Common Causes of Headaches
The sedentary lifestyle of many Americans has produced postural imbalances which negatively affect the spinal joints and produce muscle strain.
Car accidents produce whiplash in the neck resulting in traumatic stretching and tearing of the supporting soft tissue (muscles, ligaments and intervertebral discs) in the spine. This resulting loss of stability impairs the mechanics of the spinal joints as well as the alignment.
Stress may produce tension caused by clenching and grinding your teeth. Unconscious clenching produces chronic muscle tension in the TMJ and upper neck regions. This muscle tension can cause a misalignment in both the jaw and upper neck.
Dietary Impacts on Headaches
Eating a diet that isn’t nutritious can result in low levels of vitamins and minerals which can produce symptoms of headaches.
Magnesium is a specific mineral that when low contributes to headaches and supplementation can help reduce their frequency and severity.
Consumption of adequate amounts of water prevents dehydration. Dehydration is a common factor in headaches. The recommended water intake is calculated by taking your body weight and dividing it by two. That number in ounces of water per day is your magic number.
Sensitivities and allergies to foods may also trigger headaches and common offenders include wheat/gluten, chocolate, cheese and alcohol among many others.
Are Headaches Dangerous?
Some headaches may be life-threatening but a vast majority of headaches are not. Most headaches are considered primary headaches. This means that they are the primary issue and alleviating the symptoms and removing the cause is the primary focus. Seeking a trusted professional opinion is always recommended on how to effectively treat or manage symptoms related to your headaches as certain treatment options may be dangerous or produce long term organ damage.
Dr. Chad Mattila’s clinical focus regarding the treatment of your condition is first to identify the most likely factors contributing to your symptoms. Then generate a treatment plan including home care, ergonomic suggestions, and dietary changes. Spinal adjustments using his hands to restore proper alignment and joint motion is his primary method of treatment. Massage therapy can also successfully be used to reduce muscle tension, trigger points as well as reducing scar tissue from past injuries. If you suffer from headaches, contact Dr. Mattila today to begin your journey to pain-free living.
