- American Chiropractic Association (ACA)
Tension Headaches are typically caused by tight muscles in the back of the neck. Symptoms include: mild to moderate pain or pressure in the front, sides and top of the head, irritability, fatigue and trouble focusing.
Migraine Headaches are strong headaches that often present in stages and have symptoms including: nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, aura or changes in vision. Mirgraines are often triggered by certain foods, alcohol, caffiene, stress or other situations.
Cluster Headaches can be identified by their regular occurance over several days, weeks or months. These headaches typically come on fast, present with pain on one side of the head and typically last 30-90 minutes.
Sinus Headaches result from the build-up that often occurs with a sinus infection. Symptoms present as a deep pain in the cheekbones, forehead or on the top of the nose.
Thunderclap Headaches are sudden, intense headaches which result from bleeding in or around the brain and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms seem present suddenly like a clap of thunder and are often described as "the worst headache of my life."
Altitude Headaches are symptoms of another condition, altitude sickness. This condition occurs when one arrives at a higher altitude location, typically 8,500 feet above sea level. Symptoms often present on both sides of the head, and get worse at higher elevations, or with increased exertion or bending forward, which increased blood pressure.
Altitude sickness, if not cared for can cause significant health issues and can even be life threatening. If you are travelling to a higher elevation, please click this link to learn more about altitude sickness and how to prevent it.
Cervicogenic Headaches are headaches that originate in the back of the head or neck. (cervico = "neck", genic = "caused by") Symptoms include pain on one side of the neck that spreads to the back of the head and even over the ear and to the forhead. Pain may increase with certain neck movements or applied pressure to the neck.
When working at a desk for hours on end, we typically begin to slouch and adopt a forward head posture. This position stresses our neck muscles and causes pain.
- Stretch every 30-60 minutes if you spend long periods of time in one position. (at a desk, on your cell phone, working in an unusual position - dentist / dental hygenist, etc.) Set a regular alarm on your cell phone to stretch.
- Mild intensity exercise such as walking, can help releive headache pain.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day to avoid dehydration, which can cause headaches.
- Avoid 'triggers', migraine headaches are often caused by triggers such as certain foods, noises, lights or behaviors.
During this 15-minute virtual video call Dr. Greg Freitag, with the help of your web or mobile camera, will examine and evaluate your workplace office or positining and help you implement strategies to optimize your body position while you work.
He will also prescribe specific stretches and exercises to train your body to maintain a more supportive posture.