, and even surgical options exist, manipulation applied to the small joints of the neck, especially in the upper part where C1-3 exit, works really well so why not try that first as it’s the least invasive and, VERY EFFECTIVE! In some cases, a combination of approaches may be needed but many times, chiropractic treatment is all the patient needs for a successful outcome.

 We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

To schedule an appointment with one of our headache specialists in San Francisco, call 415-392-2225. Mention this blog post for a complimentary consultation.

Chiropractic vs. Medications for Headaches

San Francisco Headache Doctor Comments:

Have you ever stopped and wondered, “…which type of doctor should I go to for treatment of my headaches?”  In order to make an informed decision, it is appropriate to look at the side effects each treatment option carries and then consider the pros and cons of each treatment.

            It has been reported that 45 million Americans suffer from headaches, many on a daily basis. Though some just put up with the pain, others become totally disabled during the headache. Most people initially turn to an over the counter drug such as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of which there are 3 types: 1) salicylates, such as aspirin; 2) traditional NSAIDs, such as Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen); and, 3) COX-2 selective inhibitors, such as Celebrex. 

            According to the medical review board of About.com, complications of NSAID drugs include stomach irritation (gastritis, ulcer), bleeding tendencies, kidney failure, and liver dysfunction. Some NSAIDs (particularly indomethacin) can interfere with other medications used to control high blood pressure and cardiac failure and long term use of NSAIDs may actually hasten joint cartilage loss, leading to premature arthritis. Another over the counter commonly used drug is Tylenol (Acetaminophen) in which liver toxicity can be a potential side effect (particularly with long term use).

            Here’s the kicker – only about 60% of patients respond to a 3 week trial of an NSAID, NSAIDs can mask signs and symptoms of infection, it cannot be predicted which NSAID will work best, and no single NSAID has been proven to be superior over others for pain relief. Moreover, estimates of death associated with NSAID (mostly gastrointestinal causes) range between 3200 on the low side to higher than 16,500 deaths per year in the United States. Another BIG concern is that low daily doses of aspirin, “…clearly have the potential to cause GI injury as 10mg of aspirin daily causes gastric ulcers.”

            Others may turn to prescription medication for hopeful pain relief. One of the more frequently prescribed medications for headaches is amitriptyline (commonly known as Elavil, Endep, or Amitrol).  This is actually an antidepressant but was found to work quite well for some headache sufferers. The potential side effects include blurred vision, change in sexual desire or ability, constipation or diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache (ironically), appetite loss, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping, tremors and weakness. Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, chest pain, rapid and/or irregular heart rate, confusion, delusions, suicidal thoughts or actions AND MORE are reported.

            The pros and cons of chiropractic include a report on children under 3 years of age, where only one reaction for every 749 adjustments (manipulations) occurred (it was crying, NO serious side effects were reported). In adults, transient soreness may occur. Though stroke has been reported as a cause of headache, it was concluded that stroke “…is a very rare event…”, and that, “…we found no evidence of excess risk of VBA stroke associated chiropractic care compared to primary care.” Another convincing study reported that chiropractic was 57% more effective than drug therapy in reducing headache and migraine pain!  They concluded – chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last.

We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your health-care services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care headaches, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

To find out if you are a candidate for headache treatment in San Francisco call Executive Express Chiropractic at 415-392-2225. Mention this article for a complimentary consultation.

 

1. http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/h/headache_and_migraine_conditions/prevalence-types.htm

2. http://arthritis.about.com/cs/nsaids/a/factsofnsaids_2.htm

3. www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v100/n8/full/ajg2005305a.html

4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc2271108/

 

How Misalignment in the Neck Causes Headaches

Millions of people suffer with chronic neck pain and headaches...many of them taking medications every day for the pain. Some migraine headache sufferers are not able to work. Most are just unable to enjoy life to it's fullest. 

