Headaches

   One of the most common symptoms I see in my office is headaches.  That's because about 7 million adults in the United States suffer from headaches at least every other day, accounting for millions of days of missed work or reduced job efficiency. I can't even imagine dealing with a headaches that often. Frequent headaches are more prevalent among women (5%) than men (2.8%), among Caucasians (4.4%) than African-Americans (3.3%). Although frequent headaches are more common among women than men, the difference is not as pronounced as it is with migraine headaches, which affect women at a much higher rate than men. And the thing is, you don't have to live with these! 
   So what is a headache?
-Most headaches originate in the upper neck and involve the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles that cover your head and neck. 
-If there is a lack of function in the neck it causes abnormal behavior and sometimes pain.
-The muscles or blood vessels swell or tighten, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves. 
-The nerves send a rush of pain messages to your brain or along the path of a nerve and you end up with a headache.
   What causes Headaches?
-Nutritional
-Emotional (stress)
-Structural components(90% of headaches)
- 10% of headaches are caused by:
Uncorrected vision problemsChanges in the weather
Precipitation
Changes in barometric pressure
Food allergies
Dairy
Red wine
Foods high in preservatives
     So 90% of headaches have a structural component related. That is one of the main reasons why we get such good results with them in my office Adjust Dallas. But what does structural components exactly entail? Pinched nerves, or more correctively called subluxations. In  fact, Sinus, cluster, tension, and migraine headaches all originate from pinched nerves. But what do most of us jump to at the first sign of a headaches? Advil? Tylenol? Prescriptions? There are safer alternatives! Over 100,000 Americans die from medications each year according to the AMA. Overuse of Advil increases the risk kidney failure 
Aspirin and other non-steroid anti- inflammatory drugs can erode stomach lining and increase risk of ulcers. 
   Look at what one of my patients Michelle of Dallas, Texas said about her headaches after coming to Adjust Dallas..."I initially decided to see Dr. Austin after a car accident that resulted in increased neck and back pain.  Little did I know how much of an impact the treatments would have!  Before, I literally had headaches almost every single day and migraines at least one time a month for the past several years.  I have been seeing Dr Austin regularly now for 3 months and have had only 1 migraine and the daily headaches are GONE!  But even more surprising, is the improvement in my thyroid condition.  I was diagnosed with Hashimotos/ Hypothroid about 5 years ago and have been on 2 types of thyroid hormone replacement since.  Well I saw my endocrinologist last week and, based on blood work results, my thyroid function has improved and she took me off one of the medications and has cut back on the other.  Hooray and big thanks to Dr. Austin!!" -Michelle G.

   This is just one of many people to get permanent relief from their headaches here in my office. If you would like more information about chiropractic and headaches feel free to contact us. Or even better, make an appointment and come in for a free consultation. 

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