Headaches

Everyone gets headaches occasionally, but if yours are persistent, incredibly painful, or unresponsive to over-the-counter medicines, seek treatment. At Complete Healthcare in Charlotte, North Carolina, experienced chiropractor Christopher L. Beller, DC, and the team offer high-quality care for headaches and migraines. Call Complete Healthcare today to receive treatment for headaches, or make your appointment online.

What are headaches?

Headaches cause discomfort, tension, or aching in your scalp, forehead, or neck. Everyone gets headaches from time to time. They usually improve with rest and anti-inflammatory medicine, but if your symptoms continue or worsen, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause.

At Complete Healthcare, the team uses minimally invasive treatments and healthy lifestyle changes to help people achieve lasting headache relief. 

What are the types of headaches?

The team at Complete Healthcare treats all types of headaches, including:

Primary headaches

Primary headaches occur because of lifestyle factors or specific situations. They usually aren’t serious and improve on their own. Common causes of primary headaches include alcohol, lack of sleep, poor posture, and skipping meals. 

Secondary headaches

Secondary headaches occur because of underlying medical issues. For example, you might develop sinus headaches if you have a sinus infection. Other causes of secondary headaches include dehydration and traumatic injuries.

Migraines

Migraine is a neurological disorder that causes intense, throbbing pain on one side of your head. Experts aren’t sure what causes migraines, but they often occur alongside secondary symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light.

How are headaches diagnosed?

Your Complete Healthcare provider reviews your medical records and asks about your headaches, including what they feel like, how often they occur, and how long they last. 

Next, they complete a physical and neurological exam and order several tests, including bloodwork and urinalysis. If these measures don’t provide enough insight into your symptoms, your provider may order an MRI or a CT scan to see if there’s an issue with your central nervous system.

How are headaches treated?

At Complete Healthcare, the team treats headaches using holistic and integrative measures. They may recommend:

• Stress management techniques
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Decompression therapy
• Biofeedback
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a balanced diet
• Exercising regularly
• Staying hydrated
• Doing stretching exercises
• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture

It may take several types of treatment to find lasting relief.

Is there any way to prevent headaches?

There’s no way to prevent headaches entirely, but you can reduce your risk by identifying and avoiding specific headache triggers. For example, if eating certain meals or snacks exacerbates your symptoms, avoid those foods. 

Call Complete Healthcare today to explore the treatment options for headaches, or make your appointment online.