I know first hand what it's like to suffer severe migraine headaches. It's how I was introduced to chiropractic 30 years ago. Even though I was only 22 years old and in great shape, I was stricken with severe migraines that doctors and specialists could not figure out. I had blood tests, cat scans, MRI, hearing tests, and x-rays. I was prescribed Perkodan for the pain and developed an allergic reaction and had to have my stomach pumped. At one point I was told to prepare for the worst because I could have a brain tumor (nice huh?).

It wasn't until a client of mine (I was a stock broker at the time) called me at home to see how I was doing that anyone suggested chiropractic (I had not even thought about it). He happened to be a chiropractor.

My medical doctors said I was nuts and that my problem was chemical and organic in nature, not physical...and to be careful because chiropractors can hurt people.

The way I figured it was..what did I have to lose? I would have cut off a pinkie at that point to get my life back. Well...the rest is history.

My chiropractor told me I had several misalignment's in my neck...especially the top vertebrae, the Atlas. Chiropractors call these misalignment's Vertebral Subluxations. He could tell they had been there a long time because of the degeneration on my x-rays and the condition of the surrounding soft tissues.

He prescribed a series of chiropractic adjustments, massage, traction, exercises, ice, and a cervical pillow. Now I did not think for one second that this was going to help me. I remember thinking that this was nuts. But about 6 hours after my first treatment I started feeling better. I thought it was just a coincidence.  

Then I went in the next day to be checked and get my next adjustment. The pain had come back...but still it felt a lot better. This went on for about 3-4 weeks until the headaches were completely gone. My treatment plan was for 8 weeks. I thought I was better though and stopped treatment. Actually, I still thought the headaches went away on their own. But then they came back.

I went back in with my tail between my legs and finished my program. The headaches were gone. It was this experience as a chiropractic patient with severe neck pain and headaches that made me want to become a chiropractor...and I did. 

Because of this I have been able to help thousands of patients with neck pain and headaches. I know first hand what it's like to feel their pain...and to get the runaround...and to be bedridden.  And I know what to do about it. For the most part,  the neck pain and headache treatment we deliver in San Francisco, is the same treatment I recieved 30 years ago. The same treatment helping thousands of headache patients every day.

So, if you or someone you know is suffering with neck pain and headaches...give chiropractic a chance...and let me know how it went by commenting on this blog. Thank You chiropractic!

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco. To schedule an appointment for neck pain and headaches treatment in San Francisco call 415-492-2225. Mention this blog post for a complimentary consultation.

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Headache Danger Signs

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments

Today's topic will address dangerous headaches. To keep this in perspective, most headaches are NOT dangerous. In fact, tension-type headaches and migraines are very common and remain the focus of most health care providers and patients who suffer from headaches.  With that said, it’s important to discuss the signs and symptoms that might help all of us differentiate between headaches that are safe versus those which are not safe.

The most important factor to consider is when the “typical” headache is suddenly “different.” Some of these “different” symptoms may include slurred speech, difficulty communicating or formulating thought, seizures, fainting or loss of consciousness (even for a few seconds), memory lapses, double or blurred vision, profound dizziness, numbness in the face or half of the body, an “alarm” should sound off telling you to get this checked ASAP as these symptoms, when they deviate from “the norm” may be indicative of a more serious condition.  This can be challenging as seizures are often related to migraines and might be a common symptom of a migraine headache for some migraine sufferers.

             Signs of a dangerous headache include:

1. A headache that starts suddenly, especially if it's of a severe degree.
2. Headaches that start later in life, especially after the age of 50.
3. A change in the quality of headaches.
4. Visual changes, including double vision or loss of vision.
5. Weakness, numbness, or any other neurological symptoms.
6. Fevers – especially of rapid onset.
7. Change in mental status including sleepiness, hallucinations, speech changes or confusion.
8. Weight loss.

 If there is ever ANY doubt about a dangerous headache, your physician should be contacted.

