Headache Treatment – Headaches & Migraine Relief in Dublin, Ireland
Headache Treatment – Headaches & Migraine Relief In Dublin, Ireland
According to The American Headache Society there are approximately 37 million people living with migraines and severe headache disorders [1].
PubMed Central also states that “around 95% of the general population have experienced headache at some stage in their life” [2]. And the World Health Organisation includes headache in the top 10 causes of disability [2].
At Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy we design individually tailored treatment plans aimed at easing headache symptoms.
One of the worse aspects of migraines particularly, but also tension-type headaches, is that they are unpredictable, with the triggers seemingly very random, with no noticeable pattern. An acute migraine attack can start very suddenly requiring you can lay down in a dark, quiet room, unable to do anything. And after a migraine attack, people often feel very drained, fatigued, and generally unwell for several hours to days afterwards.
If you suffer from migraines or severe headaches, not only are the acute attacks very difficult to manage but the fear of the next headache or migraine attack is also a major cause of secondary stress and anxiety.
Treatments At Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy
Secondary
Secondary headache disorders are very rare but are life threatening, and are caused by things such as intracranial tumours and infections. It is the responsibility of the healthcare professional to identity the red-flags associated with secondary headache disorders, for example, a thunderclap headache or onset after the age of 50 or before the age of 10 [2].
Seek urgent medical care (GP, A&E, or call 112/999) if you have a sudden, severe (“thunderclap”) headache, or a headache with fever, weakness, numbness, or changes in speech or vision.
Primary
There are primary and secondary headache disorders. The most common forms of headache disorders are primary headache disorders. Primary headache disorders include migraine (with or without aura) and tension-type headache [2].
What Is A Migraine?
A study published in 2019 by The Journal of Headache and Pain defined a migraine as “complex neurovascular disorder with a strong genetic component” and a common kind of primary headache that is characterised by episodes or attacks of throbbing pain on one side, ranging from moderate to severe, with or without an aura [10]. There more severe forms of migraine that are accompanied by numbness and weakness on the affected side of the body.
This study also describes the complex mechanism for the onset of migraine, involving a complicated, intermingled activation of cranial neurons and blood vessels, inflammatory mediators, all leading to sensitisation of the trigeminovascular system – a group of sensory neurons that control the cerebral blood vessels – and are thought to be responsible for the throbbing pain characteristic of migraines [10].
Another source described a migraine as “a severe and disabling brain condition, listed as the sixth most disabling disorder globally by the World Health Organization, and the most disabling of all neurological disorders” and continues to mention the huge financial cost to the healthcare industry, costing approximately 20-30 billion every year in the United States and Europe [11].
The Phases
May people who suffer from migraines learn the to recognise when a migraine is coming on.
1. The Premonitory or Pre-headache Phase
This phase can last for up to 72 hours before the actual headache phase or migraine sets in. It often involves symptoms such as a change in mood, tiredness, changes in appetite, neck pain or stiffness, or a buzzing in the ears [11].
2. The Aura Phase
The aura phase usually precedes the headache phase but can also continue into the headache phase. The aura phase usually lasts between 5-60 minutes, and in rare cases up to 4 hours [11].
The symptoms of the aura phase most commonly include visual deficits, as blind spots and blurred vision, but it may also include other neurological deficits, such as sensory changes and changes in speech and language [10].
3. The Headache Phase
The headache phase can last everywhere from 4-72 hours, and characterised as a headache with one-sided pulsing or thumbing, with sensitivity to noise and light, or nausea that is aggravated by activity [11].
4. The Post-Headache Phase
This phase precedes the headache phase and it is often characterised by symptoms such as: [11]
- Fatigue.
- A hard time concentrating.
- Tightness or stiffness of the neck.
What Are Chronic Migraines?
Chronic migraines are defined as migraines that are present 15 or more days per month [11], and are distinguished from episode migraines which occur less frequently.
What Is A Tension-Type Headache?
A tension-type headache is characterised by a sensitisation of pressure or tightness. The name suggests that the actual cause is uncertain, however, ‘tension’ or stress or demand on the body – either psychology or physical/muscular – has something to do with it’s manifestation [12].
Tension-type headache have also been categorised into chronic and episode (much like migraines).
Episodic tension-type headaches are believed to be caused by ‘pericranial myofascial’ – in other words tension of the musculature and connection tissue around the head and face. Whereas, sensitisation of higher areas of the central nervous (i.e the brain) contributes to the transition from episodic to chronic tension-type headaches [12].
What Is The Causes Of All This?
Hypersensitive Pain System And Stress
According to The Mayo Clinic the exact cause of tension-type headaches are unknown, but it is thought to be linked to tension within the muscles of the head, face, and neck, and a hypersensitivity of the pain system, with stress as a common trigger for an attack [3].
Dehydration Leading To Headaches
According to the Cleveland Clinic dehydration is another common cause of headaches [4]. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated. Hunger is also a potential trigger [11].
Poor Sleep
Another study mentioned the link between sleep disorders and migraines and tension-type headaches, stating that sleep disorders and migraines and tension type-headaches may be caused by the same systemic health disorder, or poor sleep or sleep dysregulation may be a triggering factor. And those suffering from migraines reported an increase in frequency of headache when their sleep quality and duration reduced [5].
Cerviogenic Headaches
Another potential cause of headaches is a problem stemming from the neck, these kinds of headaches are called cerviogenic headaches. Cerviogenic headaches are usually accompanied with limited movement in the neck due to stiffness or pain [6]. Many people who suffer from migraines also mention neck pain as the first sign an attack is coming on [7]. Cerviogenic headaches are caused muscular or joint issues involving the neck and sometimes the shoulder.
