Distinguishing Between Different Types of Headaches in Oak Ridge TN

The dull, throbbing pain of a headache is easily recognizable. But there are actually several different types of headaches. Some of the most common types of headaches are tension, cluster, and migraine headaches. Severe or chronic headaches can be debilitating, but fortunately, there is an effective, drug-free way to treat them. The benefits of chiropractic care near Oak Ridge TN extend to headache pain. When you visit a chiropractor, inform him or her of the specific symptoms you've experienced. The doctor of chiropractic can evaluate the type of headache you have and its possible triggers, which may inform your treatment plan.

Tension Headaches in Oak Ridge TN

Lifestyle issues can often trigger tension headaches. These can include poor posture, stress, and sleep deprivation. Patients may experience tension headache symptoms in different ways. For example, one patient may report feeling a vise-like band of pressure around the forehead, while another may suffer from painful muscle tension in the neck or shoulder. Most often, patients with tension headaches describe their symptoms as feeling like pressure that may develop gradually. The symptoms can fluctuate between severe and mild.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches can be particularly painful. Your chiropractor may diagnose you with cluster headaches if you experience cyclical symptoms that strike suddenly. Some patients with cluster headaches awaken from sleep with severe pain that affects one side of the head or the eye region. The symptoms may strike repeatedly for weeks or months, followed by a period of remission. Along with the excruciating pain, cluster headaches may cause eye redness, facial pallor, eyelid drooping, eye swelling, and nasal congestion.

Migraine Headaches

Many people seek chiropractic care for migraine headaches. In fact, migraines affect an estimated 28 million people in the U.S., according to the American Headache Society. A chiropractor can help you find relief of migraine symptoms, which may include throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, blurry vision, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sounds, and odors. Some people experience an aura with a migraine headache, which typically involve flashes of light and other visual disturbances.