Typically, the migraine patient will notice a fairly consistent set of symptoms and even though the headaches can vary in intensity, the sequence of events is fairly consistent.  Dangerous headaches are the ones that deviate significantly from that migraine sufferer’s “norm.”  For example, suppose a patient’s “typical” migraine is: aura (bright, flashy lights in the visual field or, a strange odor precedes the migraine about 30 min. before the headache strikes), followed by a gradually increasing pain in half of the head which worsens to a point of nausea and sometimes vomiting if something isn’t done to stop it (such as a chiropractic adjustment and/or some form of medication).  If this is that patient’s “usual,” IF any of the 8 items previously listed above accompany the headache, it should be further evaluated – often requiring an EEG (electroencephalogram) and/or MRI (Magnetic Resonant Image). The EEG will test for any electrical signal changes in the brain and the MRI will show space occupying structures such as tumors, bleeding, infection, aneurism, and if performed with a contrast agents, arterial malformations (that is, abnormal networks of blood vessels).

We realize you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for headaches, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.                       

To schedule a complimentary assessment with one of our San Francisco Headaches Doctors, please call 415-392-2225 and mention this blog post.    

  

Neck Pain, Headaches and Stress

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

When we are experiencing mental stress it causes our muscles to become tense...mostly in the upper back, neck, and across the shoulders. This can lead to neck pain and headaches. If the stress is ongoing, the headaches and neck pain can become chronic (pain that persists for over 90 days). 

All of us handle stress differently. Some people thrive under stress and perform at their best. Others get sick and unable to function...and everything in between.

I have been practicing chiropractic in downtown San Francisco for almost 20 years now. My patients have been mostly office workers and executives that are working long hours trying to make a name for themselves or further their careers. For the most part...it's the life they choose.

They understand that the SF Financial District is the corporate jungle and in order to get ahead they have to work very long hours in a stressful go go environment.

What many don't realize when they start is how stressful this can be on your body...even if you are young. And if you have any weak links as far as health conditions that tend to flair-up when you are under stress...look-out, because here they come.

Neck pain and headaches are probably the 2 most common stress related symptoms we treat at Executive Express Chiropractic. Here are the 7 most common symptoms of stress:

1. Headaches

2. Fatigue

3. Neck, shoulder, back tension or pain

4. Sleeping problems

5. irritability or mood swings

6. Digestive Disturbances/hormone problems

7. Allergies or sinus problems

My Take: There are things you can do to increase your ability to manage and resist stress. Chiropractic adjustments help to keep the spine, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system in balance which can help with all 7 of the most common symptoms of stress. 

A healthy (I prefer vegan) diet, plenty of exercise, rest, and lots of water can also increase your resistance to stress. As will a good cervical pillow and ergonomic chair at work.

Hey...once we become adults we own the keys to the Porsche (our body's). We are the ones that make all decisions about what we eat, when we exercise and how often, how much rest we get, if we see a chiropractor on a regular basis, etc.

From what I have noticed...the people than learn to strike that balance between really hard work and longs hours...and a healthy "chiropractic" lifestyle...seem to do the best...in health and in wealth.

Bust just know...the greatest wealth is health!

Dr. Eben Davis is founder and clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic at the Embarcadero Center in downtown San Francisco.

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Can Chiropractic Help a Migraine Headache?

It's Headache Awareness Week at Executive Express Chiropractic 

We have been providing treatment for migraine  headaches in San Francisco for almost 20 years now. As a former migraine headache sufferer myself, I know first hand how they can effect ones life. I also know how hard it is to find answers.

I know what it's like to take migraine headache medications that make you feel even worse. I know what it's like to be told to brace for the worse because you could have a brain tumor. I know what it's like not to be able to work or play...to be bed ridden.

Because of this I have been able to relate to migraine headache patients on a different level because I have first hand experience. I lived it. In fact, it was migraine headaches that led me to chiropractic. And it was chiropractic that cured my migraines and made me want to become a chiropractor.

Story's like mine are common in chiropractic...it's one of the great things about our profession.