Muscular or joint problems in the neck or shoulder can be caused by a number of different things, for example, repetitive tasks or static posture, overuse, trauma, or psychological stress.
Exercise-Induced – Could Exercise Be The Cause Or The Treatment?
Exercise, although rare has been reported, as a potential cause of migraines. However, exercise, like regular walks, swimming, or cycling, has also been reported to help prevent migraines. [7] In a study published by The journal of Headache and Pain, the migraineurs who suffer from exercise-triggered migraines, must often the attack began during the exercise, and they soon stopped engaging in that provocative sport, and could engage in lower intensity sport without an attack. Interestingly, this study also found that of those who reported exercise-induced migraine – the migraine usually started with neck pain.
One of the possible causes of exercise-triggered migraine is the increased demand on the heart. During exercise the heart has to pump out more blood (increased cardiac output) and there is a rise in blood pressure to facilitate the increase in blood flow from the heart. This increased stress or demand on the body is thought to be a possible trigger of exercise induced migraine [7]. Another possible cause of exercise-trigger migraine is the rise in blood lactate during exercise. It has been shown that migraineurs have a decreased metabolic rate of recovery post-exercise, meaning higher levels of brain lactate, and higher lactate levels has been linked with a higher number of migraine attacks [7].
What Are The Symptoms Headaches?
The symptoms of headaches vary dramatically, depending on the cause, type of headache, and individual. However common headache symptoms include;
- Pain (dull or sharp) on one or both sides of the head.
- Throbbing.
- Tension-type headaches are usually described as a band like pressure, or a dull ache around the forehead.
- Migraine headaches are often described as a throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head.
- Pain that intensifies with physical activity.
What Are The Symptoms Migraines?
Much like headaches, the symptoms of migraines vary depending on individual and type of migraine. However, common symptoms associated with a migraine include;
- With or without aura (visual changes).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light and sound.
- Stomach upset.
- Diarrhea.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
- Fatigue.
- Neck pain or stiffness.
How Are They Diagnosed?
According to The American Migraine Foundation, there is no specific or special tests that will definitively find the source of your headache or migraine, the gold standard is patient story [8].
Therefore, the best thing to do is to tell your doctor exactly what you have been experiencing, what potential triggers you have noticed, if there is a family history of headache or migraines, and how it impacts your quality of life and daily tasks.
Another very useful tool experts use to diagnosis headaches and migraines is the International Classification of Headache Disorders [11].
Blood tests or MRI may be used if your doctor have a suspicion that something more serious is going on or a hormonal imbalance is potentially contributing to the onset of headaches or migraines.
Are Genetics To Blame?
A study published in 2019 by The Journal of Headache and Pain states that from studying families and twins the common migraine is a “heritable trait” [10], meaning there is a genetic component, with an estimated 30-60% heritability rate. It is believed that there are two kinds of migraines in relation to genetics – monogenic migraines – meaning one pathogenic gene is involved, and polygenic migraines – in which multiple genes have been mutated.
Treatments And Remedies
Headache disorders are very common: an estimated 46% of adults have an active headache disorder and 11% migraine [9]. We will work with you to find approaches that may help, and give you management strategies aimed at reducing future flare-ups.
A study published by PubMed Central outlines several treatment strategies [12]:
- “Making the correct diagnosis” – Or in the other finding the driver or triggers for your tension-type type, through a thorough patient history and assessment.
- A Headache Diary – Documenting your daily activities and when you experience a headache can help bring awareness to the driver or triggers of your headache.
- Physical therapy – physiotherapy involving exercise, education, and postural training (particularly of the neck and shoulders) may help build mental and physical resilience and reduce the build-up of tension.
Treatment options we offer include:
- Physical Therapy.
- Chiropractic Care.
- Laser Therapy.
- Spinal Decompression.
Do Anti-inflammatory Drugs Help?
The aforementioned study states that anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibupron and ketoprofen have been found to more effective than placebo when treating tension-type headaches [12]. According to the American Migraine Foundation, anti-inflammatory drugs have been found to be effective in the treatment of migraines. However, dependency should be avoided [8].
Physical Therapy
We use physiotherapy for headaches and migraines. Your physiotherapist may use exercise therapy, hands-on therapy and laser therapy.
Chiropractic Care
We also offer chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments and spinal decompression (traction), which may be considered where headaches are related to the neck.
Non-surgical Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression applies a gentle, gradual traction to the neck. The research on traction for neck-related headaches is limited, so we only use it as an optional addition to an exercise-based plan, review it at the sixth visit, and stop if it isn’t helping.
Most people find it comfortable. Some feel a stretch or mild soreness, especially early on — tell us and we’ll adjust.
Decompression is generally well tolerated. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as temporary soreness. It isn’t suitable for everyone — see who shouldn’t have it. If you have any questions about spinal decompression please email us at [email protected].
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy, or low-level light therapy, uses light applied over the targeted area. The evidence for it in headaches is limited, and results vary.
Many clients find the warmth of the light relaxing.
Book Your Appointment Today For Better Health
Request an appointment now by calling(01) 575 2623 or booking online at https://dublin-chiropractic.com/contact-us/.
Visit Us in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Ireland
Our physical therapy & other services extend throughout Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown including Blackrock, Cherrywood, Stillorgan, Rathfarnham, Shankill, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Clonskeagh, and Killiney.
Our office is located just outside of the center of Dun Laoghaire and is between Deansgrange and Monkstown. You can find our building entrance on Lower Mounttown Road, across from Woodland Park. We are a 30-second walk from Dublin Bus stop 2031 which is outside of Mccormick’s Pub.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Call us today at (01) 575 2623 to schedule an appointment.