Headaches can be detrimental to a high quality of life.� Especially, migraine and tension headaches.�Some deal with them on a weekly, or even daily, basis.�They can range from minor to life-changing afflictions. There are various causes, symptoms, and treatment options. The first step in treating headaches is understanding the type of headache it is.
Some people think they have a migraine, when in fact, they are suffering from a tension headache. Tension headaches are more common. But the Migraine Research Foundation found that 1 in 4 U.S. households include someone that suffers from migraines. Determining what type of headache can take some research.
Here are some things to think about to determine if the headache is a migraine or a tension headache.
Headache/s origin
According to the Mayo Clinic, migraines often begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Tension headaches can start at any time in an individual’s life.� An adult just beginning to have recurring headaches means that they are most likely tension headaches.
Where is the pain located
Migraines usually happen on one side of the head. Tension headaches can affect both sides of the head and can produce intense pressure on the forehead. The location of the pain can be a key indicator of the type of headache.
Describe the pain
If it is a dull pain, with pressure, and tenderness around the scalp, this could mean a tension headache. If the pain is throbbing or pulsing pain, it could be a migraine. Both headaches can present intense pain, just different types of pain.
Other symptoms
Migraines often come with symptoms beyond head pain.
Nausea
Light sensitivity
Sound sensitivity
Seeing bright flashing/sparkling lights
A sensation of Pins and needles in one or both arms
Dizziness
Individuals not experiencing any of these symptoms are more than likely dealing with a tension headache.
Functionality
Those with tension headaches can still perform jobs, drive, read, and operate through daily life even though it can be painful and frustrating. Migraines are very different. Lying down in a dark, quiet room with an eye mask on until the headache passes is how many handle their migraines. If the headache disrupts your life it is more than likely a migraine.
Over the counter pain killers
Tension headaches can usually be relieved with over-the-counter pain meds. However,�this type of treatment does not work for migraines. When a migraine shifts into full force, the individual has to go through it. Headaches that respond well to nonprescription pain killers means it’s a tension headache. The majority will at some point deal with a headache.
Although tension headaches are more common that doesn’t rule out the possibility of the headache being a migraine. Just a little insight as to the type of headache that is presenting, and some proactive treatments. No matter the type of headache, if the pain is severe, or starts up after a head injury, seek medical treatment.
Shoulder pain along with the kinds of shoulder problems like sprains and strains that chiropractors regularly treat often involves a form of rotator dysfunction. The shoulder has the greatest mobility of any joint in the body. However, there is little stability when in certain positions the soft tissues in the shoulder area can get injured through sports injury/s, recreational activities, at work or in a fall.�
This usually begins with dysfunction of the rotator cuff muscles and progresses to:
In cases like this, there is no direct, acute injury.
Every sprain and strain injury to the shoulder must be treated and rehabilitated�properly�to avoid future injuries and pain. There is a higher probability of shoulder instability that becomes chronic after an injury. This is because the surrounding muscles and connective tissues are what create shoulder joint stability.
Shoulder Pain
The shoulder goes through a great deal that we do not realize. It is made up of an intricate network of ligaments and muscles, with the rotator cuff taking most of the load/weight during movement and exertion. As aforementioned, the shoulder is the most flexible joint in the human body, but it is one of the most unstable. For athletes, shoulder injuries are pretty common, as the shoulder sustains more injuries than almost any other part of the body.
The shoulder is unstable because of its unique construction. Other joints like the ankle or elbow are limited in their range of motion. The shoulder, on the other hand, can move pretty widely, which leaves it open to stress, injury, and pain. The soft tissues in the shoulder, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can get injured from overuse, excessive strain, falls, and improper motion.
Treating shoulder pain can be a challenge because it is used so much daily. A Chiropractor can bring relief to shoulder pain and speed up the healing process.
Injury and pain causes
Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Injury is one of the most common causes and is seen in athletes, like swimmers, gymnasts, golfers, baseball players, bowlers, and tennis players, etc, who use their arms and shoulders regularly, place added stress on the joint.
Jobs that involve repetitive shoulder movements can also cause injury. People whose job requires repetitive motions or strenuous upper bodywork are at higher risk. Truck drivers, construction workers, warehouse and grocery store employees commonly experience shoulder injury and pain.
Prevention
Preventing shoulder pain and injury can be a simple process. Workers and athletes whose jobs require repetitive arm work or rotation should warm-up, and take stretching and shake out the hand/s and arm/s breaks. Pain should be addressed, as soon as it presents with ice/heat and a possible chiropractic appointment. Ignoring the pain could lead to a more serious/chronic condition.
Shoulder rest is always a must. The joint needs time off to heal and regular chores should not be resumed until the doctor or chiropractor clears the patient. Chiropractors usually recommend exercises and stretches geared toward the type of injury/s or condition/s.
Chiropractor
Chiropractic is highly beneficial for shoulder injury/s and shoulder pain.
It will:
Reduce pain
Relieve pain
Improve range of motion
Increase flexibility
Restore function to the joint
Different techniques are used depending on the type of injury or condition. The patient will be assessed by the chiropractor and will determine a treatment plan. Compression techniques have been found to be very effective for shoulder pain. It is favored because it is not strenuous for the doctor, is very safe, and is handled well by the patient. Chiropractic is the treatment of choice for shoulder pain because it is minimally invasive and it works.
Chiropractic addresses the entire body with its aim to relieve pain without drugs or surgery and keep the individual healthy and functioning at an optimal level. Are you, a family member, or friend suffering from shoulder stiffness/pain? If so, give us a call. Dr. Jimenez and his outstanding physical therapy team are here to help!
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