Tension Headaches

Most “migraines” aren’t true migraines at all.  They’re different kinds of headaches called tension headaches.  Tension headaches are typically caused by altered muscle tensions in the neck which leads to sensitivity of nerves which can cause headaches. Just because someone can move their head around and bend their neck doesn’t mean they have properly functioning necks.  The alignment of the bones, as well as how the muscles pull on those bones, play a huge role in not only neck pain, but also in headaches, both in frequency and intensity. This condition commonly results in chronic headaches.

Symptoms may include:

  • Dull aching or throbbing sensation
  • Tightness or a feeling of pressure across the back of your head, the sides of your head, or your forehead
  • Pain behind or just above the eyes
  • Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
  • Occasionally, loss of appetite

Whiplash

Whiplash injuries can occur even if you’re not in a vehicle.  You can also get whiplash from things like bouncing the wrong way on a trampoline, falling awkwardly, or getting tackled.  The most common way to get whiplash, however, is in a car accident.  Even a fender bender at 5 miles per hour can be enough to cause a whiplash injury.  Whiplash happens when the head and neck go through a rapid acceleration or deceleration from it’s previous state.  It is characterized by injury to the bone as well as soft tissue within the neck.  Typically, if untreated by a qualified chiropractor, whiplash injuries can lead to permanent degeneration in the neck.

Symptoms may include:

  • Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Low back pain
  • Dizziness
  • Pain in the arm and/or hand
  • Numbness in the arm and/or hand
  • Ringing in ears
  • Blurred vision
  • Concentration or memory problems
  • Irritability
  • Sleeplessness
  • Tiredness