Anyway, here is an excerpt from the Mayo Clinic Migraine Headache page:

Migraines are chronic headaches that can cause significant pain for hours or even days. Symptoms can be so severe that all you can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down.

Some migraines are preceded or accompanied by sensory warning symptoms or signs (auras), such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in your arm or leg. A migraine is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

Although there's no cure, medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. If treatment hasn't worked for you in the past, it's worth talking to your doctor about trying a different migraine medication. The right medicines combined with self-help remedies and lifestyle changes may make a tremendous difference.

Migraines usually begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. A typical migraine attack produces some or all of these signs and symptoms:

• Moderate to severe pain, which may be confined to one side of the head or may affect both sides
• Head pain with a pulsating or throbbing quality
• Pain that worsens with physical activity
• Pain that interferes with your regular activities
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound

When untreated, a migraine typically lasts from four to 72 hours, but the frequency with which headaches occur varies from person to person. You may have migraines several times a month or much less frequently.

Not all migraines are the same. Most people experience migraines without auras, which were previously called common migraines. Some people have migraines with auras, which were previously called classic migraines. Auras can include changes to your vision, such as seeing flashes of light, and feeling pins and needles in an arm or leg.

Whether or not you have auras, you may have one or more sensations of premonition (prodrome) several hours or a day or so before your headache actually strikes, including:

• Feelings of elation or intense energy
• Cravings for sweets
• Thirst
• Drowsiness
• Irritability or depression

When to see a doctor
Migraines are often undiagnosed and untreated. If you experience signs and symptoms of migraine, keep a record of your attacks and how you treated them. Then make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your headaches and decide on a treatment plan.

Even if you have a history of headaches, see your doctor if the pattern changes or your headaches suddenly feel different.

Click for full article: Mayo Clinic Migraine Headache page.

My Take: I had most of the symptoms above...and the migraine medications made them worse. I had hearing tests, x-rays, brain scans, MRI, pain pills, nausea pills, sleeping pills, and a bunch of other pills. I would have tried anything...which is how many migraine headache patients feel when they enter our San Francisco chiropractic clinic.

As it turned out, I had pressure on my brain-stem because the bones in the upper part of my cervical spine were out of alignment. When I first heard this I did not believe it and did not think chiropractic would help. But after a few sessions my headaches began to resolve and I was on the road to recovery. It seemed like a miracle...but for my chiropractor (who I became best friends with), it was just another day at the office.

Listen...chiropractic is not a miracle cure for all headaches, especially migraine headaches...but it was for me, and for the thousands of migraine patients every year that chiropractors cure...how do you think they feel?

Is there scientific proof of how chiropractic adjustments help migraine headaches?

Probably not...but there are millions of happy chiropractic patients that could care less.

Heck, I have helped thousands of headache patients over the past 20 years return to more normal lives.

Sure, I have had my share of migraine headache patients that I could not help...but it has been the exception, not the rule.

So,  if you or someone you know is suffering with migraines, consider chiropractic. Chances are...you will be glad you did!

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in San Francisco.

To schedule a complimentary headaches assessment call 415-392-2225.

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What is a Tension Headache?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

This week is Headache Awareness Week at Executive Express Chiropractic. Our objective is to help educate the community, as well as our patient base, on the various types of headaches and the drug-less treatment options that are available for them.

Tension Headaches are considered the most common type of headache. Here is an excerpt of what the Mayo Clinic has to say about them:

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain that's often described as feeling like a tight band around your head. A tension headache — or tension-type headache as it's medically known — is the most common type of headache, and yet its causes aren't well understood.

It may feel as if muscle contractions are responsible for your head pain, which is why this type of headache is generally referred to as a tension-type headache, though experts no longer think muscle contractions are the cause.

Fortunately, effective treatments for tension headaches are available. Managing a tension headache is often a balance between fostering healthy habits, finding effective non-drug treatments and using medications appropriately.

Signs and symptoms of a tension headache include:

• Dull, aching head pain
• The sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head
• Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
• Occasionally, loss of appetite

A tension headache can last from 30 minutes to an entire week. You may experience these headaches only occasionally, or nearly all the time. If your headaches occur 15 or more days a month for at least three months, they're considered chronic. If you have headaches that occur fewer than 15 times in a month, your headaches are considered episodic. However, people with frequent episodic headaches are at a higher risk of developing chronic headaches.

The headache is usually described as mild to moderately intense. The severity of the pain varies from one person to another, and from one headache to another in the same person.

Tension headaches can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from migraines, but unlike some forms of migraine, tension headache usually isn't associated with visual disturbances (blind spots or flashing lights), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or slurred speech. And, while physical activity typically aggravates migraine pain, it doesn't make tension headache pain worse. An increased sensitivity to light or sound can occur with a tension headache, but these aren't common symptoms.

When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor
If tension headache disrupts your life or you find that you need to take medication for your headaches more than twice a week, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Click here for full Mayo Clinic article on tension headaches.

My Take: As a former migraine headache sufferer (this is how I was introduced to chiropractic), I know first hand how headaches can interfere with your life. I also know from my experience as a migraine headaches patient and from my 20 years experience treating them, that it's often hard to name a headache (tension, migraine, cluster, temporal, etc.) because the symptoms overlap.

I also learned from my experience with migraine headaches, that in general (and it has gotten better)...most doctors tend to look for a chemical cause vs. physical...which is why they treat the headache with a chemical (drug).

If the problem is physical, such as a pinched nerve in the neck, a bone out of alignment, cervical muscle spasms from abnormal posture pulling on the head...or even a short leg causing muscular imbalances throughout the body...what good is the chemical going to do other than mask the real problem? And the drugs can cause a whole new set of health concerns (side effects).  

Hey, sometimes the cause of headaches is chemical (or hormonal)...but way more often it's physical (in my opinion)...which is what people need to know. There are physical causes of headaches which can be addressed without medications. And chiropractic can help.

If you are looking for a headache doctor in San Francisco, please call Executive Express Chiropractic at 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary headache assessment.We are here to help.

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How Stress Causes Headaches!

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

Mental stress causes muscle tension in the neck, upper back, skull, and forehead. Just thinking about having to perform a difficult task or something unpleasant can trigger a headache in some people.

Many of the muscles in the neck attach to the cervical spine (neck bones). It's these muscles that allow you to turn your head and look up and down. The neck muscles also act like guide wires to help keep your skull (which is the weight of a bowling ball) in place.

When we are under stress and the muscles tighten-up it can actually pull the neck bones out of alignment...what chiropractors call a Vertebral Subluxation...it's what we treat.

When this happens, nerves can become pinched causing even more symptoms than just the headache, such as neck pain, pain down the arm, pain between the shoulders, pain in the hands, and night pain.

If you are under ongoing mental stress, you can develop chronic headaches and neck pain, which can lead to other health problems such as insomnia, loss of concentration, and depressed immune response.

Many call Stress the Silent Killer because stress also produces "stress hormones" that are very destructive to your cardiovascular system and over-all health.

So sure, stress can cause headaches...stress is a primary cause of headaches. But stress can also put you at risk of heart attack and stroke.

So what's the best way to manage stress?

Well, a healthy "chiropractic" lifestyle is probably your best defense. The chiropractic lifestyle consists of regular chiropractic adjustments to help maintain a healthy nervous system and reduce muscle tension and stress. Regular exercise, plenty of rest, lots of water, and a clean healthy diet (I prefer a plant based diet) are also part of the chiropractic lifestyle. As is a positive attitude.

People handle stress differently, so you just need to figure out what works best for you...and your chiropractor can help you do it. 

I would consider chiropractic your best choice for stress headaches treatment and prevention...it's one of the most common conditions we treat. Your chiropractor will help fix the symptoms of the headache and the cause...it just makes sense!

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in San Francisco. To schedule an appointment call 415-392-2225.

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